Mission Statement
The Mission of the Dietetic Internship Program is to provide graduates of accredited or approved dietetic program, quality supervised experiences that will prepare them to perform as an entry-level dietitian to make a contribution to the profession and society as a whole.
About our Internship
The Texas Tech Nutritional Sciences Program (NS) offers a Dietetic Internship Program with an optional Masters of Science degree. Our Dietetic Internship is an 11 month program, consisting of 1248 hours of supervised practice. Our program has a medical nutrition therapy emphasis. Our program currently has a 97% pass rate on the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam within the first year of completing the dietetic internship.
Application Information
- Site Information
- Dietetic Internship Rotations
- Program Goals
- Application Process
- Scholarship Information
- Admission Requirements
- Application Instructions
- Application to Texas Tech University Graduate School
- Computer Matching Process
- Estimated Expenses
- Personal Requirements
- Financial Assistance
- Housing Information
Site Information
Texas Tech University is pleased to have two internship sites: 10 intern positions in Lubbock and 4 intern positions in Amarillo. Amarillo is approximately 120 miles north of Lubbock. Both of these locations provide quality internship experiences. An applicant can apply to just one specific location or to both locations. Both of these sites are matched during the Spring. Rotations for both sites begin in mid-August of each year. Required classes for the dietetic interns:
- Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy, NS 5334, in Summer II, beginning in early July. All the interns stay in Lubbock for this class and class is completed before internship orientation and start of rotations.
- Introduction to Nutrition Research, NS 5330. This class meets the research learning outcome. For the benefit of the Amarillo interns, most of the graduate classes will be available with Microsoft Lync so that they can link with the class while staying in Amarillo.
Dietetic Interns receive a Certificate and a verification statement upon successful completion of the supervised experiences and an exit exam. Interns are then eligible to apply for full membership in The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, and to take the registration examination. The TTU Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics of the Aacademy of Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) . The graduate program awards a Master of Science degree diploma through the Graduate School (refer to graduate program requirements) once all graduate school requirements have been met.
Graduate faculty members of the NS program are instructors for the graduate courses. Registered Dietitians serve as preceptors in the areas of medical nutrition therapy, and in most areas of food service management and community nutrition.
We appreciate your interest in the Dietetic Internship and Masters Degree program at Texas Tech University. As you seek a program to achieve your professional goals, we want to provide you with essential information to help you make the right decision about your supervised practice.
Contact Dietetic Internship
Shelley Fillipp, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Director, Dietetic Internship
Texas Tech University
(806) 742-3068
shelley.fillipp@ttu.edu
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 41240
Lubbock , TX 79409-1240
Internship Facilities
Students are assigned to various facilities for clinical, food service management and community practice. Included are hospitals, community health care clinics and centers. Facilities are located in the South Plains and Panhandle region including Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview, and Pampa. These rotations enable the student to gain an understanding of the professional role and assume responsibility for applying and evaluating newly acquired competencies.
Summary of Rotations in Lubbock, TX
Summary of Rotations in Amarillo, TX
Examples of case study titles completed by interns in the past two years
Examples of case studies presented by dietetic interns
Program Goals
1. The program will prepare interns to be competent for practice as entry-level dietitians.
Outcome Measures
Over a 5 year period, the pass rate for DI graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 80%
- Over a 5 year period, 70% or more of DI graduates who sought employment in dietetics will be employed within three months of program completion.
- 100 % of the interns will complete the Dietetic Internship within 150% of the time planned for completion
- At the completion of the internship, interns will pass an exit exam with a score of 70 or above.
- Ninety percent of employed graduates will agree that the program prepared them adequately to perform as an entry-level dietitian.
- When surveyed, 90% of responding employers will agree that DI graduates are competent dietitians.
- Over a five year period, graduates of the DI will achieve an average score within 5% of the national score or better on the RD exam
2. The program will provide a learning environment which will foster critical thinking and problem solving skills. Outcome Measures
Outcome Measures
- Over a five year period, interns will score 80% or better on written and oral case studies
- When surveyed at least 90% agree that the internship helped them attain skills in oral and written communication, problem solving, and critical thinking.
- When surveyed at least 90% of employers will agree that DI graduates possessed adequate skills in oral and written communication, problem solving and critical thinking.
3. The program will support the need for dietetic professionals within the West Texas area.
Outcome Measures
- Over a 5 year period, 50% of the interns will have been employed in the West Texas area upon graduation.
- Over a 5 year period, 30% of the intern graduates will still be employed in the West Texas area, 3 years after graduation.
Application Process:
- For the Spring 2013 dietetic internship match, Texas Tech University Dietetic Internship will be participating in the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). The program may be accessed at https://portal.dicas.org, e-mail DICASinfo@DICAS.org. DICAS will be available after December 9, 2012 for the Spring 2013 Match. The on-line application must be completed for our program by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15, 2013. The fee to use DICAS is $40 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application. (see last item in this section for additional information needed for the TTU dietetic internship application in addition to DICAS application)
- When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed on-line. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
- Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a personal statement. Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
- Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
- Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career,
- What are your short-term and long-term goals?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
- 1000 Word limit
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to:
DICAS- Transcript Dept
PO Box 9118
Watertown, Ma 02472
- Applicants must also register online for computer matching at www.dnddigital.com and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15. There is a $50.00 computer matching fee.
-
Please note: When you register for DND Digital you will need to rank your preference for Lubbock and/or Amarillo site(s) . Even if you are OK with either site, you will have to rank these two choices separately.
Codes for DND Digital:
#387 Texas Tech University, Lubbock site, Lubbock, TX
#165 Texas Tech University, Amarillo site, Lubbock, TX (Since Texas Tech University is based in Lubbock, TX, that is the city shown)
If you should have questions please feel free to contact the internship director.
-
Please note: When you register for DND Digital you will need to rank your preference for Lubbock and/or Amarillo site(s) . Even if you are OK with either site, you will have to rank these two choices separately.
- Additional information needed for Texas Tech University DI Selection Committee (in addition to DICAS application). You will be able to upload all of this on to your DICAS application as a supplement for our site.
- A copy of your official GRE scores.
- A scenario response to the following situation...
- Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult/upset customer, fellow student or co-worker. How did you handle the situation? Was it resolved?.
- There is no application fee for the TTU Dietetic Internship, however you will need to pay fees to DICAS and D&D Digital.
- We do not conduct personal interviews, however, you ar eencouraged to personally visit the DI Director or visit via phone (806-742-3068), email or other digital avenues.
Scholarship Information
All applicants to our internship are strongly encouraged to apply for TTU scholarships. You cannot be considered for a scholarship unless you've applied by scholarship deadline. The scholarship application deadline is February 1st. If you are applying from out of state, this is very important. Applicants do not have to be officially admitted to a TTU graduate program when applying for our scholarships. The selection of scholarship winners occurs after match day so the committee will know if you've matched with the TTU dietetic internship. Use link below:
Scholarship Application
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Dietetic Internship/Master's Degree Program, all applicants must have:
- A verification statement indicating successful completion of all the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) academic requirements (accredited or approved by (ACEND) or Declaration of Intent to Complete DPD (obtain from your DPD Director).
- Completed a baccalaureate degree with a preferred overall grade point average of 3.0 or greater.
- Taken the GRE exam. Foreign students must submit TOFEL scores. All scores must be within 5 years of the time of application.
A minimum of 6 course work hours may be required if it has been more than 5 years since prior college enrollment.
The selection committee consisting of faculty and preceptors of the internship, will use a holistic approach when reviewing the following criteria that is available on the DICAS:
- GPA (Grade Point Average)
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score (a copy of your results can be uploaded to DICAS)
- Work and Volunteer Experiences
- Three References (at least two from faculty in the major area of study)
- Personal statement
- Scenario response (a copy of this can be uploaded to DICAS)
Currently the Dietetic Internship Program does not grant credit for prior learning experiences.
Dietetic Internship Application Instructions
- Follow directions for the DICAS application process
Application to Texas Tech University Graduate School
Submit by April 22, 2013 after you have been matched with the TTU internship. You do not need to apply to the Graduate School before the match. The recommendation letters submitted in your internship application will be used by the NS faculty for consideration and admission into the Graduate School.
Steps to follow after you have matched with the TTU dietetic internship:
- Submit the online Graduate School application
- Pay $50.00 non-refundable application fee, payable to TTU Graduate School
- Submit GRE scores (the grad school does not have access to the DICAS system). If you didn't have scores sent to TTU when you took the GRE you will have to arrange to have scores sent(additional fee)
- Submit ALL official college transcripts, GRE and application fee to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Box 41030, Administration Bldg, Room 328
Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-2781
http://www.gradschool.ttu.edu
gradschool@ttu.edu
(You will not have to submit your recommendation letters - the internship application packet recommendation letter will be used for those)
NS Graduate program information/contact:
Dr. Debra Reed
debra.reed@ttu.edu
Department of Nutrition, Hospitality and Retail Management
Texas Tech University
P.O. Box 41240
Lubbock, TX 79409
Computer Matching Process
| February 15, 2013 | Postmark deadline for application packets to TTU and computer matching materials to D & D Digital Systems (see further instructions) |
| March 31, 2013 | Notification Day. Date by which all applicants will be provided their personal matching results from D & D digital Systems via posting on the D & D Internet site at: www.dnddigital.com |
| April 2, 2013 |
Appointment Day. Applicants should telephone the Program Director to confirm the acceptance or rejection of the computer match by 5pm CST. A written confirmation is required within one week of appointment day. This can be done by e-mail or mailed directly to: Shelley Fillipp, M.S, RD/LD Dietetic Internship Director Texas Tech University Dept of Nutrition, Hospitality and Retail Management PO Box 41240 Lubbock, TX 79409 shelley.fillipp@ttu.edu Phone: 806-742-3068 Fax: 806-742-3042 |
Estimated Expenses:
The expenses listed are approximate costs. Actual costs may be more or less than these estimates. These estimated costs are based on just the cost of completing the required components of the internship, not including additional graduate classes. Living expenses are not included.
| Resident | Non-Resident | ||
|
Tuition & fees for: Advanced MNT(Summer II), Fall & Spring enrollment in internship practicum(6 hours/semester) Intercession for internship practicum, Introduction to Research and one additional 3 hour graduate class during the internship year . |
$9,516.00 (estimated) | $19,322.00 (estimated) | Tuition for graduate non-resident students living in counties adjacent to Texas who are legal residents of Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma enjoy reduced fees. Go to Graduate School for more information on expenses. |
| Texts and Supplies | $300 | $300 | Per year |
| Liability Insurance | $14.50 | $14.50 | One-time expense |
| Criminal Background check | $25.00 | $25.00 | One-time expense |
| ADA Membership | $49.00 | $49.00 | Annual fee |
| Lab Coat (1-2) | $30-60 | $30-60 | One-time expense |
| ID Badge | $10.00 | $10.00 | One-time expense |
| TDA State Meeting | $200-250 | $200-250 | Estimated expense |
| Immunization Fee | Varies | Varies | |
| Physical Exam Fee | Varies | Varies | |
| Transportation Costs | Varies | Varies | 156 days of travel to and from facilities. Must provide your own transportation |
| DI Policy & Procedure Book | $40 | $40 | One-time expense |
Personal Requirements
Health
Excellent physical health is essential to keep up with the program rigor of class-work and facility training. Students provide an example of health to others and serve as role models for the dietetic profession. Medical health insurance is necessary. A policy is available on campus if the student does not have prior coverage (see TTU website or following link: https://www.academichealthplans.com/ttu/2012-2013/
The Texas Tech University School of Medicine operates the Student Health Services for all students of the University. The clinic is located in the Student Wellness Center at 1003 Flint Avenue and provides a walk-in ambulatory service which supplies medical care of the scope expected of a family physician's office. Inpatient medical care is not provided by the Student Health Clinic. When hospitalization is required, one of several excellent hospitals in the community can be utilized.
Physical Exam and health requirements:
- Physical Exam -paperwork needed will be ent to intern after matching
- Proof of negative Two Step PPD (TB Test) within three months of beginning internship
- Proof of titers (blood tests) showing immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, pertussis and hepatitis B(copes of shot records are no longer accepted)
- Tetanus vaccination within 10 years
A total of five days (40 practicum hours) will be allowed for illness or emergency leave. Missed competencies may require additional make up hours. Extended illness may require extension of rotation weeks beyond the announced program completion date.
Professional Dress
Interns are expected to maintain a professional standard of dress and conform to the established dress code at all times during the rotations. Dress codes are clarified for each rotation. For the most part, business casual clothing is required along with a white staff coat at some facilities. In some rotations, enclosed shoes are required for health and safety reasons. Flat shoes are highly suggested for all rotations.
Transportation
A limited city bus system operates in the Lubbock area and Amarillo area.
Transportation to the facilities is the responsibility of the intern. Due to the size of the community and the outlying locations of some of the rotations, a reliable car is necessary to complete the rotations. Students are responsible for the automobile insurance.
Liability Insurance
Interns are required to purchase malpractice insurance before the initiation of the supervised experiences. The director will provide instructions for the purchase of this insurance through a university contract.
Academic Common Market Program
Texas Tech participates in the Academic Common Market, a reciprocal agreement for sharing uncommon curricula.
Ph.D./R.D. students from Kentucky may qualify for resident tuition.
Financial Assistance
Several avenues of financial assistance are available. Contact the Texas Tech financial aid office (806) 742-0000 for information on grants and loans. You may also visit their website at: http://www.financialaid.ttu.edu/
Out of state students who receive scholarships, qualify to pay resident tuition fees. A limited number of graduate part-time assistantships are available to teach or assist faculty in research projects.
Additional departmental scholarship funds may also be available for students. Prospective
interns may apply for a scholarship for the year. A scholarship application form
is due to the College of Human Sciences by February 1, and is available for download
and printing at:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/scholarships.php
or
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/scholarships
Financial assistance may also be sought through:
Texas Dietetic Association Foundation
http://www.tdaf.nutrition4texas.org/tdaf/
American Dietetic Association Foundation
http://www.adaf.org/
Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships at TTU
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/scholarships/
TTU Office of Student Financial Aid
http://www.financialaid.ttu.edu/
Housing Information
Many options are available for housing. Information about university housing, including room rates, meal plans, and programs can be accessed at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/. Dormitories are closed during semester breaks.
Off campus housing is plentiful with apartments and rental houses ranging from $500 to $800, depending on size, location, and degree of furnishing. Additional information is available by writing to: Student Association, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 42032, Lubbock, Texas 79409. A guide to apartments and rental units will be sent on request. The Red Tape Cutting Center, located in the University Center, maintains a broad listing of rental, sales and roommate possibilities. The local newspaper is online at http://www.lubbockonline.com