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Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)

Overview

The University of North Florida offers an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP), made possible by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend, Address: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Phone: (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400 Email: ACEND@eatright.org). The Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway of UNF is a distance dietetic internship track that allows motivated candidates the opportunity to find and utilize facilities/agencies in the candidate's community and other locations, and complete the required supervised practice competencies with minimal supervision. This is a non-degree-seeking program offered through the University of North Florida.

Upon successful completion of the ISPP, the candidate will receive a Verification Form documenting completion from the UNF Department of Nutrition & Dietetics. The form will be signed by UNF's Dietetic Internship Program Director. This signed Verification Form documents that the individual is eligible to sit for the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists. No additional graduate credits are needed.

Curriculum Specific Information

Candidates are expected to find all preceptors for the rotations listed. Please see the Getting Started Handbook for more detailed information on the process. The length of the program is dependent on the candidate's ability to locate preceptors, obtain approval from the Program Director, obtain signed affiliation agreement(s), and complete the required number of practicum hours (1220 hours) within a reasonable amount of time. For example, a full-time ISPP candidate (~40 hours/week) may take 12-14 months to complete the program, whereas a part-time ISPP candidate (~20 hours/week) may take 24-28 months.

  • Institutional Food Service, Production, and Management (~320 hours)
    1. ACEND-required rotation (Approximately 320 hours)
    2. Description: Practicing marketing, procurement, storage, preparation, delivery, service, and management that include retail operations. Interns practice the care and operation of equipment, sanitation audits, HACCP Guidelines, menu planning, customer service, and management activities; activities include practical hands-on experience as well as investigative research to prepare for in-depth management responsibilities. This rotation also focuses on food service within an inpatient setting for people who have medical needs related to their diets; interns will practice menu planning, taking meal orders, tray preparation and delivery, patient promotions, marketing of menus, and all aspects of producing and delivering nutrition to patients.
  • Clinical (~540 hours)
    1. Inpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy 1
      • ACEND-required rotation (Approximately 160 hours)
      • Description: Practicing the nutrition care process with populations with common medical conditions impacted by diet including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disorders.
       
    2. Outpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy
      • ACEND-required rotation (Approximately 140 hours)
      • Description: Practicing the nutrition care process with populations with medical conditions impacted by diet that do not require hospitalization. Group MNT activities may be satisfied with the Community Education Rotation activities.
       
    3. Inpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 (Pre-requisite: Inpatient MNT One)
      • ACEND-required rotation (Approximately 240 hours)
      • Description: Practicing the nutrition care process with populations with more complicated conditions such as renal disease, multi-system organ failure, cancer, and hepatic disease.
  • Community (~200-280 hours)
    1. General
      • ACEND-required rotation (Approximately 160-200 hours)
      • Description: Developing skills to provide nutrition services to the community at large through a variety of activities, programs, and services including nutrition counseling, nutrition education, nutrition assessment, and wellness programs. Interns also develop skills in evaluating and applying government program guidelines and policies. During this rotation, interns must complete a series of activities and one major project.
       
    2. Child-Adolescent Education
      • ACEND-required rotation (Approximately 40-80 hours)
      • Description: Promoting health and wellness through marketing, education, classes, and events for school-aged children and adolescents. It is similar to the education and wellness activities in the Community Nutrition Rotation but addresses nutrition-related issues that children and adolescents face in their school environment, such as peer pressure, academic performance, athletic achievement, drugs, and alcohol.
      • 2-Weeks are required at a WIC Facility
  • Concentration: Area Chosen by Candidate (~120 Hours)
    • An elective requirement from a choice of several concentrations
    • Approximately 120 hours

Application Deadlines

The University of North (UNF) ISPP Program encourages applicants who were not matched in the recent matching process of April 5 and previous matches to apply to its ISPP. Students wishing to apply can submit their application through the DICAS portal starting April 9 at 12:00 noon ET. The deadline to apply for the ISPP is June 15. Applicants will be notified of the program’s decision by July 13.

Master's Degree Requirement Communication

To Prospective Students

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor's degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. After January 1, 2024, students must complete a master's degree before receiving the ISPP verification statement. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program at University of North Florida are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here

Program Completion

Program completion is reached when the intern has successfully satisfied all rotation learning objectives, supervised practice hours and has passed the final mock RD exam with an 80% or higher. Graduates are eligible to receive a verification form and take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists to become a registered dietitian. Registration eligibility for dietitians is conducted through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND). https://www.cdrnet.org

You might have received a "Message from the Office of the Registrar" with the Subject "State Licensure Disclosure". Please note this has been done as response to a new Federal mandate for disclosure. The MS/DI nutrition program at UNF is accredited by ACEND and prepare students to meet the specific CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists requirements. The ISPP is a pathway within the accredited dietetic internship program and fulfills the same CDR requirements. In addition, many states have licensure/practice regulations (i.e., license to practice/work in their state). Each state might also have additional requirements for licensure. Please contact your state's licensing board for additional information.

Program Information

  • Intro

    The University of North Florida (UNF) Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) within the accredited Dietetic Internship Program provides interns with the supervised practice experience required to fulfill the competencies for becoming a Registered Dietitian. The pathway includes 1220 hours of supervised practice in various rotation sites. Upon successful completion of the ISPP, each ISPP intern will receive a verification of completion and be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists

    • The University of North Florida ISPP has an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway within the accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) Program. This ISPP is only available to graduates who were not matched to a dietetic internship program (no match proof is required) and possess a DPD Verification Statement.
    • The length of the program is dependent on the intern's ability to locate preceptors, obtain approval from the Program Director, obtain signed affiliation agreement(s), and complete the required number of practicum hours (1220) within a reasonable amount of time (not to exceed 30 months.)
    • Interns not matched in April or November through the D&D Digital Online Dietetics Internship Matching Service or within the past 5 years are eligible to submit to an online Application Packet to the University of North Florida ISPP program from April 9th, 2020 to May 21, 2020.  
    • Applications will be reviewed and finalists will be scheduled for an interview (via phone, in person, or by Zoom) and notified of a decision by July 13, 2020. 

    The University of North Florida ISPP provides graduates of an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD) with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of food and nutrition science, and to acquire competencies needed to practice dietetics in a variety of settings. Graduates of the ISPP are expected to be able to function as entry-level practitioners in clinical, food service, and community dietetic roles. Each is expected to operate independently with high levels of professionalism and integrity.

  • Mission Statement
    Through excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University of North Florida (UNF) combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship Programs (DI and ISPP) will provide a high-quality supervised practice experience and related graduate coursework that prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist for positions in all areas of practice in dietetics and to pursue professional development and service.
  • Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Diversity Statement

    The University of North Florida is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract interns, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. While embracing these concepts, including our obligations under federal, state and local law, UNF is equally committed to ensuring that educational and employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, admission, hiring, compensation and promotion, are based on the qualifications, skills and abilities of those desiring to work, study, and participate in our community.

    To accomplish this intent, UNF shall not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or veteran status in any educational, employment, social or recreational program or activity it offers. Similarly, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who complains of discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of University Regulation. In exercising these standards, the University will not abridge either free speech or academic freedom based on its context.

    The UNF President has delegated to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (E.O.D.) the authority and responsibility to receive, investigate, and, where appropriate, attempt to conciliate complaints, or investigate situations or conduct alleged to be in violation of the University's Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Regulation and Sexual Misconduct Regulation. Accordingly, any member of the UNF community who believes that they have been subjected to discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, or sexual misconduct may seek guidance, counseling and/or file a complaint by contacting: Cheryl Gonzalez, Director, E.O.D. and Title IX Administrator, located at Building One, J.J. Daniel Hall, Suite 1201, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224-7699, or call (904) 620-2507 or via 711 Florida Relay for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or those with speech impairments and/or limitations.

  • Program Goals

    GOAL #1: To prepare graduates to be competent, entry-level dietitians possessing the skills necessary to practice in a variety of food and nutrition-related practice areas.

    • Program Objectives for Goal #1:
      • 1.1 “The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist is at least 80%”.
      • 1.2 “90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion”.
      • 1.3 “Of the graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation”.
      • 1.4 At least 80% of graduate responses will indicate scores of “3” or higher where “3= adequate”, “4= more than adequate” and “5= Excellent” on survey question related to preparation for entry level practice in dietetics on a one-year post graduation survey.
      • 1.5 “At least 80% of MS/DI program interns complete program/degree requirements within 24 months (150% of program length)”.
      • 1.6 “At least 80% of ISPP program interns will complete program/degree requirements within 30 months (150% of the program length)”.
      • 1.7 At least 90% of responding employers will rate the entry-level performance of program graduates as a 3 or higher where 3 = “adequately skilled”, “4 = highly skilled or “5 = Outstanding” on employer surveys (based on a 5-point scale)

    GOAL #2: The program will prepare graduates for professional leadership in the field of dietetics or nutrition-related areas.

    • Program Objectives for Goal #2:
      • 2.1 100% of graduates will indicate via survey that they are participating in leadership activities at their place of employment or in the community (e.g., committee work, presentation).
      • 2.2 50% of graduates surveyed will indicate active participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Program Outcomes
    UNF’s ISPP program has an ongoing assessment process on the outcome of its ISPP program. Data on outcomes are available. To obtain information on available program outcome send a written request to the Program Director. Please contact Ms. Jill Snyder at jill.snyder@unf.edu to request data.
  • Accreditation

    The University of North Florida ISPP Program is a pathway within the accredited Dietetic Internship Program which is approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 899-0040, or 800/877-1600, ext. 5400.

    Email: ACEND@eatright.org

    Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

  • Technology For Students

    Visit UNF's Information Technology Services

    Students, faculty, and staff have access to a number of key resources that provide remote connection and collaboration. These resources will help make sure you are set up for success in working remotely.

  • Who is Eligible to Apply for UNF's ISPP?
    • Individuals with nutrition-related doctoral degrees from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university without a verification statement and needing supervised practice or with a foreign doctoral degree with an official evaluation (i.e. WES, AACRAO) stating equivalency to a U.S. nutrition-related degree.
    • Recent and past DPD graduates with verification forms but not matched to an internship. These interns must have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics that has been approved or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), have obtained a verification form, and were not matched to an internship.
    • UNF's ISPP program is considered a distance track, in that interns can apply and gain experience across the country within their respective states. The ISPP is therefore subjected to regulations of State authorization of distance education, which is a complex and dynamic environment. Applicants to UNF ISPP are encouraged to check this site to find out whether their state will allow them to gain clinical/supervised practice experience while enrolled at UNF.
    • The University of North Florida has been approved by FL-SARA to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Please see the UNF State Authorization Status website for more information and updates.
  • DICAS Application Timeline
    University of North (UNF) ISPP Program encourages applicants who were not matched in the recent matching process of April 5th and previous matches to apply to its ISPP. Students wishing to apply can submit their application through the DICAS portal starting April 5 at 12:00 noon ET. The deadline to apply for the ISPP is June 15. Applicants will be notified of the program’s decision by July 2023.
  • Accepted Documents from DICAS Packet

    For Recent and Past DPD Graduates the following documents are accepted from ones DICAS packet.

    1. UNF ISPP Application
    2. Three references submitted on DICAS Recommendation Forms
      1. References should indicate your ability to work independently and efficiently. 
      2. Two of the references can come from professors and one from work or other experience.
    3. Professional vita.
    4. Personal statement; questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
      1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession and be a registered dietitian?
      2. What experiences have helped to prepare you for this profession?
      3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
      4. What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
      5. In addition to answering the questions above, write 1-2 pages describing relevant work experience.
  • Additional Required Documents

    The following documents must be sent separately either by US. Mail or E-Mail:

    1. Official original transcripts of all college and/or university coursework with final degree posted showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
    2. Mailed foreign degrees/transcripts must have an official evaluation (i.e wes, aacrao) stating equivalency to a U.S. degree. ++ (US. Mail only)
    3. An original verification form from an ACEND-approved/accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) if you are a graduate or Intent to Complete Form if you have yet to graduate (US. Mail only)
    4. An official copy of GRE scores reflecting a minimum combined score of 300 using the new scoring equivalent on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam. We will also accept a confirmation page stating a future test date until official scores are available.*++ (E-Mail only)
    5. Evidence of not being matched from D&D Digital Online Dietetics Internship Matching Service. (US. Mail or E-Mail)
    6. Complete and include Preceptor and Facility Information Form(s) (located in the Getting Started Handbook) for the three major rotations: (1) Clinical, (2) Foodservice, and (3) Community. Please note that one preceptor/facility can serve as a site for more than one rotation. (US. Mail or E-Mail)

    All forms sent via US. mail must be sent to Attn: ISPP Coordinator, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, University of North Florida, Bldg. 39, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

    *We will accept a copy from your DICAS packet. If you did not apply through DICAS please send a hard copy with your application packet.

    ++We will accept an unofficial copy for consideration, but an official copy will be required if admitted.

  • Second Round Match Instructions

    If you are a student that did not get matched in the first round of the matching process. The University of North Florida is participating in the second-round application process.

    How do you apply? The University of North Florida will accept your application through DICAS on a first come first serve basis. GRE is not required. Interested students should contact Ms. Jill Snyder, (jill.snyder@unf.edu; 904-620-1468) or Dr. Jamisha Leftwich, j.leftwich@unf.edu. Application review will begin on April 6 and continue until all positions are filled.

  • Submit the Following for Evaluation

    The paper application is only for those who did not apply through DICAS.

    For the Recent and Past DPD Graduates with a Verification Form, you must submit the following for evaluation:

    1. UNF ISPP Application
    2. Three references submitted on the DICAS Recommendation Forms. References should indicate your ability to work independently and efficiently. Two of the references can come from professors and one from work or other experience.*
    3. Official transcripts of all college and/or university coursework with final degree posted showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Foreign degrees/transcripts must have an official evaluation (i.e wes, aacrao) stating equivalency to a U.S. degree.*++
    4. An original verification form from an ACEND approved/accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) if you are a graduate or Intent to Complete Form if you have yet to graduate.
    5. An official copy of GRE scores reflecting a minimum combined score of 300 using the new scoring equivalent on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam. We will also accept a confirmation page stating a future test date until official scores are available.*++
    6. Evidence of not being matched from D&D Digital Online Dietetics Internship Matching Service.
    7. Submit a professional vita.*
    8. Personal statement; questions to be addressed in the personal statement include: *
      1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession and be a registered dietitian?
      2. What experiences have helped to prepare you for this profession?
      3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
      4. What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
      5. In addition to answering the questions above, write 1-2 pages describing relevant work experience. 
       
      1. Please note that one preceptor/facility can serve as a site for more than one rotation. Complete and include Preceptor and Facility Information Form(s) (located in the Getting Started Handbook) for the three major rotations: (1) Clinical, (2) Foodservice, and (3) Community.

    You will receive an e-mail notification confirming receipt of your application packet with directions to process the application fee.

    Eligibility is determined only after all materials have been received

    Upon acceptance, candidates must pay a $50.00 non-refundable application fee.

  • Send all Application Materials to:

    Applications are received via DICAS during the second round match period or paper copies can be submitted to:

    Department of Nutrition & Dietetics

    Attn: ISPP Coordinator or Program Director
    University of North Florida
    Bldg. 39, Room 3042
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Late or missing components may result in your application not being considered for admission.

  • Submit the Following for Evaluation

    For the Interns with Doctoral Degrees, you must submit for evaluation a portfolio with the following:

    1. UNF ISPP Application
    2. Three letters of recommendation submitted on DICAS recommendation forms. References should indicate your ability to work independently and efficiently. Two of the references can come from professors and one from work or other experience.
    3. Transcripts of a doctoral degree in nutrition or dietetics-related field from a regionally accredited college or university, plus official transcripts of all other college and/or university coursework with final degree posted. Foreign degrees/transcripts must have an official evaluation (i.e. WES, AACRAO) stating equivalency to a U.S. degree.
    4. Evidence of prior work experience in an area related to nutrition.
    5. Submit a professional vita.
    6. Personal statement.
    7. Complete and include Preceptor and Facility Information Form(s) (located in the Getting Started Handbook) for the three major rotations: (1) Clinical, (2) Foodservice, and (3) Community. Please note that one preceptor/facility can serve as a site for more than one rotation.

    You will receive an e-mail notification confirming receipt of your application packet with directions to process the application fee.

    Eligibility is determined only after all materials have been received

    Upon acceptance, candidates must pay a $50.00 non-refundable application fee

  • Send all Application Materials to:

    Applications are received via DICAS during the second round match period or paper copies can be submitted to:

    Department of Nutrition & Dietetics

    Attn: ISPP Coordinator or Program Director
    University of North Florida
    Bldg. 39, Room 3042
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Late or missing components may result in your application not being considered for admission.

  • Application Timeline
    Application Timelines
    Date Application Sequence
    April 5, 2023 First day to submit application after Spring Match date
    April 5 to June 15, 2023
    Review of applications begins, interviews are scheduled, and applicants are notified of results (On a rolling basis)
    June 15th, 2023 Application Deadline
    July 2023 Orientation
    August 21, 2023 University of North Florida ISPP start date
  • Applicants not matched PRIOR to 2019
    If a potential candidate applied through DICAS prior to 2019, the applicant can apply to the UNF ISPP which admits up to fifteen (15) candidates per year. Please mail your application packet to the address listed above.
  • Applicants not matched in this current match period
    If a potential applicant applied through DICAS in this year and was not matched, applications will be accepted after the DICAS match period in April. Applicants may also use the DICAS portal to submit their application. Decision notifications will be sent July 13th, 2023.
  • Anticipated Expenses

    IMPORTANT: ISPP candidates are NOT eligible for student grants or loans, even if they are a recent UNF graduate.

    The cost of the program through the University of North Florida, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics is as follows:

    Main Costs
    Fee Cost
    Application Fee $ 50.00 (Non-refundable) (Submitted after application is received and directed by coordinator)
    Registration Fee for Supervised Practice (1220 hours)

    $ 7,450.00 one-time fee (Non-refundable)

    The candidate can pay in full. However, if a candidate needs to pay in installments, the installment plan is $2000 for each of the following rotations: Foodservice, Medication Nutrition Therapy, and Community Nutrition and $1450 for the Concentration Rotation. Payment is due prior to starting each rotation.

    Estimated Personal Costs Include:
    Fee Cost
    Housing ($800/month) $12,800
    Travel to sites ($200/month) $3,200
    Books $1,000
    Health Insurance $150
    Liability Insurance (per year) $35
    Professional Membership $100
    Computer/Technology $400
    Lab Coats $50

    *The potential candidate will receive directions regarding the non-refundable $50.00 Application Fee after the UNF ISPP Application has been completed and received by the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics.

  • Payment Options and Directions

    There are two options for payment:

    1. The intern will pay the entire $7,450.00 following admission to the program
    2. Prior to each new rotation, the intern will pay in installments (see form below)
    3. If an intern is seeking an Assessment of Prior Learning an additional $50 is required for the evaluation of learning competencies.

    To initiate payment, the intern will need to complete the Payment Form and e-mail it to the Coordinator, Jamisha Leftwich at j.leftwich@unf.edu. Once processed, the intern will receive a notification with directions to make the payment through the UNF One Stop Services Office.

  • Withdrawal and Refund of Fees
    All fees are non-refundable. Interns who are admitted into the ISPP program are asked to sign a payment contract which states that all fees associated with the UNF Individualized Supervised Practice Program (ISPP) are non-refundable and must be paid in full prior to the start of each indicated rotation.
  • Financial Aid

    Financial aid is not available through UNF for the ISPP applicants.

Contact Us

headshot of Jill Snyder

Ms. Jill Snyder

Director - ISPP & MS/Dietetic Internship
Phone: (904) 620-1468
blank profile image

Dr. Claudia Rivero

ISPP Coordinator
n01373738@unf.edu
(904) 620-1700