Dietetic Internship Program
Michael E. DeBakey Houston VA Medical Center
MISSION
The mission of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Dietetic Internship program is to prepare competent entry-level dietetics professionals to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who are committed to evidence-based practice in the care of Veterans and the public.
PROGRAM GOALS
1. Program graduates will acquire the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to obtain professional credentials and enter dietetics practice.
- At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 18 months (150% of planned program length) for non-degree seeking interns
- At least 80% of interns complete program requirements in 24 months (150% of planned program length) for MS degree seeking interns.
- At least 80% of graduates who respond to the exit survey will rate the value of their internship training as "very good" or "excellent."
- At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- 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%.
2. Program graduates of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) program will benefit VA, other healthcare systems, and the public by becoming competent, multi-skilled, ethical, registered dietitian nutritionists who can meet the demands of both traditional and non-traditional roles.
- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 85% of employers who respond to the employer survey will rate MEDVAMC graduates at an entry level or better when compared to other RDN's of similar experience.
Program outcomes are available upon request.



















