Dietetic Internship: The Program^*

The dietetic internship program is jointly sponsored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Affiliations with a number of hospitals, school food services, and clinics in the Central Arkansas area provide experiences which supplement and complement those received at the primary training sites. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree, verification statement from a didactic program in dietetics approved by The American Dietetic Association, and participation in a national computer matching program for dietetic interns. 

Master of Science students seeking admission to the Dietetic Internship Program must use the Dietetic Internship application process.  That is, acceptance to the Master of Science Program does not ensure admission to the Dietetic Internship Program.

General Information

Students accepted into the Dietetic Internship enter in August of each year. During the internship, development of competencies in general dietetics is emphasized including clinical dietetics, food service administration, and community nutrition. Supervised practice through establishment of a working relationship with registered dietitians is emphasized. Seminars, lectures, and classes complement the student’s practical experiences. The accredited program consists of a 40-week internship; that is full-time with a minimum of 40 hours scheduled per week. Interns are required to enroll in 12 semester credits of graduate coursework as well as clinical education experiences. The class has 14 positions from August to May of each year.

Mission of the UAMS/CAVHS Dietetic Internship

The accredited dietetic internship, jointly sponsored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System was established to meet the need for dietitians in a rural state and in VA hospitals serving the nation’s veterans. The program has been designed so that accomplishment of the planned practice experiences will prepare the intern for an entry-level position in general dietetics, e.g., the only dietitian in a small hospital, a clinical dietitian, a public health nutritionist or an administrative dietitian. Successful completion of the program will meet requirements for membership in The American Dietetic Association and for eligibility to take the registration examination for dietitians and seek licensure within the state.

This program is accredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Telephone: (800) 877-1600, ext 5400 or (312) 899-0040.

*Students pursuing the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Dietetics and Nutrition are considered to be full-time students in the College of Health Related Professions (CHRP).  The CHRP Catalog is considered the primary catalog for all students in the program.  All provisions (including grievance procedures) in the CHRP Catalog and the CHRP Student Handbook are the authority applicable to students pursing the Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Dietetics and Nutrition.

Catalog Options and Security

Contact UAMS-CHRP    Catalog    For Current Students    For Faculty & Staff    For Alumni   CHRP Home