Baylor University Medical Center's Dietetic Internship offers a nine-month dietetic internship (DI) and a 21-month Masters of Clinical Nutrition and dietetic internship (MCN/DI)
 

The Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, Dietetic Internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
 

The program’s mission is to provide an atmosphere in which the dietetic intern can apply and augment the knowledge base acquired from the academic setting. The program strives to prepare qualified registered dietitian nutritionists for entry-level practice by imparting to each student the educational standards established by ACEND.

Informational sessions and campus tours

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual informational session or schedule an on-campus tour. These sessions as well as individual time with the program director may be scheduled on the internship bookings calendar.

Book a session or tour

Our programs

Non-degree option: DI

The DI-only option is a 9-month program that provides at least 1,054 hours of supervised practice for individuals who have earned a graduate degree or are enrolled in a graduate degree program that will be completed within one year of completing the internship.

Graduates must meet all degree requirements as set forth by the university in which they are enrolled and complete all dietetic internship program requirements to be eligible to receive a verification statement.

Graduate degree program must meet the graduate degree criteria checklist to ensure the degree plan will support completion of supervised practice.

The DI option will select up to 12 individuals (number of available positions will be contingent on the enrollment size of the MCN/DI for a maximum of 12 individuals in supervised practice per year).

Interns will enter supervised practice in August of the cohort in which they are selected. Interns entering the program while enrolled in graduate school may opt to begin supervised practice in year two and complete graduate school in year one to ensure a graduate degree is completed within one year of completing the program.

Interns may apply in the Spring 2027 selected for the following supervised practice cohorts:

  • August 9, 2027 – May 17, 2028
  • August 7, 2028 – May 16, 2029 (recommended for interns who will have earned less than 12 hours of graduate credit by May 2027)


 

Degree-granting option: MCN/DI

The MCN/DI is a 21-month program and includes graduate studies through Texas A&M University (on College Station campus) and at least 1,054 hours of supervised practice (at Baylor University Medical Center and the surrounding Dallas-Ft. Worth area) with an emphasis on clinical nutrition for 12 individuals annually.

Graduates of the program must complete all coursework and project requirements of the Masters of Clinical Nutrition and supervised practice to be eligible to receive a verification statement to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. A pre-select option is available for graduates of Texas A&M’s DPD program to the MCN/DI.

Participation in a live informational virtual session and/or an on-site tour is strongly encouraged to learn more about our programs and can be scheduled on the program bookings website.

Interns enrolled in the MCN/DI will follow the academic calendar set forth by Texas A&M for year one of graduate school. Interns will begin supervised practice in August of year two of the program and will follow the supervised practice calendar.

Credentialing and licensure

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 AM Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website.

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 Baylor University 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.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. 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.

Apply for a new dietitian license
About educational pathways to become an RDN
Information about state licensure and certification
Information on licensure in Texas
RD examination eligibility requirements

Curriculum and program information

Baylor University Medical Center’s internship program meets the core competencies required by ACEND designed to provide the required knowledge and skills for entry-level practice. These competencies are taught on an individualized level utilizing a variety of teaching methods. The interns complete weekly rotations, special projects, and attend a weekly classes throughout the year to augment the intern’s current knowledge and to prepare the intern for hands-on experiences. Participation in professionally sponsored activities is required (e.g. Northeast Regional Academy of Nutrition meetings). The program coordinates a Mentor/Mentee Program to provide each intern with a mentor for ongoing support and guidance during the year.

Program goals


Our internship has three primary goals. A detailed summary of the program's outcomes may be requested by sending an email to Karen.Geismar@BSWhealth.org.

Goal #1: The program will prepare graduates to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists. 

  • Program completion:
    • DI Only: At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 13.5 months (150% of program length).
    • MCN/DI: At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 31.5 months (150% of program length).
    • Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation
    • At least 90 percent 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%.
    • At least 95 percent of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates are well prepared for entry level practice.
    • At least 95 percent of graduates will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” thatgraduates are well prepared for entry level practice.

Goal #2: The program will prepare graduates who demonstrate professionalism and continued learning. 

  • At least 90 percent of employers will respond “agree” to “strongly agree” that graduates demonstrate professionalism.
  • At least 80 percent of graduates responding to a survey are members of professional organizations.

Goal #3:  The program will prepare graduates who demonstrate a commitment to community service. 

  • At least 50 percent of graduates responding to a survey are involved in community service. 

How to apply

We use the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) to accept applications, transcripts and other supporting application materials.

Application deadline is February 1, 2027.

Apply now at DICAS


 


 

Final acceptance is contingent on:

  • Submission of a Verification Statement of Completion of Academic requirements and official transcript(s) from the college(s) in which the DPD requirements and graduate degree (if applying to DI only option) were completed within 30 days of the start date of the program.
  • Passing a post-offer background verification and the Employee Health Services pre-employment screening for substance abuse and nicotine. Individuals also must demonstrate proof of vaccination against preventable disease, prior to the start of the program. Any adverse findings may result in candidate being denied final acceptance in the Dietetic Internship Program.
  • Proof of insurance. Health insurance is required of all students. Students must acquire insurance on their own. Proof of automobile liability insurance for travel is required of all students. Professional liability insurance can be obtained for one year. Information regarding where the professional liability insurance can be obtained will be provided prior to the internship.

Application requirements

In addition to the required documentation in DICAS, provide the following documentation with your application:

  • Personal statement addressing the following:
    • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
    • What are some 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?
    • What is your reason(s) for wanting to come to Baylor University Medical Center?
  • Three letters of recommendation: two professors in food and nutrition and one current or recent employer
  • Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent of DPD requirements
  • Virtual interviews will be scheduled with candidates of interest prior to March 1.

Program-specific admission requirements

Dietetic Internship

  • Verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian education program (FDE) completion or declaration of intent to complete the DPD requirements prior to 8/11/25.
  • Graduate Degree:
    • Earned at least a graduate degree granted by a U.S. accredited college/university or foreign equivalent as verified by a Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) approved nonprofit agency (approved nonprofit agencies available at ACEND website).
      • or
    • Enrolled in a graduate degree program that will be completed within one year of completing the dietetic internship. Graduate degree program must meet the Graduate Degree Criteria Checklist to ensure the degree plan will support completion of supervised practice.
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, with a science GPA of 3.25 or better preferred.
  • GRE is NOT required

MCN/DI

  • Earned at least a bachelor’s degree granted by a U.S. accredited college/university or foreign equivalent as verified by a Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) approved nonprofit agency (approved nonprofit agencies available at ACEND website).
  • Verification Statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian education program (FDE) completion or declaration of intent to complete the DPD requirements prior to 8/12/24.
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, with a science GPA of 3.25 or better preferred.
  • GRE is NOT required
  • Application to Texas A&M graduate school is required to MATCHED individuals only and is not required prior to match day. International students must meet requirements for international students including minimum TOEFL sores. Minimum requirements for graduate school are found here

Online payment options

Internship tuition payment

Pay here



NICU Advanced Practice program fee

Program information: This program provides participants with hands on training in neonatal nutrition assessment and medical nutrition therapy for low birth weight and/or premature infants. The 3-day program will be tailored to meet individual learning needs and goals. Attendees will work one on one with Baylor University Medical Center neonatal dietitians.

For more information contact Heather.Hendrikson@BSWHealth.org

Who should attend: Registered Dietitians who are employed within a neonatal intensive care unit or those desiring to develop or expand their role in the unit.

Pay here $650

Accreditation status

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR). ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education.

The Baylor University Medical Center Dietetic Internship (BUMC DI) Program is accredited by ACEND. The BUMC DI Program is accredited through June 2033 and is currently in the process of seeking reaccreditation.

ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper. This recognition affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND is also a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) and abides by its code of good practice.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600 ext. 5400
Website: http://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND
Email: ACEND@eatright.org

Contact us

Karen Geismar MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Dietetic Internship Director

Email: Karen.Geismar@BSWHealth.org

Baylor University Medical Center
Roberts Hospital 
3500 Gaston Ave.
Dallas, TX 75246

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