Mayo School of Health Sciences
Dietetics Internship
Rochester, Minnesota
www.mayo.edu
Dietetics Internship
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Mayo School of Health Sciences (MSHS) offers an 11-month Dietetics
Internship Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., providing
comprehensive clinical knowledge and skills that enable practitioners to
provide complete nutrition services.
This program provides quality training with an emphasis in medical
nutrition therapy, that prepares graduates to enter the field of dietetics as
competent entry-level practitioners. The MSHS Dietetics Internship
Program selected the medical nutrition therapy emphasis due to the high
acuity level and complexity of care required by our patient population.
ACCREDITATION
The Dietetics Internship is accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic
Association.
American Dietetics Association
216 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(312) 899-4876
www.eatright.org
Mayo Foundation is also accredited by the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission.
Higher Learning Commission
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
(800) 621-7440
(312) 263-0456
Fax: (312) 263-7462
www.ncacihe.org
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FACILITIES
The Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester comprises an extensive outpatient
complex, two hospitals, and research and education facilities. It is among
the largest, most advanced medical centers in the world.
The primary education site for this internship is Saint Marys Hospital,
part of Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Saint Marys Hospital was founded in
1889 and is a 1,157-bed facility. Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital is
an 85-bed hospital within Saint Marys Hospital. Interns also have
rotations at Mayo Clinic and Rochester Methodist Hospital.
GRADUATION AND CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion of the Dietetics Internship, you will receive a
Certificate of Completion from Mayo School of Health Sciences, Mayo
Clinic College of Medicine.
Graduates are eligible to take the professional registration examination
given by the American Dietetic Association.
HOURS
For the majority of the internship, your learning schedule will include
eight-hour days, five days per week. While the regular workweek is
usually 40 hours, additional projects and homework will be assigned.
No credit is given for previous work experience.
CLASS SIZE
Each year, Mayo School of Health Sciences admits eight students to its
Dietetics Internship Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. This ensures
you will receive close one-on-one instruction and a comprehensive
educational experience.
Curriculum
The Mayo School of Health Sciences Dietetic Internship Program prepares
individuals for professional practice in hospitals, clinics, public health
agencies and food service management. During the program, learning
experiences are provided to allow the intern to:
• Assess the nutritional status of patients with complex medical
conditions, and design and implement medical nutrition therapy
plans.
• Manage normal nutritional needs of individuals across the life span.
• Integrate pathophysiology into medical nutrition therapy
recommendations.
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• Provide and supervise nutrition education to patients for healthy
lifestyle changes.
• Participate in patient-care rounds, functioning as a member of a
multidisciplinary health-care team.
• Supervise the production of food that meets specified criteria for
nutrients, cost and patient acceptance.
• Supervise aspects of a continuous improvement program, which
includes data collection and analysis, as well as system review and
development.
• Assist in supervising the food service at catered events, in cafeterias
and inpatient service (traditional and room service).
• Supervise the collection and processing of key financial and
productivity indicators, and use the information to monitor the
progress of a food service operation.
• Participate in managing human resources essential to food and
nutrition service operation.
• Manage safety and sanitation issues related to food service.
• Develop, conduct, supervise and evaluate a community-based
program.
• Provide nutritional care in community-based settings.
CLINICAL
Before you complete the program, you will serve as the clinical staff
dietitian in assigned areas. During this time you will concentrate on
providing appropriate nutritional support and information to patients.
DIDACTIC
Weekly classes cover current trends in dietetics. Lectures, workshops, inservice training, case studies, field trips and informal discussions will
help prepare you for the American Dietetic Association registration
examination.
ROTATIONS TO OTHER SITES
Through a community services rotation, you will have the opportunity to
work with people of different ages and socioeconomic conditions. There
are placements in senior services, outpatient nutrition counseling, and
community hospitals and clinics.
Our interns also present nutrition programs to community audiences,
thereby increasing their skills in public speaking and working with
community groups.
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GRADING OR EVALUATION
Mayo School of Health Sciences uses student evaluative tools that
include:
• Written examination
• Demonstration of skills
• Self-assessment exercises
• Faculty reviews
Our system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a
comprehensive look at individual performance. This allows faculty and
administrative staff to direct students who are experiencing academic
difficulty to the appropriate support resources, including tutoring
programs and counseling opportunities.
CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS
Mayo School of Health Sciences is committed to developing and
maintaining the very best education programs. Changes may be made to
the curriculum and other aspects of this program as necessary to assure
the highest quality training.
Faculty
TEACHING FACULTY
The Dietetics Internship Program is coordinated and taught by the
medical and dietetic staffs of Mayo Clinic at Saint Marys Hospital and
Rochester Methodist Hospital, with assistance from community-based
dietitians.
The program draws its faculty from Mayo Clinic’s clinical, scientific and
technical and management staffs. They are chosen for their commitment
to teaching as well as clinical practice and/or research. Many have
published and lectured extensively and are highly regarded in their field.
You will have access to these individuals throughout your training - with
the opportunity to learn directly from some of today’s best dietetics
practitioners.
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VISITING PROFESSORS/LECTURERS
A hallmark of higher education excellence is the breadth and depth of
information and experience provided students by the faculty and visiting
experts. Many prominent professors visit Mayo Clinic to lecture on their
areas of medical and scientific expertise each year.
As a student of Mayo School of Health Sciences, you are encouraged to
attend all conferences, lectures and seminars prepared for students,
residents, fellows and consulting staff.
Admissions
PREREQUISITES
To be accepted into the Dietetics Internship Program in Rochester, you
must have:
• A bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or
university, with a major in nutrition and food science or dietetics,
which meets Plan V minimum academic requirements established by
the American Dietetic Association.
• Verification statement completed by the program director.
• Completed Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) course requirements
within the last five years. Additional course work may be required if
your degree was completed more than five years ago.
Applicants are selected based on a culmination of grades (GPA of 3.0 or
higher on a 4.0 scale), work and volunteer experiences, leadership
qualities, and representation of personal qualities and skills in a personal
letter.
POLICIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following Mayo School of Health Sciences’ policies affect applications
and admissions to its programs:
English fluency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential to succeed in the
program and to ensure patient safety. If English is a second language, you
must be able to demonstrate fluency. Satisfactory performance on the Test
of English as a Foreign Language examination or the Michigan Test of
English Language Proficiency must be documented as proof of fluency.
Your test results must be less than two years old.
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Immunization record
For the protection of patients, students and employees, and in compliance
with state regulations, Mayo Clinic requires students to be properly
immunized. You must show proof of the following immunizations before
you begin a program at Mayo School of Health Sciences:
• Tuberculin test in the past six months
• Varicella, rubella and rubeola immunity
• Up-to-date diphtheria and tetanus shots
• Hepatitis B vaccination or signed declaration
Documentation of vaccinations must be provided to Mayo Employee
Health Service prior to the start of class.
Health status
Prospective students will undergo a health review at Mayo Clinic and
will have the opportunity to update or receive the required tests and
immunizations cited above. More information about the review will be
provided after you have been offered a program appointment.
Appointment to the program depends upon successful completion of the
health review.
Medical insurance
Students must have medical insurance coverage during their program.
Student medical insurance can be purchased through Mayo Clinic. To
buy Mayo Clinic student insurance you need to be appointed to a fulltime certificate or degree program which will last at least one year.
You can also choose to have your medical insurance covered through
other, non-Mayo plans (i.e., insurance held through a parent or spouse, or
an independent commercial plan). Evidence of medical coverage must be
provided when your educational program begins.
Background check
Prospective students must pass a criminal background check and/or
drug screening required by state laws, prior to enrollment to Mayo School
of Health Sciences.
Student responsibilities
Mayo School of Health Sciences’ students are expected to attend all
scheduled classes, examinations and assigned clinical rotations unless
absence is approved.
Students are required to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all
times.
Equal opportunity
Mayo School of Health Sciences upholds all federal and state laws that
preclude discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national
origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or veteran’s status.
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TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Mayo School of Health Sciences accepts students who are highly qualified
for its programs. To be considered for admittance you should exhibit
strong qualifications for the health profession you wish to pursue.
Applicants to programs must possess the following general qualities:
• Critical thinking skills
• Sound judgment
• Emotional stability and maturity
• Empathy for others
• Physical and mental stamina
• Ability to learn and function in a variety of settings
You must be able to perform the essential functions of the profession and
meet the standards of the curriculum. Students seeking exceptions to
these standards or reasonable accommodations should initiate their
request with the program’s director.
Application Process
POSITIONS
Eight candidates are selected each year for the Dietetics Internship
Program on competitive basis. The program begins the first week in
October.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1: To apply to the program, please submit the following materials
and supporting documentation to Mayo Clinic. Your application packet
must be postmarked by February 15 of the year you wish to begin the
program:
• A completed American Dietetic Association application form. This
form is available from your program director or the ADA Web site.
• An official transcript of all college and/or university credits.
• Three letters of recommendation:
- One from a professor of nutrition.
- One from a professor of food service or institutional
management.
- One from an employer.
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• One- to two-page typed personal letter outlining your goals and
background (font no smaller than 10 pt).
• A signed Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree and Academic
Requirements (Verification Statement for graduates).
• A nonrefundable $25 application fee.
Please send the required materials listed above in one envelope to:
Dietetic Internship Program
Dietetics Department, Joseph Building
Saint Marys Hospital
1216 Second Street SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Step 2: Appointments to the Dietetic Internship Program are made
through the American Dietetic Association computerized Internship
Match. All candidates must register to participate in a match.
ADA contracts with D & D Digital Systems to facilitate two matches each
year. D & D Digital Systems must receive your registration by the
deadlines to compete in a match.
To register for a match visit:
• www.dnddigital.com/ada
Send match registration materials via certified mail with return receipt
requested to:
D & D Digital Systems
304 Main Street Suite 301
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 292-0490
• Completed applications are evaluated by a Mayo Clinic selection
committee, which determines whether Mayo’s application criteria
have been met.
• If you are considered for an appointment, a member of Mayo Clinic’s
selection committee will contact you for a telephone interview. An
interview will not be arranged until your application file is complete.
• Appointment letters are mailed from D & D Digital Systems
approximately mid-April. You are responsible for accepting or
rejecting the match by telephone or fax on the appointment date.
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Tuition & Financial Aid
PROGRAM COSTS
There is no tuition for the Mayo School of Health Sciences Dietetics
Internship in Rochester. A $25 nonrefundable application fee is required
to apply to the program.
In addition, there is a $140 charge for the internship syllabus and other
materials. Other expenses include lab jackets, books, program lapel pins,
field trips and meetings. The graduation pin cost is $40. These costs are
subject to change.
It is necessary to have access to a vehicle at times throughout the
program. You are responsible for providing your living accommodations
and meals.
You may hold outside employment during the program, if it does not
conflict with your program responsibilities.
FINANCIAL AID
Mayo School of Health Sciences offers financial incentives for students to
participate in its many health sciences training programs. For example,
often tuition waivers or employment scholarships are offered to students
who commit to work for Mayo Clinic after graduation. For other
programs, scholarships may be available for those who demonstrate
financial need.
The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Student Financial Aid Office can
provide more details about the financial aid.
Dietetics Career Overview
FIELD DESCRIPTION
Dietitians promote health, prevent disease and shape the food choices
and dietary habits of patients and the public. They combine extensive
scientific knowledge of food, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology and
management with the behavioral and social sciences to perform their
work.
Dietitians work in clinical and community settings, performing nutrition
screenings and assessing patients’ needs. They also provide counseling
and regular follow-up to patients to reinforce behavioral changes.
Dietitians have a high level of contact with patients and interact closely
with physicians, residents, nurses and allied health-care staff.
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Dietitians also work in food service management, coordinating all aspects
of food service in both hospital and industry settings with people of all
ages, cultures and economic status. Those who enjoy being with people
and want to assist them in leading healthier lives will find satisfaction in
this field.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Dietitians are employed in health care, education, research, business and
industry and private practice settings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians
is expected to grow about as fast for the average for all professions
through the year 2012. Employment in hospitals is expected to show little
change. Faster growth is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care
facilities and physician clinics.
Clinical dietitians are a vital part of the medical team in hospitals, nursing
homes, health maintenance organizations and other health-care facilities.
They work with doctors, nurses and therapists to help speed patients’
recovery and lay the groundwork for long-term health. Opportunities for
advancement are available by specializing in a particular area of
nutrition, such as diabetes or pediatrics.
Earning Potential
Based on the nationwide American Dietetic Association (ADA) 2002
Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Salary Survey, the median salary for
registered dietitians is $45,760.
Salary levels vary with geographical location, scope of responsibility,
employment settings and supply of registered dietitians. Salary also
increases as experience increases and many registered dietitians,
particularly those in management, business and consulting, earn incomes
above $60,000.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about dietetics:
• American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org)
• International Confederation of Dietetics Associations
(www.internationaldietetics.org)
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Program Contacts
For more information about the Dietetics Internship Program in
Rochester, please contact:
Kate Ray, Enrollment and Student Services Director
(507) 266-4077
(800) 626-9041
Fax: (507) 284-0656
E-mail: [email protected]
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Mayo School of Health Sciences
Siebens Medical Education Building 11
200 First Street SW
Rochester MN 55905
Or
Jeanne Grant, Dietetics Internship Program Director
(507) 255-5617
Fax: (507) 255-7379
E-mail: [email protected]
You can also request more information on education programs offered by
Mayo School of Health Sciences.
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Notes
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