Is the Dietetic Internship at Winthrop University accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA)?

Yes, the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, 312/899-0040, ext.5400.  CADE accredits the Internship for an enrollment of up to 26 full-time interns annually, although the number selected varies depending on the year.

What are the requirements for admission to the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship?

An application checklist is available at www.winthrop.edu/nutrition/dietetic.htm.

Successful applicants meet the following minimum admission standards:

• Undergraduate grade point ratio (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale

• Satisfactory score on the verbal and quantitative sections of the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

• Acceptable performance on a knowledge-based entrance exam administered at Winthrop University during the selection process in September

• Three references from professionals knowledgeable of the applicant’s abilities

• An interview with the Winthrop University selection committee in September

• Verification statement from an accredited ADA Didactic Program in Dietetics; undergraduates who are within one semester of graduating may apply to start their Internship in the January following their December graduation

• Acceptance to the Winthrop University (WU) Graduate Program,

• Proficiency of the English Language as required by WU Graduate Program, and

• Demonstration of recency of education

Do I have to take the GRE even if I do not plan to pursue a graduate degree?

Yes, all prospective intern applicants must take the GRE and apply to the Winthrop University (WU) Graduate School.  It is advisable to take the GRE early enough in the year to allow time to repeat the exam if the first set of scores is unsatisfactory. Only the verbal and quantitative scores from the GRE are considered for the WU Internship. 

Do I have to apply to the graduate program if I already hold a graduate degree?

Yes, if a prospective intern already holds an advanced degree, he or she would be admitted as a non-degree-seeking student.  The web address for the Office of Graduate Studies at Winthrop University is  http://www.winthrop.edu/graduate-studies.

What is the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship entrance examination?

This examination is modeled after the National Dietetic Registration Examination (RD exam) given by the ADA’s Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).  Similar to the RD exam, the major areas covered on the exam include food science, normal nutrition, community nutrition, nutrition therapy, education and research, foodservice systems, and management.  The examination is administered on the Sunday prior to the Internship interviews on Monday.  The applicant’s score on this exam provides the Internship selection committee with an additional tool for assessing the student’s readiness for the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship.  The exam is mostly multiple-choice, plus one or two short-answer questions, and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Who should provide the three references for my application?

Professors and supervisors from work or volunteer volunteer experiences are common choices.

Why is nutrition-related volunteer or work experience so strongly encouraged?

The preceptors who make up the selection committee are interested in selecting students who they might hire in the future.  They prefer students who have proven themselves as dependable employees.  Interns who have had some nutrition-related experience tend to adjust better to the hectic pace of their internship placement facility.  Involvement in the Student Dietetic Association is another way students can gain leadership experience and find out about opportunities for nutrition-related experience.

Who are the people on the WU Dietetic Internship selection committee?

In addition to the faculty from the Winthrop University Department of Human Nutrition, the selection committee is made up of registered dietitians (RDs) who are working at various facilities throughout South Carolina and from parts of North Carolina.  These RDs serve as preceptors (field placement supervisors) for Winthrop’s Dietetic Internship.  

What criteria are used to select the interns?

Internship preceptors consider all of the following in making their decisions: interview, overall grade point average, GRE scores, performance on Winthrop’s internship entrance examination, references, honors, involvement in dietetic association or other professional activities, as well as nutrition-related volunteer and/or work experience. 

What are the interviews like with the WU Internship selection committee?

Each year the format changes slightly, but typically the Internship applicants spend about 10 minutes becoming acquainted with the faculty of the WU Department of Human Nutrition.  Following that meeting, prospective interns are interviewed by two different groups of registered dietitians (RDs) who serve as preceptors for the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship.  Typically, a group of about 8-10 preceptors ask each of the prospective interns a variety of questions for approximately ten minutes and then each applicant is interviewed by the second group of preceptors for another ten minutes.

What is the computer matching process?

Most CADE dietetic internships select applicants for appointments through a computer matching process.  Applicants to the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship must participate in computer matching.  This process occurs twice a year, in spring and in fall.  Winthrop University participates in the fall match.  To become part of the matching process, internship applicants mark their top choices for internship programs on a computer form which is mailed to D & D Digital Systems, the computer matching company.  D & D Digital takes the students’ first choices for dietetic internship programs and matches these with the programs’ first choices for interns.  D & D will inform both the interns and the internship programs of the resulting “match” (selection).  Applicants pay a $50.00 fee to D & D Digital for the matching service.  To obtain the selection booklet and form, contact D & D Digital at (515) 292-0490 or by e-mail: dnd@netins.net.

Is there an early admission option?

Yes, the early admission, (“preselect”) option is for students currently enrolled in Winthrop University.  Students have to meet specific criteria in order to qualify for early admission.  These students follow the same internship calendar, January through June as the other WU interns.  Applicants selected for early admission do not participate in computer matching.  For more information on this option see the dietetic internship web site at http://www.winthrop.edu/nutrition/dietetic. 

Does the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship accept applicants who are not citizens of South Carolina and/or are not graduates of Winthrop University?

Absolutely--our program strives for diversity.

When will I know if I have been selected for the Winthrop Dietetic Internship?

Interns will be notified by D & D Digital (the agency that matches dietetic interns with internship programs) through electronic mail by mid-November.  The internship director receives the list of matched (selected) applicants on the same day.

Do all the WU dietetic interns complete their internships in the Rock Hill, SC area?

No.  Interns are assigned to a variety of different geographical areas throughout South Carolina and in the southern portion of North Carolina.  The schedule for each intern is individualized based on each intern’s interests, background, and the availability of rotation sites within a geographic region.  Each intern will be “home based” in a specific city, but may complete rotations at two or more sites within that geographical area.  Typically, an intern will complete the entire nutrition therapy (clinical) rotation in one facility while the food systems management and community rotations may be completed at the same facility or at two completely different sites.  In some situations, an intern may need to travel up to an hour from his or her home base city to reach a particular facility in order to obtain experience in a business, community or specialized practice.

How are the field placement assignments determined?

Each intern’s schedule of assigned field placements (rotations) is individualized.  The faculty in the WU Department of Human Nutrition considers both the intern and preceptors’ preferences.  Requests by interns for rotations in areas of special interest are arranged whenever possible.  In addition, the faculty reviews the backgrounds of the interns and the type of opportunities offered by various facilities.  The interns are asked to rank their geographical preferences for rotations and every effort is made to honor one of their top choices.  Scheduling rotations for over fifty facilities must be carefully juggled within the constraints of a six-month schedule.  For example, an intern may request to live near a specific city and may also have a strong desire to spend time in a dialysis center.  However, both requests could not be honored if the local hospital schedule will only permit an intern to complete a rotation between specific dates and availability of the local dialysis center is limited to those same dates. 

What is the length of time for each rotation/field placement?

The length of each rotation varies considerably depending upon the facility’s schedule and the intern’s background and preferences.  Generally, interns spend 11-12 weeks in nutrition therapy (hospitals, dialysis centers,  long-term care facilities), 6-7 weeks in food systems management (hospitals, schools, assisted living centers), and 8 weeks in other community/clinical/business settings (diabetes centers, public health departments, private practices, etc.). The type and length of rotations are individualized for each intern.

When will I know to what facility(s) I have been assigned?

Scheduling for the Internship field placements (rotations) begins as soon as D & D Digital notify the faculty. The scheduling of these rotations is very complex; the internship director will notify interns as soon as possible, although it may be the first of December before all the assignments are confirmed.  Interns will be mailed a list of their assigned rotations including contact information for their lead preceptor(s).

Who is responsible for finding me a place to live?

Interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements and are not expected to move during the 6 months.  The lead preceptor may be able to offer some suggestions. 

When does the Internship start?

The WU Internship starts in early January, continuing for 26 weeks and ending by the first of July unless the intern needs additional time to satisfy competencies.  The Internship experiences are equivalent to six months of full-time work.

Will there be an orientation to the WU Internship before the rotations begin?

There will be a one or two-day orientation at Winthrop University the day before the interns begins their first rotation in early January.  At the orientation, interns are provided with a handbook that answers many questions related to Winthrop’s Dietetic Internship.  Some sites require interns to participate in an additional facility-specific orientation.

Can I get financial assistance during my internship at Winthrop University?

Eligibility for financial aid will be based on the same criteria as for any other Winthrop University graduate student.  Interns admitted as "degree seeking" are considered full-time graduate students even though they are only registered for six graduate credits. To discuss eligibility criteria contact the WU Office of Financial Aid at (803) 323-2189 or in 119 Tillman Hall.  Currently there are no stipends available for the Internship from the University.  Interns accepted to the graduate program as "non-degree" may not be eligible for student loans.

Are interns expected to get immunizations or to purchase certain materials like lab coats or reference materials prior to starting the Internship?

In addition to the immunizations required by the Winthrop University Graduate School, interns are advised to get the Hepatitis B immunization series and a TB test.  These should be obtained before the start date of the WU Internship.  Interns can sign a wavier if they refuse get Hepatitis B vaccinations.  Some placement sites require interns to obtain additional immunizations or to submit to drug testing.  Occasionally facilities will require interns to wear lab coats.  Business casual or professional office clothes are appropriate.  Interns will be asked to purchase specific textbooks; in addition, an up-to-date medical dictionary is recommended.  Interns are required to purchase professional liability insurance and to have personal health insurance.  A pocketsize notebook may be handy for recording references.

Why do I need a car during my internship?

Interns may need to drive to neighboring towns to complete some rotations depending upon the intern’s place of residence.  During each rotation interns may be asked travel to satellite facilities.  Interns will meet for a seminar at least once a month at various facilities in South Carolina; some of these seminars may be a two or three hour drive.

How many hours will I be working during my internship?

Interns are expected to “be on the job” at least eight hours a day, five days a week for six months.  There may be occasions when the workday will extend even longer due to a special event, seminar, or clinic.  In certain situations an intern may arrange to participate in the Internship on a part-time basis over a longer period of time.

Is there any sick leave or vacation time scheduled during the Winthrop Internship?

No, it is an intensive six months.  There is a great deal for interns to learn in a short amount of time. Interns are expected to make up any time lost due to sick days or personal emergencies.  Occasionally, at the discretion of the preceptor, an intern is able to arrange to work evenings or over a weekend to makeup for an absence. 

Will I have specific objectives that I need to accomplish during the Internship?

Yes, interns are provided with a curriculum (list of 53 competencies/objectives) that will guide their experiences during the various rotations.  The competencies were developed by CADE/ADA to prepare interns as entry-level dietitians.  Preceptors will provide suggestions as to how the competencies can be met and will evaluate whether or not interns have satisfactorily completed each competency.  Example of a competency: Design and implement nutrition care plans as indicated by the patient’s/client’s health status.

What if I need extra time to complete my internship competencies/objectives?

Each situation is handled individually, but something can usually be worked out.  For example, an intern may need to extend the internship for several weeks or months until she/he is evaluated as competent to function as an entry-level dietitian.  Our goal is for each of our interns to succeed while in the internship and as a registered dietitian.

Are interns required to attend classes on campus in order to earn the six hours of graduate credit for the Internship?

No, the graduate credit that the WU dietetic interns earn is for their hands-on experience during the 26 weeks of Internship rotations.  Interns are expected to attend mandatory seminars each month.  Some of these seminars will be conducted on the Winthrop University campus while others will be held at various facilities in the Carolinas.

Will I get grades for the six graduate hours I earn after completing the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship?

Yes, performance in the WU Dietetic Internship is graded as “S” (satisfactory/passing) or “U” (unsatisfactory/not passing).

Will I be a registered dietitian when I complete the Internship?

No, once the interns have successfully completed the Internship, they still need to sit for the National Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians (RD exam).  Graduates of the Internship will receive authorization by CADE/ADA to take the computerized RD exam at one of the approved testing sites about six weeks following completion of the Internship.  The RD exam costs $175.00. Typically, internship graduates are able to take the RD exam within ~4-6 weeks of completing the internship.

How much can I expect to pay for the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship?

There is no cost to apply to the WU Internship, although there is a $50.00 cost to apply to the graduate program and a $50.00 cost for computer matching.  The cost of professional liability insurance (required) is currently $35.00: www.seaburychicago.com or 1-800-621-3008, ext. 45105.

Besides living and transportation expenses, interns pay for six hours of graduate school tuition and laboratory fees (total in-state of ~$2500.00 and out-of-state of ~$3600.00).  In addition, books and materials cost ~$300.00 and there is an RD exam review fee of approximately $305.00.  The afore mentioned estimates are based on recent fees and may vary by academic year.  See the Winthrop University Cashier's Office for current tuition costs.

Where can I find out more information about other dietetic internships?

Contact the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association: (800) 877-1600 or http://www.eatright.org/cade/di.html

How can I obtain an application for the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship?

Contact the Department of Human Nutrition at (803) 323-2101 or e-mail Judy Harper Thomas, MS, RD, Internship Director at thomasjh@winthrop.edu.  An application and checklist may be printed from the website at http://www.winthrop.edu/nutrition/dietetic.htm.

How do I obtain information about taking graduate courses in nutrition at Winthrop University?

Contact Dr. Patricia Wolman, Department Chair, at (803) 323-2101 or by electronic mail at wolmanp@winthrop.edu for information about graduate studies in the Department of Human Nutrition at Winthrop University.  To apply to the Winthrop graduate program you should call 803-323-2204 or 1-800-411-7041 or apply on-line at www.Applyweb.com/apply/Winthrop/index2.html.

Rev. 2/08