Dietetic Internship

The Bastyr University Nutrition Program
The nutrition program embraces the natural medicine tradition of wellness and a whole-person approach to health.  The program balances a whole, natural foods philosophy with an understanding of human biochemistry and nutrient metabolism.  In addition, there is a consideration of multi-cultural, political and ecological dimensions of diet.  Bastyr's nutrition program provides the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to achieve and maintain optimal health through informed food choices.

Bastyr University School of Nutrition and Exercise Science Vision Statement
To be the leader in advancing a holistic view of nutrition and exercise through excellence in education, research and clinical practice.

Mission Statement
The School of Nutrition and Exercise Science will promote well-being through food and activity that nourishes and sustains the individual, the community and the Earth.

Dietetic Internship
The Bastyr University dietetic internship is based upon the American Dietetic Association (ADA) standards of education and is designed to provide performance requirements for entry-level dietitians through supervised practice. The program includes didactic course work and enrichment experiences. The internship provides an interactive experience in which participants can achieve competence in all areas of dietetics and nutrition.  Nine applicants may be accepted for the program each academic year.

Natural Medicine Emphasis
As a program offered through the School of Nutrition and Exercise Science, the Bastyr University Dietetic Internship has a natural medicine (complementary and alternative medicine) emphasis.  Interns have the opportunity to practice with clinicians in both the naturopathic and the acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs at the university's teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health.  Interns are introduced to non-Western dietary systems including Ayurvedic, macrobiotic and Oriental medicine.  Interns create whole-foods menus, learn about herbs and supplements, and develop exercise and wellness goals for clients.

Bastyr Dietetic Internship Program Philosophy
The Bastyr University Dietetic Internship will effectively deliver an internship that meets the accreditation standards set by the American Dietetic Association, while supporting the mission statement of the School of Nutrition and Exercise Science.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

1. The Bastyr University Dietetic Internship prepares competent entry-level dietitians.
   • Each intern will successfully complete the Bastyr University Dietetic Internship.
   • Five year summary reports will consistently reflect that at least 90% of all first-time exam-takers will have passed the Registration Examination for dietitians.
   • At least 75% of internship graduates will obtain employment in the field and/or graduate school/higher education acceptance within 1 year of graduation.
   • In the annual internship graduate employer surveys, respondents will choose the highest rating indicating employment preparedness on at least 80% of professional competencies.
   
   
2. The Bastyr University Dietetic Internship will prepare graduates to provide food and nutrition expertise that effectively supports integrated healthcare, incorporating whole foods, alternative and complementary medicine perspectives, and environmental considerations into nutrition care and protocols.
   • At least 90% of internship graduate survey respondents will choose the highest rating indicating preparedness in areas related to whole foods, environmental nutrition practices, and alternative and complementary medicine perspectives.
   • In the annual internship graduate employer surveys, respondents will choose the highest rating indicating employment preparedness on at least 80% of professional competencies related specifically to whole foods, environmental nutrition practices, and alternative and complementary medicine perspectives.
   
   
3. The Bastyr University Dietetic Internship is an educational experience which respectfully and supportively promotes the well-being and personal development of each intern, fosters effective team dynamic skill development, and empowers interns to be leaders.
   • Interns currently enrolled in the program will indicate at least a 90% rate of satisfaction on indicators related to program organization, learning activities/experiences and minimal barriers to learning, as assessed on a quarterly basis.
   • Interns currently enrolled in the program will indicate at least a 90% rate of satisfaction with their ability to work effectively, efficiently and cooperatively as a team.
   • In the annual internship graduate employer surveys, respondents will choose the highest rating indicating graduate excellence on at least 80% of professional competencies related to entry-level team dynamics skills and leadership potential

Accreditation Status
The Bastyr University Dietetic Internship is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. 
Phone: (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400 
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  
Web site: www.eatright.org/cade 
Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities.

Curriculum Description
The internship begins in September and ends in June.  The internship consists of 38 weeks, and is a full-time program.  Included are 1120 supervised practice hours, plus a minimum of 100 didactic hours.  The program includes 15 graduate credits, a portion of which may be applied toward a master of science degree in nutrition from Bastyr University upon acceptance into the master's program.  The graduate course content is structured to complement the supervised practice components of the internship.  Interns meet weekly for seminar style classes in fall and winter quarters for this didactic portion of the program. 

Practicum Experiences
Interns gain experience in clinical dietetics, community nutrition and food service systems and management.  Interns develop insight into the special nutritional needs of populations by rotating through a variety of sites which include hospitals, public health programs including WIC (Women, Infants and Children), outpatient clinics (including Madison Clinic for HIV/AIDS and Joslin Center for Diabetes), and food service facilities.  The rotations are designed to give interns the opportunity to work with individuals from all stages of the life cycle, with varying health conditions.   In addition to the regular rotations, interns coordinate Enrichment Experience rotations to accommodate individual areas of interest and learning needs.

Program Completion Requirements
The Internship program has adopted the Achieved Competency system of grading used at Bastyr University.  Interns must attain a level of well-defined competence in all internship graduate classes, program learning activities, and performance criteria of each rotation, and must successfully complete an exit exam with a minimum score of 80%.  Evaluations occur at the end of each rotation, and evaluation conferences are required with the Program Director at the end of each academic quarter.

Expected Competencies
Graduates of the program meet eligibility requirements to write the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).  Bastyr internship graduates are qualified to provide exceptional nutrition and dietetic services to individuals and institutions and contribute positively to the nutrition awareness and health education of the community.

Program

• Orientation – 1 week
• Public Health and Community Nutrition Experiences – 8-10 weeks
• Clinical Experience – 9 weeks hospital plus 7-9 additional weeks in clinics
• Food Service Experience – 4 weeks
• Enrichment Experiences – 3 weeks
• Final Evaluation Experiences – 1 week

Two weeks of winter vacation are scheduled, and one week of spring vacation is arranged with each intern.  The following holidays are observed:  Thanksgiving and the following day; Martin Luther King Day; Presidents' Day; Memorial Day.

Admission Requirements 
Applicants must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nutrition, dietetics or equivalent program from an accredited educational institution. Additionally, the Verification Statement indicating the completion of a DPD program or the statement indicating an Intention to Complete a DPD program, is required.  A strong background in science and high academic performance are essential.  Using a 4.0 scale, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for acceptance into the program.  Experience, whether volunteer or paid, in clinical nutrition, food service administration and community nutrition is highly desirable.  Candidate finalists will be evaluated in an interview.

Applicants must complete an application packet which includes the following:

• Completed Bastyr University application.
• Completed ADA Dietetic Internship application.
• One-page typed letter of application to include professional interest in the field of nutrition, natural medicine and/or Bastyr University and professional goals.
• Three letters of recommendation (ADA Waiver and Recommendation Form are to be included):  one letter related to work experience and two letters related to academic performance.
• All official transcripts.
• DPD Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent.
• Non-refundable $75 application fee, with check written to "Bastyr University."

Application Information
Download and print the 2007-2008 Bastyr University Dietetic Internship application packet. You may also request a packet by mail by calling Bastyr Admissions at (425) 602-3332. All applications must be postmarked on or before the American Dietetic Association February application deadline date. Applicants are informed of acceptance by mail through the computer matching system. Mail completed applications to:

Admissions Office
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Drive NE
Kenmore, WA 98028

Computer Matching
Applicants to the internship must participate in computer matching.  Applicants may request instructions and a mark-sense card and release card to prioritize their internship preferences from a didactic program in dietetics or from D&D Digital (www.dnddigital.com); these materials plus a $50 registration fee must be postmarked by the February computer matching date to the address below. Applicants also have the option of registering their internship selections online at D&D Digital, with a credit card payment of the $50 registration fee, with both also due by the February computer matching date.

D&D Digital
304 Main Street, Suite 301
Ames, Iowa 50010
Phone: (515) 292-0490
Fax: (515) 663-9427
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Expenses

• Tuition:  $1,800 tuition plus cost of 15 graduate credits and fees – (totaled $7800 for 2007-2008 school year).  Tuition covers program administration and graduate credits, and is billed in three installments.
• Non-refundable application fee: $75
• Computer matching fee: $50
• Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees: $800

The intern is responsible for all food, housing, and transportation expenses.  Interns must provide their own health insurance in order to participate in the program.  Food, housing, and transportation expenses for the greater Seattle area are estimated at $11,433 for the nine-month academic year.

Contact Information:
Debra A. Boutin, MS, RD
Dietetic Internship Director
Bastyr University
School of Nutrition & Exercise Science
14500 Juanita Drive NE
Kenmore, WA 98028-4966
Phone: (425) 602-3124
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