The UHDI is a supervised practice program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). We offer a Dietetic Internship that can be completed Onsite (in Houston, TX) or Distance (completed anywhere in the US). Either Dietetic Internship track can be combined with our fully online MS Nutrition degree program. Rotations are available in a wide variety of areas focusing on Clinical, Community, and Management. Another unique feature of the UHDI is that interns are encouraged to actively participate in planning their unique internship experience. All interns must complete the required number of hours in the emphasis areas of Clinical, Management, and Community however where you gain the experience is based on your preferences.

The University of Houston Dietetic Internship program is an ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza Ste 2190, Chicago IL 60606-6995, Ph: 1-800-877-1600 ext 5400) accredited, post-baccalaureate supervised practice program that qualifies graduates to take the examination to become Registered Dietitians. The program goals reflect the major points of our philosophy: quality instruction and broad-based site training which enables graduates to land meaningful professional employment in a variety of areas upon completion. The internship is administratively housed within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Health and Human Performance.

Dietetic Internship (DI) Only:

For students who already hold a graduate degree, the UHDI standalone program aims to prepare students/interns for entry level practice with well rounded, fast paced supervised practice experiences. Our 27-week program consists of rotations, divided into four broad supervised practice categories: Clinical (10 weeks), Community (8 weeks), Management (4 weeks), and Elective (4 weeks). Our one-week required orientation occurs twice a year, in January and in June. The program participates in both the Spring and Fall application cycles and does not conduct application interviews.

Onsite DI: One of the most unique features of the UHDI – Onsite track are the rotation choices in and around the Texas Medical Center. With more than 50 active sites, UHDI interns have many exciting options to choose from. A small sample of sites includes NASA/Johnson Space Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Sysco - corporate headquarters, or the Rockets Sports Medicine Institute. Whatever your area of interest, we have something you’ll enjoy!

Distance DI: An internship designed by you! The UHDI - Distance Track is designed to allow interns to complete their supervised practice requirements in their local setting using sites and preceptors of their choice. Prospective interns must obtain agreements with qualified preceptors in the areas of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), management, community nutrition, and an elective rotation to complete their requirements. Rotations may be accomplished in more than one setting. Preceptors must be set up prior to applying to the UHDI. Sites and preceptors are subject to approval by UHDI.

M.S. Nutrition And Dietetic Internship Combined (MS/DI):

For students who have not yet earned a graduate degree, we offer a fully online non-thesis Master of Science (MS) degree in Nutrition (30 credits) which includes the dietetic internship supervised practice hours. The MS in Nutrition at the University of Houston provides a comprehensive course of study to prepare advanced practitioners in clinical nutrition, clinical management, and health & wellness. Faculty experts provide instruction on evidence-based medical nutrition therapies, advanced physical assessment skills, development and evaluation of educational programs, health, wellness, & fitness, and effective management skills for the clinical leader. If accepted to the dietetic internship, students will also be required to apply to the University of Houston graduate school.

When applying, please indicate the track(s) you are interested in. You may apply to multiple track options in the same cycle.

• Onsite DI Only
• Distance DI Only
• Onsite MS/DI
• Distance MS/DI

Program Curriculum

The curriculum for the UHDI is based on the required competencies and student-learning outcomes as mandated by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The supervised practice experience requires a minimum of 1000 hours. Rotations may be completed in varying order and consist of four broad supervised practice categories: Clinical (10 weeks), Community (8 weeks), Management (4 weeks), and Elective (4 weeks). Our one-week required orientation takes place virtually twice per year, in January and in June. Orientation consists of a series of online modules and group assignments completed ahead of orientation that are presented during orientation week along with valuable program information that will promote success during supervised practice rotations.

If you are participating in a DI Only option, this is a fast-paced program that takes place over 27 weeks, including a 1-week virtual orientation. Rotations, along with the assignments, projects, and internship meetings allow interns to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

If you are participating in an MS/DI option, supervised practice hours will be spread out over the final 3 terms of the 4-term M.S. Nutrition program. The first term of the MS/DI program will consist of course work only. The virtual orientation will take place in early June for a Spring MS/DI program start and in early January for a Fall MS/DI program start.

Click here for a list of UHDI Competencies

Master of Science in Nutrition Curriculum

UH Academic Calendar 2024-25

Program Completion Requirements

Verification Statements

Verification statements will only be issued to interns who have successfully completed BOTH the requirements of the UHDI and have earned a graduate degree. Graduates who successfully complete the MS/DI program at The University of Houston are eligible to receive a verification statement. Graduates who successfully complete the DI program at The University of Houston and have earned a graduate degree at another institution are eligible to receive a verification statement.

Verifications will be emailed to the intern approximately 3 weeks after program completion when all files have been verified. Original signed copies of the verification statements remain on file at UH indefinitely.

UHDI requirements

The intern should have completed a minimum of 1000 documented hours of supervised practice, completed the exit exam with a score of 80% or better within two attempts, returned any and all borrowed resources and submitted all required rotation documentation to an online portfolio within 60 days of successful completion of all supervised practice rotation hours.

MS in Nutrition program

The intern must have successfully completed all the requirements of the MS in Nutrition program.

Program Mission

The mission of the University of Houston Dietetic Internship (UHDI) is to provide an intensive, high quality supervised practice experiences that will prepare a wide-range of graduates for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitians Nutritionists.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Dietetic Internship program at the University of Houston is to facilitate the transition of an intern from a student to an entry-level dietitian. We have an ever-expanding array of outstanding sites geared toward training interns and preparing them for entry into the profession of dietetics. Being accepted into our program helps ensure that you will obtain the breadth and depth of experiences needed to attain your professional goals. This is an intense internship with a full work-load of a minimum 45 hours/week for 27 weeks. We strongly encourage our interns to be proactive, self-motivated, meticulous and hard working. Our goal is to see the interns as individuals ready to function independently as dietitians in any setting. Finally, we believe education should be firmly anchored in strong ethics, an appreciation for different world cultures, and lifelong service to the community. The end result of this dynamic learning environment is a professional who is fully prepared to become a leader in his or her chosen field.

Program Goal 1:

Program graduates will acquire the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to obtain professional credentials and enter dietetics practice as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

Program Objectives for Goal #1:

• At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 2 years or 6 semesters (150% of planned program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• 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 nutritionists is at least 80%.
• 80% of employers that complete the employer survey will rate UH graduates’ preparedness for entry level practice as excellent or better.

Program Goal 2:

Program graduates will feel prepared to enter the work force as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

Program Objectives for Goal #2:

• 80% of program graduates that complete the exit survey will rate themselves as excellent or better related to preparedness for entry-level practice.

Note: Program data regarding the goals and objectives are available up on request

UHDI Handbook

Download the UHDI Intern Student Handbook and Policy and Procedure Manual

Assessment of prior learning

• It is the policy of the UHDI to grant credit for prior learning to interns who can provide documentation of significant compensated work experiences that comprise the same types of learning experiences as required by the ACEND competency statements in particular emphasis areas.
• Prior learning credits are granted when there is a minimum of six months FTE paid work experience. Only hours that meet or exceed the number of required hours for a particular rotation will be considered. A maximum of 4 weeks will be waived with no partial credit allowed. There is no fee reduction.
• The request for prior learning credit consideration and all associated paperwork must be submitted at least two weeks prior to program start date. Supervisor must submit letter of corroboration including dates of employment, hours worked, responsibilities, and activities performed. Prior Learning credit is not granted for clinical rotations.
• Final determination of assessment of prior learning is at the discretion of the internship director.

Evaluation of Interns:

Interns are evaluated formally and informally throughout the program.  Beginning with orientation, interns are evaluated on completion of online modules, group projects and presentations of pathophysiology case studies and EAL investigations as well as enteral/parenteral case studies, and simulations. Interns are required to submit weekly summaries of their activities, competencies completed, hours accrued, and evaluations at the end of each rotation. The internship coordinator will review and provide informal feedback regarding intern progress. Formal written evaluations occur between the intern and preceptor at the completion of each rotation. Interns are evaluated based on the specified competencies considered essential for an entry level dietitian set by the ACEND accreditation standards.  Professional behavior and attitude are also evaluated and documented in the evaluation form.  Another evaluation is completed by each intern to provide the program with input as to the effectiveness of the program.

In the event of unsatisfactory performance during any of the rotations, the preceptor and coordinator consult to determine the format of a redirection plan to allow the intern to achieve the competencies.  Inability to accomplish that plan may result in dismissal from the program.  Interns unable to meet the standards of the program will be redirected to consider other opportunities such as the NDTR credential.

Supervised practice documentation:

Supervised practice hours are documented in the following ways:

• Orientation hours include online modules, case studies, group projects and simulation.  These hours are documented and signed by the program director.
• Rotation hours are maintained on the program time sheet for each rotation, and intern meetings. Activities that meet ACEND and UHDI required competencies are documented in an online UHDI application. These are evaluated and signed by the preceptor or directors as appropriate.
• Prior learning hours are signed off by the supervisor of the work experience.  Maximum of 40 hours per week.

Tuition and fees

DI Tuition and fees

Out-of-state interns pay the same fees as Texas residents for the DI. All payments must be received prior to starting the program. The DI tuition and fees are separate from the masters program tuition and fees.

MS Tuition and fees

Check out the MS program website for a full schedule of tuition and fees.

• Online MS in Nutrition Tuition
• UH tuition and Fees calculator

Scholarships/Fellowships

Please check the websites below for any scholarships you might be eligible for

• UH Graduate Scholarships.
• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships.
• Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

Financial Aid

If you are participating in the DI Only option, you are not eligible to receive student financial aid for DI tuition and fees. Student loans may be deferred for the duration of the internship.

Financial aid options are available for MS/DI students. Click here to learn more about financial aid options for MS/DI students.

Housing

There are a wide variety of apartment complexes located near the University of Houston and in central Houston. Moving to a central location within Houston is advantageous due to the number of internship sites possible for interns to be assigned to in the greater Houston area. Like most cities, rents depend on the location and type of complex or unit. Because this program can be challenging, housing arrangements should be made prior to starting.

Some possibilities include getting in touch with current and former interns who live in Houston. Names of the individuals can be obtained from the Dietetic Internship upon your acceptance into the program.

International Application Process

The UHDI and MS/DI are diverse programs, and we are proud to have interns coming from all backgrounds. International students are encouraged to apply to our program; however, we do advise students to make the necessary inquiries about obtaining visas for the period of the internship before applying to the program. Our Distance program options are not able to support rotation locations outside of the United States.

The UHDI Only option is a separate program from the University of Houston didactic program in dietetics (DPD) and cannot provide visas to accepted interns as the internship itself is a certificate program that does not lead to a degree. The UHDI takes no responsibility for the interns towards maintaining legal status in the US. The interns are not enrolled as UH students and hence the University does not provide F-1 (student) visas.

Please check the State department website to learn more about the various categories of visas available.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Exam

The internship helps prepare the interns for the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with review sessions and study guides. Most of our graduates pass the registration exam on their first attempt. Interns are required to successfully complete a mock Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam as a requirement of the program.

Employment

The UHDI helps to provide networking opportunities for interns and graduates both during and after completion of the internship. The UHDI helps prepare interns for job search activities (through resume development, salary negotiation advice, interview techniques, etc.) and proactively refers interns and graduates to potential employers as an ongoing service.

If you are coming to Houston for one of our onsite program options, a great advantage is the huge medical, scientific, research, education, public health, outpatient, consulting, communications, management and industrial complex. Greater Houston has upwards of 1000 registered dietitians working in a variety of jobs, ranging from hospitals and NASA to foodservice specialty companies and school districts and from research institutions to professional sports teams. The Distance program options provide the opportunity to continue building your professional network in your hometown or U.S. location of your choice.

The Southeast Region of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics boasts approximately 500 actively networking members. Many positions are available in community nutrition with increasing numbers of outpatient and wellness clinics. All of our graduates who have looked for work have generally found it quickly. Many are even offered positions at their former rotation sites.