UNF: Brooks College of Health

Program Mission
Through excellence in teaching, research, and service, UNF will provide a high quality 1200 hour supervised practice experience that is coordinated with related graduate coursework in a high quality learning environment to develop graduates who pass the National Registration Exam, secure employment in dietetics, and pursue professional development and service.

Program Description
The University of North Florida College of Health offers a 41-credit Masters Degree in Health Science which includes 1,200 hours (12 credits) of pre-professional supervised practice as described in the attached Program of Study. The Dietetic Internship at The University of North Florida is currently granted Developmental Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetics Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext 5400. The program begins in the Fall and consists of (4) semesters.

A wide variety of sequential experiences are offered in leading medical centers, specialty clinics, community programs, and other settings to prepare students to meet future challenges in the continuously changing health care industry. The focus is on preventive health and continuity of care throughout the integrated health care network.

Each preplanned experience entails three basic phases. Students first learn the role of the practitioner in the setting and begin applying the knowledge gained from the courses they have completed. Second, they are given the opportunity to practice the skills required for optimal provision of care at each site. Finally, they work with patient/client satisfaction, financial and/or clinical outcomes.

All students must complete specific general clinical food service and community rotations at sites that are equipped to provide a wide variety of different services. Site options are offered for the clinical specialty rotations so students can pursue their own personal interests in these areas. Although the American Dietetic Association only requires 900 hours of preprofessional practice, this program offers 1,200 hours because its mission is to provide the best possible training for potential leaders in the field.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must present a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university offering an approved didactic curriculum that meets the Standards of Education of The American Dietetic Association. They must present GRE scores (1000 minimum total for verbal and quantitative sections) or a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher in all work completed as an upper division student, normally 60 hours taken during the last two years. Applicants will be selected without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, public assistance status, or disabilities unrelated to the applicant's ability to perform.

Admission Procedures
Applicants are responsible for their application(s) to the internship. The basic steps in this process are listed below. The University of North Florida participates in the D&D Computer Matching process and cannot select students unless they participate in this process. You may get information about the D&D Computer Matching process from the BSH/DPD Nutrition Program Director or D&D Digital Systems, Suite 301, 304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010; telephone (515) 292-0490 and fax number (515) 663-9427.
E-mail dnd@netins.net and URL http://www.dnddigital.com

1. You must complete two application forms: the Dietetic Internship Program Application (Word) (pdf*) and the University of North Florida Graduate School application form. (pdf*) (obtain from the Graduate Admissions Office at telephone number 904-620-2624). You may also want to obtain the graduate catalog from the University Bookstore at
904-620-2665. It is best if you obtain these materials at least 3 months prior to the February application deadline date.
(* Free Adobe Acrobat Reader )

2. Go to your Didactic Program Director (DPD) and discuss application materials. Obtain a mark/sense card for computer matching with instructions for completion and mailing to D&D Digital Systems.

3. Apply to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Obtain the results to include with your application.

4. Obtain the Declaration of Intent form or Verification Statement from your DPD. This form is to be completed by you and the Dietetics Program Director; and it is to be submitted with the internship application materials.

5. Request three references, two of which should be from faculty members to inclue in your Supervised Practice Program application. Recommendation forms in the application may be submitted instead of letters.

6. Prepare a three-page application letter (typed, double spaced, 1 inch margins) that describes (1) why you wish to be a registered dietitian, (2) why you have selected UNF's Dietetic Internship, and (3) what you feel you can contribute to the field of dietetics.

7. By the February deadline date, submit items 1,3,4,5and 6 (above) in one packet with your check or money order for $30.00 (payable to the University of North Florida). Provide telephone number(s) to identify the place you can be reached on the appointment date. Enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard if you want to be notified of receipt of the applications.

8. By the February deadline date, submit the mark/sense card with your prioritized list and matching fee ($50.00 check or money order) to D&D. This card must be sent by certified mail (return receipt requested because no notification of receipt will be sent to you by D&D. Rankings of AP4 and/or internship programs should be selected carefully; no changes will be accepted by D&D. If your certified mail receipt is not returned within 3 weeks, call them at (515) 292-0490. You can find the D&D contact information under Admission Proceedures above.

9. In March, internship and AP4 directors will prioritize the applicants and send this information to D&D for computer matching. On the April appointment day for computer matching, applicants will be notified of the results of the computer matching process. If you are accepted to UNF's Internship, you must contact the program director, Dr. Catherine Christie, (904) 620-2840, FAX (904) 620-2848, by the ADA specified date by phone or fax to confirm the appointment to our program. It is also essential that you send us a copy of your verification statement as soon as you receive it, if you have not already done so.

Current cost information is also provided to students every semester in the Schedule of Courses booklet. Please note that living expenses and miscellaneous expenses are variable. Students can economize by reducing spending and selecting a roommate, using the roommate finders service