Accreditation is periodically reviewed and was most recently obtained for this program in spring of 1997. You would devote 20-25 hours a week during two semesters and 40 hours a week during 10 weeks in the summer to participation in dietetics practice activities in food service and health care programs in northern Illinois. In each site you would work closely with a preceptor in activities that have been carefully designed to develop the performance competencies required of an entry-level dietitian. You would return to NIU weekly for workshops, discussion groups, and for the classes necessary to continue progress toward your master's degree. Toward the end of each phase of the internship you would act as a dietitian under the supervision of your preceptor.
Students start their internships in the fall or spring semester.
Because the program is designed to provide experiences across the spectrum of dietetics, you would spend time in a wide variety of sites including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, community programs, and food service programs in schools and other settings. In each internship phase you would have a primary assignment that provides intensive experience and supplementary assignments that give you the opportunity to compare programs and processes. The sites are located in DeKalb and the surrounding area, Rockford, and the western suburbs of Chicago. When you have successfully completed the program you will receive official verification of completion of an internship and would be qualified to take the Registration Examination in Dietetics. You will have achieved entry-level competencies for general dietetics practice, providing services in food systems management, nutrition care, and community nutrition.