Dietetic Internship Program
Michael E. DeBakey Houston VA Medical Center
MISSION
The mission of the combined dietetic internship - master's degree 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. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center's Dietetic Internship Program will prepare graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to obtain professional credentials and enter dietetics practice. This is measured by:
- At least 80% of program graduates will 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%.
- Graduates total scaled scores and sub-scores on the registration exam will exceed the national average.
2. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center will recruit, select, and retain well qualified, diverse students and provide a mentoring experience that supports graduates in successful completion of their dietetic internship program. This is measured by:
- At least 80% of interns will complete program requirements within 18 months (150% of program length).
- 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 graduates who respond to the exit survey will rate their perception of the adequacy of support from the program director as satisfied or very satisfied.
- At least 80% of the graduates who respond to the exit survey will rate their perception of the adequacy of support from preceptors as satisfied or very satisfied.
3. The program will benefit VA, other healthcare systems, and the public by producing multi-skilled, competent, ethical, graduates who will bcome Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. This is measured by:
- Of the graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics related fields within 12 months.
- At least 85% of employers who respond to the employer survey will rate MEDVAMC graduates as entry level or better when compared to other RDN's of similar experience.
Program outcomes are available upon request.



















