NUTRITION

Program Philosophy

The University Hospitals Case Medical Center of Cleveland accredited dietetic internship, founded in 1933, is the second oldest program in the country. In 1965, the dietetic internship linked with the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University and the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center as part of the Coordinated Dietetic Internship/Master's Degree Program.

The entire post-baccalaureate program is 16 months in length.

1. The combination of an internship with a master's degree provides the professional with a comprehensive background in core competencies for dietetic practice with an emphasis in general nutrition practice through integration of supervised practice experiences with graduate level course work.
   
   
2. Breadth and depth of knowledge are fostered by exposure to academic health centers, their university counterpart and other settings with contrasting health care delivery systems.
   
   
3. Location of a program in a diverse educational and cultural environment offers the professional a unique variety of educational and social experiences.

Upon completion of the University Hospital Case Medical Center Dietetic Internship Program, the student will:

1. Be eligible to take and successfully pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians and be licensure/certification eligible to practice according to State of Ohio law.
   
   
2. Be well prepared to accept an entry-level position in medical nutritional therapy, foodservice systems management or community nutrition practice.
   
   
3. Be capable of critically evaluating research and integrating the research process into practice.
   
   
4. Value the importance of participation in associations and networks, eventually seeking leadership in the profession of dietetics.
   
   
5. Effectively practice in interdisciplinary healthcare settings as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
   
   
6. Develop, conduct and evaluate continuous quality improvement activities to effect positive change in the work environment.

Goals of the Coordinated Dietetics Internship/Masters' Degree Program:

1. To develop in students the core competencies to practice effectively as entry-level dietitians and to offer one or more emphases of their choice.
   
   
2. To prepare graduates to rapidly advance to higher levels of practice.
   
   
3. To instill in students the ability to continually review scientific literature and to apply the information in the practice setting.
   
   
4. To prepare graduates to be knowledgeable in the processes for conducting research.
   
   
5. To foster in students an appreciation of the profession, which includes valuing the importance of participation in associations and networks and encourages attainment of positions of leadership.