Curriculum

The Mayo School of Health Sciences Dietetic Internship Program prepares individuals for professional practice in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies and food service management. During the program, learning experiences are provided to allow the intern to:

• Assess the nutritional status of patients with complex medical conditions, and plan,  implement, monitor and evaluate medical nutrition therapy plans.
• Manage normal nutritional needs of individuals across the life span.
• Integrate pathophysiology into medical nutrition therapy recommendations.
• Provide nutrition education to patients, staff and the public for healthy lifestyle changes.
• Participate in patient-care rounds, functioning as a member of a multidisciplinary health-care team.
• Supervise the production of food that meets specified criteria for nutrients, cost and patient acceptance.
• Apply principles of management and systems to food and nutrition facilities
• Prepare and analyze quality, financial and productivity data.
• Participate in managing human resources essential to food and nutrition service operation.
• Manage safety, security and sanitation issues related to food and nutrition facilities.
• Develop, conduct, supervise and evaluate a community-based program.
• Provide nutritional care in community-based settings.
• Participate in research activities.

Rotations
This Dietetics Internship incorporates food service, clinical and community experiences throughout north Florida. You may rotate to other facilities for experiences in:

• Community and inner-city hospital
• Long-term care facility
• Dialysis clinic
• Patient food service
  -- Traditional
  -- Room Service
• School food service
• Public Health based programs
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics
• Private nutrition practice
• Homeless shelter
• Pediatric specialty clinics
• Corporate wellness

Our interns also present nutrition programs to community audiences, thereby increasing their skills in public speaking and working with community groups.

Grading or Evaluation
Mayo School of Health Sciences uses evaluative tools that include:

• Written examination
• Demonstration of skills
• Self-assessment exercises
• Faculty reviews

Our system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a comprehensive look at individual performance, allowing students who are experiencing academic difficulty to be directed to appropriate support resources, including tutoring programs and counseling opportunities.