The Master’s Degree/Dietetic Internship and combined graduate program in Clinical Nutrition:

• Encompasses 42 hours of study over 16 months in clinical and cellular nutrition, clinical and science, behavioral sciences, management, research, and culminates with defense of a thesis.
• Provides a clinical nutrition-centered program for those having a BS in dietetics or a BS in another discipline and completion of a DPD.
• Has a mission and program goals and outcome measures used to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness:

Mission Statement

Consistent with the missions of our university, college, department, and unit, the mission of the Dietetic Internship and Residency program is to prepare graduates able to apply the science of nutrition in the promotion of care for individuals or groups.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

Goal 1

To provide an educational experience that gives students both the practical and didactic knowledge and skill to practice as an entry level RD.

Outcome Measures

• At least 85% of our students will successfully complete the program.
• Of the graduates who intend to work as an RD, at least 50% will successfully complete the RD exam within six months of graduation and 100% will successfully complete the RD exam within one year of graduation.
• At least 80% of our graduates will successfully pass the RD exam on their first attempt.
• Annual means for RD exam scores (total score) will be at or above the national mean.
• 100% of our graduates who desire employment will be successful in finding employment that utilizes the training and knowledge they received in the program within 6 months of graduation.
• At one year post-graduation, at least 85% of graduates will rank their rotation and coursework preparation for entry level dietetics as 3 or above (on a scale of 4).

Goal 2

To provide a course of study that gives students the skills and knowledge to incorporate scientific information into their future practice.

Outcome Measures

• At least 80% of the first post-graduate employers of our graduates will report at least a 4 (out of a possible 5) when asked about the ability of our graduates to incorporate scientific knowledge and evidence into their practice.
• When surveyed at one year post-graduation, at least 85% of the DI graduates will report at least a 3 (out of a possible 4) on their program preparation to incorporate scientific knowledge and evidence into their practice.

Goal 3

To develop within our graduates, the skills and motivation to pursue lifelong professional learning.

Outcome Measures

• When surveyed at one year post-graduation, at least 85% of the DI graduates will report active RD status and active A.N.D. membership.
• When surveyed at one year post-graduation, at least 50% of the DI graduates will report membership in at least one DPG.
• At least 80% of the first post-graduate employers of our graduates will report at least a 4 (out of a possible 5) when asked about the skill and motivation of our graduates to pursue professional learning.
• When surveyed at one year post-graduation, at least 85% of the DI graduates will report at least a 3 (out of 4) on the professional foundation they received in the program regarding professional activities and development.

Data demonstrating our program outcomes are available on request from the program director.

Accreditation Status

The Dietetic Internship at the University of Memphis is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040 X5400.