TTU Home Human Sciences Home NHR Home NS Home

Dietetic Internship

The Texas Tech Nutritional Sciences Program (NS) offers a Dietetic Internship Program with an optional Masters of Science degree. Our Dietetic Internship is a 10 month program. Beginning in 2010-11, the dietetic internship has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) to increase our internship to 1248 hours to meet the new 2008 guidelines. Our program has a medical nutrition therapy emphasis.

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. (Please note: We no longer have Fall matching for the Amarillo site). Rotations for both sites begin in August of each year.

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 ADA, and to take the registration examination. The TTU Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association. 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, food service management and community nutrition.

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.

Program Goals

1. The program will prepare interns to be competent for practice as entry-level dietitians.

Outcome Measures

2. The program will provide a learning environment which will foster critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Outcome Measures

3. The program will support the need for dietetic professionals within the West Texas area.

Outcome Measures

Back to Topon

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Dietetic Internship/Master’s Degree Program, all applicants must have:

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:

Currently the Dietetic Internship Program does not grant credit for prior learning experiences.

Back to Top

Application Process:

Applications to the MS/Dietetic Internship and The Graduate School are two separate processes. Completed applications must be mailed directly to the addresses given below. All application materials are the property of TTU Department of Nutrition Sciences and will not be returned to the applicant.

Listed below are explicit instructions and steps to apply to our dietetic internship. Failure to follow these steps correctly (such as not including enough copies as specified) can result in your application not being considered.

Application to TTU MS/Dietetic Internship:

  1. Submit a completed ADA Application Form. (For Lubbock site: original plus 4 copies, for Amarillo site: original plus 3 copies, if applying to both sites: original plus 7 copies)
  2. Verification Statement of Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)Program Completion or Declaration of Intent to Complete DPD/Academic Requirements (original only)
  3. Official transcripts (sealed/signed envelope) from ALL colleges and universities attended. These are in addition to the transcripts you will send to the Graduate school if you are matched with our program.
  4. Three (3) letters of recommendation (using the ADA form), two must be from college instructors in Nutrition/Dietetics. The other form may be from a work supervisor who is qualified to evaluate the applicant or from another college instructor. Each evaluation should be in a sealed envelope with the evaluator’s signature written on the sealed flap. Enclose the evaluations with the application packet. (One set of these recommendations will be enough for either site)
  5. One copy of your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
  6. A typed letter of Application using a professional/business format. Include a brief statement of your professional goals and reason(s) for your career choice, relevant personal experiences, and how you hope to contribute to and benefit from the Texas Tech Dietetic Internship Program. No more than 2 pages typed, double spaced. (For Lubbock site: original plus 4 copies, for Amarillo site: original plus 3 copies, if applying to both sites: original plus 7 copies)
  7. 1-2 page resume
  8. Describe a situation where you felt you were treated unfairly, perhaps it was a grade, a work situation or schedule, an employee evaluation, or a situation among friends and discuss how you handled the event. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer-just tell us what your experience was and what you learned from it. This must be handwritten and no more than one page. (For Lubbock site: original plus 4 copies, for Amarillo site: original plus 3 copies, if applying to both sites: original plus 7 copies)
  9. 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 the February 1st yearly deadline. If you are applying from out of state, this is very important. The selection of winners occurs after match day so the committee will know if you’ve matched with the TTU dietetic internship. Go the http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/scholarships/ for an application form and more information
  10. Site Location preference.(one copy) This typed page should include the following:

    Name
    SS #
    Site preference:
    _____Lubbock only
    _____Amarillo only
    _____will consider either site

    Please note: When you register for D&D Digital you will need to rank your preference for Lubbock and/or Amarillo. Even if you are OK with either site, you will have to rank these two choices.

    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.

Send completed application packet to :
Shelley Fillipp, M.S., RD, LD
shelley.fillipp@ttu.edu
Dietetic Internship Director
Department of Nutrition, Hospitality and Retailing
Texas Tech University
P.O. Box 41240
Lubbock, TX 79409

Application deadline: February 16, 2010

Back to Top

Application Instructions

The links below contain the standardized application and recommendation forms for Dietetic Internship Program.

It is strongly recommended that you work from a back-up of this file. Once you download the file use the 'Save As' command from the File menu to save a back-up.

If you do not have MS Office, and wish to download the file for printing, the PDF link is provided for use with the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Get Acrobat Reader

Back to Top

Application to Texas Tech University Graduate School

Submit by April 23rd 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 into the Graduate School.

  1. Submit the online Graduate School application
  2. Pay $50.00 non-refundable application fee, payable to TTU Graduate School
  3. Submit GRE scores
  4. Submit ALL official college transcripts, GRE and application fee to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Box 41030, 02 Holden Hall
Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-2781
www.gradschool.ttu.edu
gradschool@ttu.edu

NS Graduate program information/contact:
Dr. Debra Reed
College of Human Sciences, Dept of NHR
Box 41240
Lubbock, TX 79409
Debra.reed@ttu.edu

Back to Top

Computer Matching Process

February 16, 2010 Postmark deadline for application packets to TTU and computer matching materials to D & D Digital Systems (see further instructions)
April 5, 2010 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 6, 2010 Appointment Day. Applicants should telephone or fax 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 Retailing
PO Box 41240
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: 806-742-3068
Fax: 806-742-3042

Back to Top

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) and one additional 3 hour graduate class per semester.
$7894.00 for 2 semesters plus summer class $14,542.00 for 2 semesters plus summer class 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 128 days of travel to and from facilities

Back to Top

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 care insurance is necessary. A policy is available on campus if the student does not have prior coverage (see TTU website).

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 Vaccination:
Available through the Student Health Services, Thompson Hall (743-3848).
Physical exam free if enrolled in 4 credit hours or more.
$31.00 paid at Student Business Services
Vaccination: $35 per vaccination (Hepatitis B requires 3 shots)
$8 Tuberculosis test
Personal Health Policy (if not otherwise insured) - $500.00

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. Locating near the bus line is beneficial for riding into campus on class days to avoid parking congestion.

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.

Back to Top

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/

Back to Top

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 $300 to $600, 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

Back to Top

Other sites of interest about Lubbock and Texas Tech include:

General community information:
Visit Lubbock

Housing:
Lubbock Apartments

Utilities:
Lubbock Power and Light (water and electricity)
806-775-2509

Excel Energy (electricity)
806-253-2112

Atmos Energy (natural gas)
1-800-621-1867

Southwestern Bell Telephone
1-800-464-7928

Suddenlink Cable
1-806-793-2222

Texas Tech University

General Directory
College of Human Sciences
Graduate School
Student Affairs

Back to Top

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.

Description of Facilities

Lubbock (A sampling of some of the rotations)

Covenant Health System, Lubbock, Texas

Includes two urban and numerous rural hospitals and clinics in the Texas panhandle. Rotations offered include: medicine, nutrition support, pediatrics, community wellness, outpatient diabetes, oncology and cardiac rehabilitation clinics, and foodservice management.
http://www.covenanthealth.org

University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas

Associated with the Texas Tech University Medical School of Medicine and is a Level IV Trauma Center including an extensive burns and pediatric unit. Rotations include: medicine, nutrition support, pediatrics (NICU), burn unit, and foodservice management.
http://www.teamumc.org

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas

Clinics within the medical school provide specialized outpatient care. Students work in the pediatric and diabetes clinics counseling with patients, researching health conditions within the patient population, and developing appropriate nutrition education materials.
http://www.ttuhsc.edu/HCS/Diabetes/
http://www.ttuhsc.edu/SOM/Pediatrics/

Dialysis Center

A corporate outpatient dialysis unit in operating three shifts Monday- Saturday. Interns observe and assist dietitians assess/counsel hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.
http://www.fmcna.com/

Southwest Regional Skilled Nursing Center, Lubbock, Texas

Interns participate in the nutritional care of post-acute care patients who need an average of four-to-six weeks of interdisciplinary treatments and who require 24-hour nursing, medical and respiratory care. Interns participate in complex assessment, interdisciplinary meetings, and advanced nutritional support, nutrient intervention in wound care and healing. Interns are also involved in the food service operation of the facility.
For More Information

Lubbock State School

A residential facility serving as part of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. Interns spend one week learning about unique physical conditions and food service provision of the developmentally disabled. Assessment for medical and feeding needs and the interdisciplinary team methods are included.
http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis

Early Head Start, Lubbock, Texas

The Early Head Start Center is a joint project with Texas Tech University and the Lubbock Housing Authority. Interns plan and supervise the preparation of meals, monitor nutrient intake, assess children’s eating habits, and educate parents.
http://cli.uth.tmc.edu/our-programs/program-overview/TX-head-start/

Early Childhood Intervention (Lubbock Independent School)

A statewide program for families with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Interns are involved in the nutrition services offered by the program.
http://www.lubbockisd.org/ECIDEBT/

TTU Dining Services

Hospitality Services serving approximately 1,800,000 meals in four dining halls, one food court and four mini-markets within or adjacent to, each residence hall complex. Interns are involved in quantity food production, foodservice management and catering activities.
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality/

Back to Top

Amarillo (A sampling of some of the rotations)

Northwest Texas Hospital, Amarillo, Texas

A regional acute care facility with a mental illness unit and extensive outpatient clinic. Rotations offered include: pediatrics, medicine, nutrition support, and outpatient.
http://www.nwtexashealthcare.com

Baptist Saint Anthony Medical Center

An acute care hospital with a full range of medical and surgical services. Rotations offered include: medicine and outpatient clinics.
http://www.bsahs.org/services/fullservice_hospital.php

Region 16 Early Head Start Program, Amarillo

A program designed to respond to the needs of each child and family. Among others, the program services include: quality early education, modifications for special needs children, parenting education, nutrition and family support services. Interns work with nutritionist in providing nutrition services to children and their families.
http://www.amaisd.org/ece/ehs.htm

Amarillo High Plains Dialysis Center

A corporate outpatient dialysis unit in operating three shifts Monday- Saturday. Interns observe and assist dietitians assess/counsel hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.
http://www.fmcna.com/

Triumph Hospital

Interns participate in the nutritional care of post-acute care patients who need an average of four-to-six weeks of interdisciplinary treatments and who require 24-hour nursing, medical and respiratory care. Interns participate in complex assessment, interdisciplinary meetings, and advanced nutritional support, nutrient intervention in wound care and healing. Interns are also involved in the food service operation of the facility.
http://www.triumph-healthcare.com

Other Locations in the Area (Interns will travel to one of these locations)

WIC Clinic, Plainview

A nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. Interns conduct nutrition screening, assessment, counseling sessions, and nutrition education classes.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/

Back to Top

Dietetic Internship Rotations 2009-10 (Lubbock)

  # of Weeks Rotation
  Clinical
  5 or 6 Med 1: CVD, Rehab, Med/Surg (Diabetes, Cancer), Renal
    University Medical Center (6 wks)
    Covenant Medical Center (5 weeks)
  4 or 5 Med 2: Critical Care - Trauma, Cancer, Burns, MICU, CCU, TPN
    University Medical Center (5 wks)
    Covenant Medical Center (4 weeks)
  2 Outpatient Diabetes
    Diabetes Out Patient Clinic Covenant Health System (2 Wks)
    or Diabetes Out Patient Clinic Covenant Health System (2 Wks)
  1 Pediatrics (UMC)
  1 Pediatrics (TTU HSC Out-patient clinics)
  1 LT Acute Care Hospital - Southwest Regional Medical Complex
  1 Developmental Disabilities (Lubbock State School)
  1 LDialysis Clinics (So. Plains or Dialysis Center of Lubbock)
Sub-total 17  
  Management
  1 Patient Services - UMC/COV
  1 Production FSS - COV/UMC
  1 Clinical Management, COV
  2 TTU Dining Services
  1 Nursing Home Consulting - Daybreak Ventures
  1 School Food Service
Sub-total 7  
  Community
  1 Outpatient Cardiac Rehab, Covenant Lifestyles Center
  1 Joe Arrington Cancer Center, CHS
  1 ECI- LISD
  1 Early Head Start
  1 Women, Infants, and Children Program
  1 Community Outreach (ESC 1-2 days, Schools, etc)
Sub-total 6  
  Other
  1 Professional Development (Rotation of Choice)
Total 31  
31 weeks X 32 hrs/wk (Tue-Fri) = 992 hr
Plus ~28 hours of classroom instruction & 4 hrs community service

Back to Top

Dietetic Internship Rotations 2009-08 (Amarillo)

  # of Weeks Rotation
  Clinical
  5 MNT 1: Oncology, CVD, Diabetes, Rehab, Renal
    Baptist Saint Anthony
  4 MNT 2: Critical Care
    Northwest Texas Healthcare System
  3 Pediatrics
    Northwest Texas Healthcare System
  3 Long-term Care: Triumph Hospital
  1 Dialysis Clinics
Sub-total 16  
  Management
  4 Pt Services/Production/Catering Spec Events
    Baptist Saint Anthony
  1 Clinical Management
    Baptist Saint Anthony
  1 Nursing Home - Consulting
  1 Canyon ISD
Sub-total 7  
  Community
  2 Amarillo Head Start
  2 Outpatient
    Baptist Saint Anthony (Diabetes, Eating Disorders, Cardiac Rehab)
  2 Women, Infants, and Children Program
  1 ECS
Sub-total 7  
  Other
  1 Professional Development (Rotation of Choice)
Total 31  
31 weeks X 32 hrs/wk (Tue-Fri) = 992 hr
Plus ~28 hours of classroom instruction & 4 hrs community service

Back to Top