Program Description
Dietetic Internship Website
The SPU graduate Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Certificate program is an 8-1/2 month program that provides dietetic interns with a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised professional experiences and learning activities in the areas of clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.
Our program is approved for ACEND option #4: student-identified graduate degree. Students can be enrolled concurrently in any accredited graduate degree program that is offered online and does not conflict with the dietetic internship supervised practice rotations (i.e., generally between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), or the program’s quarterly DI Seminar class, which is held on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Upon completion of the SPU Nutrition and Dietetics Internship program and a graduate degree, program finishers will be able to sit for the Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
Our Mission
The mission of the SPU DI program is to prepare graduates for entry-level work as registered dietitian nutritionists to support the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities, and to be leaders in the dietetics profession and in the community at large. Our graduates will use their food and nutrition expertise to engage the culture and enhance the lives of others through effective leadership, policy impact, management of programs and services, culturally sensitive education and counseling practices, and compassionate care throughout the lifespan.
Admission Requirements
The Seattle Pacific University Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Program is currently on an Admissions Hold and will be on pause at the completion of the 2024-25 academic year. We will not be accepting new dietetic interns during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. Alumni needing access to verification statements may request copies from the University Registrar’s office.
Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Certificate
45 Credits Minimum
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| FCS 6940 | Nutrition and Dietetics Internship 1, 2 | 15 |
| Total Credits | 45 |
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Goal 1
Graduates are prepared for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists in the areas of medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food service management. Program Goal 1 will be assessed based on the following objectives:
- At least ninety percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. (Graduate performance on Registration Exam objective)
- 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%. (Graduate performance on Registration Exam objective)
- At least 80% of students complete program/degree requirements within 12 months (150% of the program length). (Program completion objective)
- Of graduates who seek employment, 75% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. (Graduate employment objective)
- At least 80% of program graduates who complete the survey will rate their preparation for entry-level practice as satisfactory or higher. (Program specific objective)
- At least 75% of employers who complete the survey will agree that graduates demonstrate satisfactory preparation for entry-level practice. (Employer satisfaction objective)
Program Goal 2
Graduates demonstrate knowledge and skills in cultural competence. Program Goal 2 will be assessed based on the following objectives:
- At least 75% of employers who complete the survey will agree that graduates demonstrate satisfactory communication skills when interacting with culturally diverse populations across the lifespan. (Employer satisfaction objective)
- At least 80% of program finishers who complete the survey will agree that the program prepared them to provide effective culturally-sensitive nutrition education and counseling across the lifespan.
- At least 80% of program finishers who complete the survey and who participated in the optional international rotation in India will agree that the experience enhanced their knowledge in working with culturally diverse populations.
Program Goal 3
Graduates actively participate in leadership and service roles within the nutrition and dietetic profession or the community at large. Program Goal 3 will be assessed based on the following objectives:
- At least 75% of employers who complete the survey will state that graduates are actively involved in leadership roles within their organization.
- At least 50% of graduates who complete the survey will report participation in at least one leadership position within the dietetics profession within five years of program completion.
- At least 75% of graduates who complete the survey will report involvement in a nutrition-related community service project within two years of program completion.
- At least 50% of graduates who complete the survey will report participation in one or more of the following services to the profession: precepting dietetic interns, overseeing undergraduate field experiences or internships, providing job shadows, or mentoring students.
Program outcomes data are available upon request.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
If you plan to become a registered dietitian (RDN), note that eligibility and procedures for certification/licensure vary from state to state. Further, requirements for certification/licensure can change without notice.
The state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure. Find information here about certification/licensure in the state where you intend to practice your profession.
