John E. Weems Graduate School
Nutrition

Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways (ISPPs)

The Meredith College Dietetic Internship is participating in the ISPPs established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). For more information on an ISPP, go to www.eatright.org and click on the ISPP link.

Meredith College has been approved to accept 7 ISPP Interns each year. A new ISPP will start in August of each year. Before you apply for an ISPP at Meredith College, you should:

  • Have a GPA of 2.8 or above and have a Verification Statement or an Intent to Complete Form from a DPD ACEND-Accredited School
  • Have applied for a dietetic internship in the past
  • Plan to complete your rotations at least 150 miles outside the Raleigh, North Carolina area.
  • Please email the DI Director to verify we can work with your state of residence.
  • Plan to complete the Dietetic Internship (DI) within 2 years of the start date
  • Be prepared to come to Meredith's campus to attend a one-week orientation program in August of your first year. (All travel, hotel and other expenses will be paid by the intern)
  • Be prepared to take an on-line, three credit hour class in the Spring of your last year (FN601: Advanced Nutrition Seminar)
  • Be interested in an Internship with a Leadership Concentration.
  • Be prepared to attend the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic's Food and Nutrition
  • Conference in your first year of the program. (All incurred expenses will be paid by the intern).
  • Be prepared to attend your State Dietetic Association's Annual meeting and apply for a poster session at that event. All incurred expenses will be paid by the intern.

To apply for an ISPP starting in August 2013, follow this checklist to ensure you submitted all required materials.  Applications will be accepted April 9 - May 31, 2013, and decisions will be made immediately until ISPP is filled.

1. Send your DICAS application including resume, transcripts and personal statement to: Mrs. Cathie Ostrowski at ostrowsk@meredith.edu

  • Personal Statement: Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
    • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
    • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
    • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?

2. Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree or Verification Statement:

  • A valid Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree or Verification Statement, signed by the applicant and the director of the didactic program in dietetics (DPD) at your college or university. A valid verification statement stating successful completion of an American Dietetic Association approved DPD must be submitted before the applicant can enter the internship.

3. A non-refundable application fee of $50, payable by check made out to Meredith College and mailed to:

Mrs. Cathie Ostrowski, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.
Director, Dietetic Internship Program
Department of Nutrition Health & Human Performance
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27607-5298

4. TOEFL scores, for international students only. Find more information about the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

5. Have your references emailed to Mrs. Cathie Ostrowski at ostrowsk@meredith.edu

  • Three references are required, including one from the program director of your Didactic
    Program in Dietetics (DPD); one from a professor in foods and nutrition or related area; and one from an employer or supervisor or a professor in foods and nutrition.
  • The Letter from the DPD Director should include the intern's ability to successfully complete the DI Program, the interns leadership abilities and potential.
  • A fourth reference letter may be submitted if desired.

Once you are accepted for an ISPP:

  • Begin securing all potential rotations and placements for the internship. A list of all preceptor's names and contact information along with confirmation in writing is required before beginning the program.
  • Supervised rotation components include:
    • Clinical Rotation (in a JC Accredited Hospital and/or Long Term Care or similar setting for a total of 12 weeks, 40 hours a week)
      • Concentrations in the clinical setting include: general nutrition/obesity, cardiology, renal, diabetes, oncology/AIDS, surgery/GI and one of your choice. Preceptor must be an RD with at least one years experience.
    • Two food service rotations (4 weeks each, 40 hours a week each). Preceptor must be an RD or have a terminal degree in their field
    • One Wellness rotation (4 weeks, 40 hours). Rotation may be done in an outpatient setting, cardiac rehab, private practice, etc. Preceptor must be an RD with at least one years experience.
    • One WIC rotation (3 weeks, 40 hours a week). Preceptor must an RD with at least one years experience.
    • One Long Term Care rotation (1 week, 32 hours). Preceptor must be an RD with at least one years experience.
    • One elementary school (total of 12 hours)
    • One middle school (total of 6 hours)
    • One Enrichment rotation (4 weeks, 40 hours a week)---a rotation where you get to pick a concentration area of nutrition or food service management. Preceptor must be an RD with at least one years experience.

Costs of the ISPP Program at Meredith College are listed below. However, be aware that fees may change:

2013-2014

Program Fee (includes internship and three-credit hour class): $15,050.00
Lab Coat (3/4 length): $50 (approximate)
Books and Supplies: $200.00
Automobile insurance: Variable
Health insurance, vaccinations and any necessary medical testing: Variable
FNCE, Registration Fee: $249 (approximate)
FNCE, Hotel Fee: (variable) $200.00-$300.00
FNCE, Airline ticket: (variable) $250.00-$350.00
FNCE, miscellaneous fees: (variable) $100.00-$200.00
State Dietetic Association Meeting, Registration Fee: (variable) $50 plus transportation

Please visit Financial Assistance for information about scholarships, grants and loans.

**All Dietetic Internship program participants are required to show proof of current health and automobile insurance coverage. Meredith College provides all students with professional liability insurance, also mandatory.
**All DI program participants must pass drug screening, background checks and immunization requirements.

Contact information:

Cathie Ostrowski
MS, RD, LDN
Director, Dietetic Internship Program
Department of Nutrition Health & Human Performance
(919) 760-8419
ostrowsk@meredith.edu