Dietetic Internship (MS/DI program)
Dietetic Internship Contact Information
Director
Dietetic Internship
Jean Cerami
M.S., R.D., L.D.
jcerami@unm.edu
Assistant Director
Dietetic Internship
Diana Gonzales-Pacheco
D.C.N., R.D., L.D.
dgonza21@unm.edu
The dietetic internship at the University of New Mexico began in 1989 as an approved pre-professional practice program. In 1997, the program was changed to a dietetic internship. Percent of testers passing within one year of first attempt, since 2021, is 90.5%. Program outcomes data are available on request. The combined Master of Science degree/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) program at the University of New Mexico offers interns the opportunity to complete the advanced degree and supervised practice necessary for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Interns must have a bachelor’s degree as well as Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework requirements accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics before starting the MS/DI.
The MS/DI track is a two-year program that includes a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice in the areas of clinical dietetics, research, community, and management nutrition. The program also requires successful completion of the 36 credit (coursework only) or 39 credit (thesis) master’s degree. Interns must apply to the MS in Nutrition program and the DI concurrently. If they have a master’s degree, verified with an official transcript, when they apply, the MS portion of the program may be waived.
Interns must successfully complete all competencies for each supervised practice rotation and all requirements for the MS degree. Upon successfully completion interns will be issued an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Verification Statement indicating their eligibility to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists.
Program Mission
The mission of the Master of Science/Dietetic Internship is to develop culturally competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists qualified to practice in the field of dietetics and to conduct/interpret nutrition research.
The DI has a clinical concentration and will provide experience required to manage patients in clinical settings. It will also provide experiences in the management, community, and research areas of dietetics. The program combines didactic and supervised practice experiences to help interns acquire critical judgment and the capacity for discovery and apply these skills in dietetic practice. The program links theory and practice and provides students the opportunity to use the research process. Upon successful completion of the MS/DI, graduates will be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Application Information
2025-2026
Note: UNM is participating in the DICAS Application Process.
Selection Criteria
The dietetic internship class size is limited to 6-8 interns per year. Students will be selected on the basis of academic achievement and ability, work/volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal attributes that contribute to successful professional development.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree and fulfilled the requirements of a ACEND accredited didactic program in dietetics before the DI Program begins. (NOTE: If your Verification of Completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics Statement is more than five years old, additional coursework may be required prior to admission to the DI Program. Contact the program director for information.) A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 is required.
Accreditation Status
The dietetic internship at the University of New Mexico is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040, ext. 5400, www.eatright.org
