The Bastyr University DI is based on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) 2017 Accreditation Standards for Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Programs and is designed to meet performance requirements for entry-level dietitian nutritionists. The program includes didactic coursework, enrichment projects and supervised practice experience.
Internship Mission
The Bastyr University DI educates future leaders in the dietetic profession by preparing entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who will integrate whole foods, environmental nutrition and integrative medicine perspectives into their nutrition practice.
Internship Program Philosophy
The Bastyr University DI will effectively deliver an internship that meets the accreditation standards of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics while supporting the mission of the Department of Nutrition & Exercise Science.
Program Goals and Objectives*
- The Bastyr University DI prepares competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
- At least 80% of interns successfully complete the requirements of the Bastyr University Dietetic Internship within 13 months’ time of program start (150% of 38-week program).
- 100% of program graduates take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
- Of internship graduates who seek employment, at least 85% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of program completion.
- At least 90% of internship graduates who apply to graduate school/higher education are accepted.
- Internship graduate employer survey respondents choose the highest rating indicating satisfaction with graduates’ preparedness on at least 90% of entry-level competencies.
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- At least 90% of internship graduate survey respondents will choose the highest rating indicating entry-level employment preparedness in areas related to whole foods, environmental nutrition practices, and integrative medicine perspectives.
- In the annual internship graduate employer surveys, respondents will choose the highest rating indicating employment preparedness on at least 85% of professional competencies related specifically to whole foods, environmental nutrition practices, and integrative medicine perspectives.
Accreditation Status
The Bastyr University DI has been accredited by ACEND since 1996 and its current accreditation term ends 6/30/2027. To reach ACEND:
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995.
Phone: (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400
E-mail: ACEND@eatright.org
Web site: http://www.eatrightpro.org/resources/acend
Bastyr University is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Program outcomes data, evaluated annually using an average of annual data from the previous three years, is available upon request to the program director.
The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Credential
To meet the eligibility requirements needed to take the CDR registration examination for RDNs, an individual must complete the following steps:
1. Complete required didactic coursework (i.e., academic training)
2. Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a US regionally-accredited college or university
3. Complete required supervised practice (i.e., work and skills training)
Bastyr’s DI program is intended to provide the necessary experiences needed to meet the supervised practice requirement (#3 above). To be eligible for this DI, by the start of the internship, applicants must prove they have completed the other two requirements listed above (#1 and #2) with:
- A verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE)
- An official transcript showing a minimum bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics or an equivalent program granted by a U.S. regionally-accredited college/university or foreign equivalent
Effective January 1, 2024, the CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to sit for the registration exam. Interns with a terminal bachelor’s degree must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023, to be eligible for the registration exam. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website (please link to https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/program-directors/program-directors-faqs/2024-graduate-degree-requirement). Bastyr’s DI will accept bachelor’s degree-prepared applicants through the spring match of 2022. Starting in Spring 2023, all applicants must possess a minimum of a master’s degree to be considered for admission to the DI.
Upon successful completion of this DI, the director will enter the following information into the CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS):
- DPD Verification Statement
- Proof of bachelor’s or master’s degree (as described above)
- DI Verification Statement
Then, the individual is eligible to take the registration examination for RDNs. Upon passing that exam, the individual is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and may practice in one of many entry-level positions in a wide range of career settings. Maintaining the RDN credential requires ongoing professional development.
Each state in which an RDN practices will have its own scope of practice and requirements for obtaining certification or licensure. In the state of Washington, RDNs apply to become Certified Dietitians (CDs) with the Washington State Department of Health. Requirements for this certification include having the RDN credential, holding a degree in nutrition, and completing an approved HIV-training course. Information and an application packet for certification in the State of Washington can be found here.