Dietetic Internship

Program Mission

The mission is to provide a high quality structured internship program through guidance, education and evaluation which will instill the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent entry-level Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists.

This institution is committed to prepare life-long learners with the utmost academic, ethical, and professional standards of dietetics, capable of providing comprehensive, compassionate care and quality to all patients/clients in the context of family and community all within an educational environment.

At the end of the internship, program graduates receive a verification statement enabling them to sit for their Registered Dietitian examination. All documents that include the mission statements have been updated.

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1

Prepare graduates to become competent entry-level Registered Dietitians that practice as an active member of an interdisciplinary team.

Objectives:

1. 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist within 12 months of program completion.
2. The program’s one-year pass rate on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
3. Of graduates who seek employment, 80% of Larkin Dietetic Internship Program graduates, and respond to the survey, will be employed in dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
4. At least 80% of program students will complete the program requirement within 11.5 months (150% of the length of the program).
5. 80% of employers of Larkin Dietetic Internship Program graduates who respond to our survey will report that performance meets or exceeds expectations for entry-level dietitians.
6. 80% of Larkin Dietetic Internship Program graduates who respond to our survey will report that they feel well prepared for their first position.
7. 60% of Larkin Dietetic Internship Program graduates who respond to our survey will report that they feel very comfortable working as members of a team.

Goal 2

Prepare graduates who demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning and to servicing the community and the profession.

Objectives:

1. 30% of Larkin Dietetic Internship Program graduates who respond to our survey will indicate that they participated in at least one community service activity related to Dietetics and Nutrition.
2. 30% of Larkin Dietetic Internship Program graduates who respond to our survey will indicate that they precept dietetics students or interns.
3. 10% of Larkin Dietetic Internship Program graduates who respond to our survey will indicate that they are involved in their local chapter of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or other nutrition-related dietetic organization.

Program Hours

Interns graduating before June 2022 are expected to complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience and 104 hours for didactics. However, he requirement might increase to 1,200 hours based on ACEND guidelines.

On-site track dietetic interns complete most of their clinical and food service rotations at Larkin community hospital facilities in Miami, Florida, with the remaining necessary hours at affiliated facilities.

Community rotations take place in various affiliated sites in Miami and Broward according to intern specific interest and program availability. Distance track dietetic interns complete their rotations in sites chosen and secured by the intern. Sites must be located further than 100 miles from Miami.  

Class size

The program will accept the following number of applicants:

Program Concentration

A clinical concentration is offered as the internship is part of a teaching hospital with over thirty different medical specialties. 

The strong collaboration between dietitians, physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary team make Larkin Community Hospital the perfect learning environment for the clinical nutrition rotation. 

Concentration Competencies

1. Learn in-depth assessment and management of high acuity patients in the intensive care unit while practicing as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team.
2. Integrate pathophysiology into nutrition therapy recommendations and treatment for critical care patients.

Rotation Description

Below is a general breakdown of the Dietetic Internship program at LCH

Clinical Rotation

Administrative / Management

The on-site interns management rotation takes place in one of the two Larkin hospitals. The goal is to provide our interns with a comprehensive experience to prepare them to work in diverse environments.

Community 

The rotation takes place in a partner community site in Miami or Broward, FL. We also offer a unique blogging, social media, and entrepreneurial rotation. 

• Acute Care – (200 hours)
• Intensive Care Unit – (80 hours)
• Staff Relief – (80 hours)

Approved Facilities

• Medical Center/Health System with an intensive care unit.
• Community Hospital with intensive care unit.
• Up to 80 hours can be done in long-term care facilities.

Management Rotation

Time Allowed:

• 280 hours

Community Rotation

Time Allowed:     

• 280 hours

Elective

This rotation allows interns the opportunity to spend additional time in their area of preference.

Long Distance Internship

Long-distance dietetic interns secure their own rotations. For more information, please visit our long-distance program information.
 

Graduation Requirements

The dietetic internship prepares interns to be successful in the profession of dietetics. Every effort is made to assist each intern in the successful completion of the program. However, the intern must assume responsibility for satisfactory completion of rotations, didactic work, and other assigned work.

Credits for Prior Learning

Unfortunately we cannot provide credits for prior learning or work experiences.

International Students

To apply for the internship you must comply with our admission requirements.