Nutrition Services/Dietetic Internship Program

About Our Program

The BIDMC Dietetic Internship is a 10 month, full-time program with an emphasis on nutrition therapy. The program runs from September to June and provides more than 1200 supervised practice hours. We match 8 interns per year.

The BIDMC program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, 312-899-5400, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Association and the United States Department of Education.

The internship program builds on the foundation of knowledge gained during didactic preparation, and provides practitioner competencies for entry level dietetics practice.

Graduation requirements must be met in order to successfully complete this program. In order to graduate the intern must:

  • Act professionally in accordance with the code of ethics for the profession of dietetics
  • Meet all competencies for the program
  • Complete all assignments and projects satisfactorily
  • Complete 1,200 supervised practice hours
  • Pay tuition in full
  • Complete all requirements for graduation within a total of 15 months of supervised practice time

Upon completion of the program, dietetic interns receive a signed Verification Statement indicating they are eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians as administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and qualify for active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Once they pass the exam, they are then eligible to apply for licensure in Massachusetts. If licensure is being sought in a different state, the new RD should obtain information on licensure requirements from that state's licensure board.

“While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. Visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration website for more information about state licensure and certification.”

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).  Learn more about this requirement.

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 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 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. Learn more about state licensure requirements.

Learn more about educational pathways to become a RDN

Meet Our Faculty

Lori DeCosta, MS, RD-AP, CNSC, LDNLori DeCosta, MS, RD-AP, CNSC, LDN

Hails from: New Hampshire
Favorite Food: Chocolate
Job Title: Director, Nutrition Services

 

 


Julie Robarts MS, MPH, RD, LDNJulie Robarts MS, MPH, RD, LDN

Hails from: Massachusetts
Favorite food: Cold-brewed Coffee
Job Title: Coordinator, Dietetic Internship