Dietetic Internship Program Details

Mission of the University

Ouachita Baptist University is a Christ-centered learning community. Embracing the liberal arts tradition, the university prepares individuals for ongoing intellectual and spiritual growth, lives of meaningful work, and reasoned engagement with the world.

Mission of the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences

The School consists of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Physics, and Mathematics and Computer Science. The School of Natural Sciences seeks to provide the highest quality educational experience for all students. The School promotes student learning in an atmosphere that nurtures critical and creative thinking, an appreciation of the beauty and complexity of natural systems, the development of ethical codes in striving for moral excellence, the ability to communicate effectively in speaking and writing, and an understanding of the importance of service and leadership. Within the liberal arts tradition, the School emphasizes the methods of science as it prepares all students for informed citizenship and as it prepares natural science students for positions of leadership in the professions. The School places emphasis on the preparation of students for graduate and professional schools.

Mission of the Dietetic Internship Program

The mission of the Ouachita Baptist University Dietetic Internship is to prepare competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists to practice in current and emerging jobs in clinical, foodservice or community nutrition. Students in the internship are guided in lifelong learning to be effective in future Christian leadership and professional service to the community and profession. Students successfully completing the program will possess the knowledge and competency skills needed to meet the standards of education and core competencies for registered dietitian nutritionists established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Goals of the Dietetic Internship Program

Program Goal 1: To prepare graduates who are competent to practice as an entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist.

Objective 1. Program Completion objective required by ACEND. “At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within _13.5__ months (150% of the program length)”.

Objective 2.  Graduate Employment objective required by ACEND.  “Of graduates who seek employment, __70_ percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation”.

Objective 3. Graduate Performance on Registration Exam objective required by ACEND. “_80__percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion”.

Objective 4. RD exam pass rate objective required by ACEND. “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%”.

Objective 5. Employer satisfaction objective required by ACEND.  At least 75 percent of employers who respond to an Employer Satisfaction Survey will rate graduates during the first year of employment as either average or above average for entry-level practice.

Objective 6: Program Specific Objective. At least 75 percent of graduates who respond to the Alumni survey said they were adequately prepared for an entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist job.

Program Goal 2: To prepare graduates with knowledge and experiences that promote lifelong learning, professional growth, and Christian leadership and service.

Objective 1.  At least 50 percent of graduates who respond to the Alumni Survey said that they attend a minimum of one local, state, or national dietetic meeting each year.

Objective 2. At least 50 percent of graduates who respond to the Alumni Survey report leadership service in the nutrition and dietetics profession and/or the community over a 5-year period.

Objective 3. At least 50 percent of graduates who respond to the Alumni Survey report Christian leadership and service in the community over a 5-year period.

Outcome Data

Outcome data measuring achievement of the DI Program objectives is available to students, prospective students, and the public upon request.

Requirements and Process to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (Didactic Program in Dietetics, Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, Foreign or International Dietitian Education Program). Note, effective January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to be eligible to take the dietetic registration exam from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship program or Individual Supervised Practice Pathway is an option. Supervised practice/experiential learning is combined with the Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, and International Dietitian Education Program.
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s dietetic registration exam.
4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.
5. Maintain continuing education.

The Dietetic Internship is the supervised practice program listed in step 2.

Graduation and Completion Requirements

The Dietetic Internship is a post-baccalaureate certificate program. Students must successfully complete all supervised practice rotations and pass all courses with a B or higher to successfully complete the program. Students will participate in the May graduation ceremony.

Pre-selection of Dietetic Interns

The Ouachita Baptist University dietetic internship participates in the pre-select option for students receiving a verification statement from the OBU DPD. Up to nine intern slots will be available for the pre-select option. The pre-select deadline is January 15. It is open to all students who receive a verification statement from the OBU DPD. There is no application fee and no need to use DICAS. The applicant will be notified confirming his/her acceptance status in the program by February 1.

If pre-selected, the applicant’s name and social security number are submitted to D&D Digital Systems, Inc. to ensure that the applicant will not participate in the computer match. If the applicant is not selected through the pre-select process, he/she may apply to any DI including the OBU DI through the computer matching process.

Intern Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Interns enrolled in an ACEND-accredited nutrition and dietetics education program may join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as student members. Dues are $58 per year (June-May), and an online application is available at https://www.eatrightpro.org/membership/membership-types-and-criteria/student-member.

Benefits of student membership in the Academy include networking with other nutrition and dietetics interns and professionals, leadership opportunities, free membership in the state dietetic association, online access to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and other publications, and reduced rates at professional meetings and conferences.

Ouachita Baptist University Student Dietetics Association

The Ouachita Baptist University Student Dietetics Association is open to any intern in nutrition and dietetics. Interns may join at any time during the academic year by attending one of the scheduled meetings, or by contacting an officer or sponsor.

The Student Dietetics Association meets monthly. Meetings may include guest speakers of professional interest, planning or participating in campus or community service projects, etc.

Faculty sponsor: Mrs. Stacy Freeman, [email protected] 870-245-5542 (office)

TUITION & FEES

Tuition and fees are determined by the Board of Trustees and updated annually. For current financial aid and cost information, visit our graduate and professional studies financial aid and cost information page.

Additional scholarship information can be found at https://eatrightfoundation.org/why-it-matters/awards/#Scholarships

Coursework

The courses will appear in the 2020-2021 Ouachita Baptist University Catalog.

Fall semester

DIET 6013 Nutrition and Dietetics Research – 3 credit hours

DIET 6003 Advanced Clinical and Community Nutrition – 3 credit hours

DIET 6023 Supervised Practice I – 3 credit hours

Spring semester

DIET 6043 Nutrition Counseling – 3 credit hours

DIET 6033 Advanced Administrative Dietetics – 3 credit hours

DIET 6053 Supervised Practice II – 3 credit hours

Course Descriptions

DIET 6013 Nutrition and Dietetics Research. Research in nutrition and dietetics to reflect content, application to practice, and study parameters and design. Students will read current research, write critiques, and make presentations for discussion. Fall semester.

DIET 6003 Advanced Clinical and Community Nutrition. Provides an understanding of the methods, strategies, and evaluation of nutrition and diet counseling with consideration of learning styles. Integration of scientific principles of nutrition and food science into the use of foods and nutrients in disease prevention and treatment in accordance with competencies for the entry-level dietitian. Fall semester.

DIET 6023 Supervised Practice I. The first semester of supervised learning experience in clinical, community and administrative dietetics designed to meet specific objectives and achieve identified clinical, community and administrative nutrition competencies. Experiences scheduled in a variety of health care settings. Fall semester.

DIET 6043 Nutrition Counseling. Theoretical and applied issues in nutrition counseling. Students will learn the theories of behavior change and how to apply these to nutrition issues. Spring semester.

DIET 5033 Advanced Administrative Dietetics. Equips students with leadership and management skills needed to establish and maintain effective food and nutrition programs. Spring semester.

DIET 6053. Supervised Practice II. The second semester of supervised learning experience in clinical, community and administrative dietetics designed to meet specific objectives and achieve identified clinical, community and administrative nutrition competencies. Experiences scheduled in a variety of health care settings. Spring semester.

Students will meet on Monday mornings at the University for 4 hours of class. Students will spend Monday afternoons and all day Tuesday – Friday at supervised practice sites.

Program Calendar

The Dietetic Internship will begin on Aug. 16, 2021, and conclude with graduation on May 14, 2022. Supervised practicums are 40-hour weeks. The length of the dietetic internship is two semesters, 17 weeks each.

Holidays: The intern is entitled to the following holidays, most to be observed on the actual day in which the holiday falls: Thanksgiving Break, Christmas and New Year’s Day Break and Spring Break.

Program Schedule

The supervised practice and on-campus schedule for the fall and spring semesters is listed below.

Supervised Practice Site Rotations. Abbreviations represent:

OR = Orientation on-campus             CL = Clinical nutrition practicum CO = Community nutrition practicum

AD = Administrative dietetics practicum       Staff = Intern completes staff week on-site for RDN   OBU = Testing on-campus

Supervised Practice I Fall Semester Site Rotations

Supervised Practice II Spring Semester Site Rotations

Ouachita Baptist University’s Dietetic Internship participates in the Dietetic Internship Match.

The Dietetic Internship Match is a computer-based method which provides an orderly and fair way to match the preferences of applicants for Dietetic Internships (DIs) with the preferences of DI program directors. The Academy contracts with a company called D&D Digital to operate the DI Match and help applicants obtain an Internship (supervised practice position).

If you have completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited by ACEND, you are eligible to participate in the Dietetic Internship Match:

• Complete an application for the internship through the Dietetic Internship Central Application Service. There is no limit on the number of DI programs that students can apply to through DICAS. However, each program must be prioritized during the next stage of the process. If the DI program you are interested in does not appear in the DICAS, check the DI program’s website for directions on how to apply or contact the DI program director.
• Register for the DI match through D&D Digital. This step allows you to create, edit and verify the priorities for your choices of internships. Some programs do not participate in the match. This is because they only accept applications from students who are employed by that sponsoring institution.

Through the DICAS, program directors can access applications from interested applicants; however, they cannot see the information about the priorities of the choices. The programs only see the application from applicants who applied to their programs. The program director and other staff from each Dietetic Internship program screen applications and submit rankings for acceptable applicants, as well as indicating their maximum class size.

If you have questions about the centralized application, please contact DICAS customer support at 617/612-2855 or [email protected].

If you need assistance with computer matching, please contact D&D Digital customer support at 515/292-0490 or [email protected].

Helpful Links

Dietetic Internship Handbook

Ouachita Academic Catalogs

University Calendar

Graduate and Professional Studies at Ouachita

Student Testimonials:

Macey Cantrell: “This internship has given me the knowledge and confidence for my future in the field of dietetics.”

Shelby Kraft: “This program provided hands-on experience in all different aspects of nutrition. I feel confident and ready for a career as a registered dietitian.”

Lauren Schoenherr: “I feel like I have received an exceptional education in the Ouachita Baptist University dietetic internship by applying my skills and knowledge hands-on in our dietetic rotations.”

Ashlee Stewart: “The dietetic internship at Ouachita Baptist University is so unique. With such a small class size, all of us interns have been able to create lifelong connections with each other, as well as with our preceptors.”

Kelsey Bailey: “I have enjoyed different aspects of all of the rotations offered during the internship at Ouachita. I now feel more confident in my skills and ability to work in the field of dietetics.”

Our professional preceptor partners have great things to say about Ouachita’s first class of interns, describing our students as:

“prepared, professional, calm, respectful, flexible”

“showed initiative and independence … demonstrated adequate textbook knowledge on a wide variety of disease states and asked appropriate questions to increase her knowledge with each new encounter … demonstrated flexibility throughout her work day and happily accepted more new patients”

“very inquisitive … did a good job using knowledge in a practical sense”

“hard working and driven … very self-motivated”

“strong character and positive attitude toward feedback … excellent written communication skills and ability to work independently to achieve goals … ability to adapt quickly … strong time management and organizational skills … ability to think critically and reflect on her prior education to make connections between what she knows and what she is experiencing”

“friendly, passionate about dietetics, adjusted to change well, professional, worked well with other intern”

“has a real passion for what she is doing … caring attitude and desire to improve”

“strong work ethic and excellent time management skills … ability to work independently and communicate well … asks great questions that showed engagement and a critical evaluation of information presented”

“great willingness to learn … has a tact with patients and staff, which helps her obtain information that she needs … ability to adapt”

“very engaged and anxious to learn and grow in her knowledge and understanding … excellent communicator”

Hello, my name is Latina Robinson, and I was born and raised in Diaz, Arkansas. I currently live in North Little Rock, Arkansas, with my son and dog. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, along with watching movies and anime. Currently, I work as a diet clerk at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) for over a year and a certified pharmacy technician at Kroger Pharmacy for more than ten years. In addition, I have also worked as a waitstaff with Arkansas Children's Hospital for a foodservice experience for six months.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 2020. Furthermore, I have chosen to begin a career in dietetics due to the loss of my grandmother due to diabetic complications. This catastrophe developed the desire to advocate for diabetes awareness and provide the public with the right tools and resources to prevent this disease within the communities where it is more prevalent such as the minority population. Lastly, my plan in dietetics is to establish a diabetes clinic and wellness center within the heart of Arkansas.

Amanda Almand is from Texarkana, Ark. Amanda received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Ouachita Baptist University in 2010. Amanda went on to complete her Masters in Sports Management from University of Arkansas Little Rock. Upon completion of her masters, Amanda oversaw a nutrition program for weight loss and fitness at a local gym for many years. Amanda has been a stay at home mom of two boys for the past two years. She has chosen dietetics because I find it very interesting how nutrients play an essential role in health. Amanda would like to help people meet their nutrition goals. Amanda enjoys cooking, gardening and beekeeping.

My name is Angelica Montes. I am from Fayetteville, Arkansas. I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BS in Human Nutrition and Hospitality Innovation. I have always wanted to be in the healthcare system. I wanted to go into dietetics because I grew up around food since my dad is a restaurant owner and I have been a “picky” eater. As I grew older and looked further into nutrition, I fell in love with the way food interacts and can change the way our body feels. As I finish my internship and after passing the RD exam I hope to work in a clinical setting to help others feel the best they can during their worst times. I want to help in the healing process and be a friendly face for them.

Originally from Sherwood, Arkansas, Ashleigh Batte is a 2020 graduate from the University of Central Arkansas where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. It wasn’t until her Sophomore year of college that she became interested in nutrition. Ashleigh became fascinated with the impact that nutrition has on the treatment and prevention of disease. She has worked at Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway delivering patient trays and learning the interworking of a hospital kitchen. Ashleigh currently works at Arkansas Childrens Hospital as a diet clerk and a milk and formula technician. Ashleigh’s goals are to successfully complete the internship and pass the RD exam and eventually become a pediatric dietitian.

Blanca Rodriguez graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in December of 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. She was raised in Arkadelphia. She loves to spend time outdoors and be active by going to the gym or going for a run. Throughout her undergraduate career, she developed an interest for Sports Nutrition. Blanca hopes to find a career where she can educate and help athletes understand the importance of nutrition in relation to their performance. Blanca’s overall vision is to help educate people on the long-term benefits of nutrition, while making it an enjoyable experience.

Emily Garrett graduated from Harding University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. She first learned about nutrition as a profession when she took a general nutrition class during her undergraduate degree. She quickly changed her major after this class. Emily’s goal is to complete the dietetic internship and pass the RD exam. She hopes to find a concentration she loves while in the program. Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as being active, and trying new foods.

Erica Klitz is from Foreman, Arkansas, and graduated in 2021 from Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Erica has always held an interest in nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, so a career in dietetics with the opportunity to help others became her ultimate goal. Erica's future plan is to complete the internship and become a registered dietitian.

Erica has been married for 12 years to her husband and they have an eight-year-old son. She enjoys exercising, traveling, and reading.

 

 

Alyssa Huber is a 2017 graduate of Henderson State University from Paris, Arkansas. Alyssa chose dietetics as a career because she wants to teach people, especially children, the value of proper nourishment to prevent illness and disease.

Alyssa has worked at Co-Op Extension in the Community and Economic Development department, at UAMS as a dietetic technician, and for Sodexo at CHI. St. Vincent as a foodservice manager. She currently works at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock as a Nutrition Assistant performing nutrition rescreens and teaching inpatients about various diets to help them understand and manage their illness or disease.

Her future plans after passing the RD exam are to finish her master’s degree in Nutrition and to be an outpatient/community dietitian. Long term, Alyssa hopes to open a private practice with her husband who is a soon to be pharmacist.

Alyssa and her husband celebrated 8 years of marriage in August 2021 and they have two dogs.

Jessie Golden is from Fayetteville AR. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Dietetics is her second career. Previously, she worked as a skilled carpenter and home remodeler. When she was introduced to dietetics, she knew she had found a new calling. Jessie believes diet should be the first line of defense when dealing with disease and conditions.

Jessie’s short-term goals are to determine how her skillsets and passions can best be utilized.  Long-term, Jessoe would like to research how diet affects disease, and work on improving the quality of life for people suffering with various conditions and diseases.

In Jessie’s free time she enjoys biking, gardening, and reading. Jessie is excited to discover where this journey is going.

Kristen Dabov was raised in her hometown of Memphis, Tenn. She always knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare due to her absolute devotedness to help people. Interestingly, she did not always see herself working in healthcare as a clinical dietitian.

She initially thought that her career path would eventually lead to her becoming a dental hygienist. However, God had different plans for her. For instance, in high school, she started developing disordered eating habits. Consequentially, it led to the deterioration of her health. She had no other choice but to consult with a registered dietitian.

As she met with her, she felt discouraged and misunderstood due to the dietitian’s lack of empathy. At that moment, she never wanted a nutrition client to feel this type of way, so she vowed she would do whatever it took to immerse herself in the studies of Nutrition and Dietetics. Flash-forward to several years later, she graduated with a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics and a minor in Spanish from Harding University.

She recently moved to Little Rock, Ark., to further her dietetic education from Ouachita Baptist University’s Dietetic Internship. After the internship, she hopes to become a clinical dietitian who helps speed up patients’ recoveries by utilizing food as medicine.

Molly Hunter is from Shannon Hills, Ark. Molly graduated from Henderson State University in May 2021 with my Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in dietetics. Her and her husband Joshua have been married for six years and have a 3-year-old daughter (October), a dog (Bliss) and a cat (Twix).

 

She chose Dietetics as a career because she finds it intriguing how our bodies use food to function and to heal itself and she don’t think nutrition is talked about enough. Studying dietetics has really opened Molly’s eyes to so many possibilities but she would truly love to work with younger generations to help them understand the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet from an early age. Over the years Molly worked as a CNA where she gained experience working hands-on with residents dealing with wound care, ADL’s, and different types of feedings.

 

Allison Robertson is a dietetics graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Allison was born and raised in Orange County, Calif. She has chosen to concentrate on sports nutrition in the field of dietetics. During her undergraduate studies she did an internship with EXOS, a sports performance company, working with athletes training for the 2020 NFL Combine. After completing her internship at OBU, Allison plans to apply to major athletic universities and plans to move wherever she get hired. Allison is very excited to start her journey here at OBU. Go Tigers!