Dietetic Internship Program

VA Caribbean Healthcare System (San Juan)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dietetic Internship Program as part of the VA Caribbean HealthCare System fosters the commitment to promote healthcare, excellence in education and the ideal of service to the community, also encourage the use of research methodology by the dietetic interns.

The program aims to develop the individual potential of the students admitted to the dietetic internship, providing the dietetic interns with learning and educational experiences in an academic environment of supervised practice; that promote human values, integrity, respect and attainment of the social, ethical and professional development of present and future students.

The dietetic internship program learning experiences are designed to make possible dietetic interns integrate previously acquired knowledge, obtain new knowledge, develop critical thinking that lead the interns to analyze situations to make responsible decisions, and built resources for professional and personal growth. All these key elements are geared to mold professional with the entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists expected competencies.

Program Philosophy

Today, good nutrition and overall fitness are priorities for an increasing number of people. It is our responsibility to assure society that the dietitian will be adequately educated and prepared to assume the responsibilities society expects.

The prime objective of the profession of dietetics is to provide optimal nutritional care for persons of diverse backgrounds throughout the life cycle in health and disease. Concurrent with this responsibility to the public, also exist a responsibility with the profession of dietetics for continues keeping the pace with the social, economic, medical, scientific and technology advances.

To achieve these goals, the Dietetic Internship Program is concerned in educating dietitians in all the phases of dietetics and preparing them for entry level registered dietitian nutritionists practice. Emphasis is given to food service management and clinical dietetics maintaining a progressive program in preventive and restorative nutrition.

Program Goals and Measurable Outcomes

Goal #1: Prepare graduates to achieve the necessary knowledge and skills in medical nutrition therapy, community dietetic and food service management through the completion of supervised experiences to perform as an entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist.

Objectives:

1. At least 80% percent of program interns (DI) complete program requirements within 18 months (150% of the program length).

2. At least 80% of the interns will respond affirmatively to the question” Do you feel competent to assume your role as Dietitian?”

3. At least 80% of graduates up to one year will respond affirmatively to the question” Do you feel competent to assume your role as Dietitian?”

4. 70% percent of program graduating interns take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.

5. 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%”

6. Of graduates who seek employment, 80% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 1-year post graduation

7. At least 80% of the employers will respond affirmatively to the question “overall, did you feel that this person demonstrated entry-level competence upon hire?”

8. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) in the Puerto Rico licensure exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%

 

Goal #2: Prepare graduates to achieve and develop critical thinking using research methodology.

1. At least 80% of the interns during the internship will respond affirmatively to the question” The Dietetic Internship Program encourages the use of research methodology?”

2. At least 80% of graduates after one year of graduation will respond affirmatively to the question” Do you feel competent to develop critical thinking through the use of research methodology as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?”

The goals support the program's mission promoting healthcare, providing learning and educational experiences in an academic environment of supervised practice, developing the individual potential and the critical thinking of the interns, producing multi-skillet and competent dietetic professionals.

Program outcomes data and RD exam pass rate are available upon request.