Nutrition Diagnostics Dietetic Internship
Get the hands-on training you need to achieve your career in nutrition.
$61,270
Median Wage*
1,216
hours of supervised practice in 10 1/2 months
12
hours of master's level credit
96%
Job Placement Rate**
11%
Projected Job Growth*
*Wage and job growth based on Statistics from Bureau of Labor Statistics.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Cox College follows local, state, and federal guidelines relating to the COVID viruses, as well as adheres to CoxHealth guidelines. Given the ongoing dynamic state of the pandemic, guidelines may change. Refer to the link below for FAQs regarding specific COVID procedures for Cox College.
About the Program
The Nutrition Diagnostics Dietetic Internship program is an advanced practice approach to nutrition diagnostics. Combined with our master’s degree coursework, this internship will prepare you with innovative problem solving skills to meet the demands of a registered dietitian nutritionist in an ever-changing healthcare landscape. Our program’s unique concentration in prevention will equip you with the practice skills you need to take the lead in emerging industry trends and priorities.
The internship includes both didactic and supervised practice components, earning you 12 hours toward a master’s degree in nutrition diagnostics. Plus, you’ll have all the knowledge and training you need to qualify for and ace the registration exam for dietitians. After you graduate, you have the option to apply to the Master of Science in Nutrition Diagnostics (MND) program and complete your degree.
Your DI Experience:
Throughout your 10 1/2 month internship, you will gain foundational and advanced skills to succeed as a registered dietitian. One day a week you’ll attend classes. You’ll spend the rest of the week in supervised practice rotation.
Through discussion, case studies, literature review, and small group work you’ll build a foundation of using diagnostic codes to write diagnostic statements and develop intervention strategies. The supervised clinical experience will provide an in-depth look at the role of nutrition in enhancing the wellness and management of your patients’ health. As you grow in skill, you’ll learn to administer the global nutrition-focused physical exam and treat nutrition-specific problems like protein-calorie malnutrition.
Apply now and complete your heroic journey of becoming a highly trained professional in the field of nutrition diagnostics!
". . . the Cox College Dietetic Internship program gave me an edge in the realm of clinical nutrition. The knowledge, skills and abilities I learned in my internship still help me conduct my duties as a dietitian."
Adam Pruett, MHA, RDN, LD
Master’s Degree Required
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require 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 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.
Coursework & Supervised Practice Requirements
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 Cox College are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
Licensure Requirements
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.
Find out how to apply to the DI program at Cox College.
- Admission to the ND programs requires concurrent admission to the Cox College Graduate Department. Applicants must complete two different online application forms, one for the internship (DICAS system – see below) and one for the Cox College Graduate Department.
- In addition, before beginning a program, all students must provide official transcripts showing completion of at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and also a signed verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.
- The programs utilize the online DICAS application system and D&D Digital computer matching application process:
- The programs utilize the on-line centralized internship application, DICAS, e-mail DICASinfo@DICAS.org.
- Applicants must register online at dnddigital.com, pay the computer match fee by credit card, enter their contact information, and Dietetic Internship preferences by 11:59 pm Central Time February 15, 2021.
- The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first application submitted and $25 for each additional application.
- Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to: DICAS – Transcript Dept., PO Box 9118, Watertown, MA, 02472.
- 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 the completion of a reference form. The form will be completed online. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
- Applicants must also register online with D&D Digital for computer matching and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 pm Central Time on February 15. There is a $55 computer matching fee. The matching code for Cox College is 815. For more information on the computer matching process go to www.dnddigital.com, or contact them at:
D Digital Systems, Inc.
304 Main Street, Suite 301
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: 515-292-0490
Below is the matching calendar, including student responsibilities:
Spring 2021 Computer Match Calendar
| Date and Time | Action |
| Monday, April 5th at 11:00 am CT | Notification Day. Match results available on D&D Digital. |
| Tuesday, April 6th at 11:00 am the time zone of the program | Appointment Day. Matched applicants must notify program of acceptance of match by this time. |
| Tuesday April 6th at 6:00 pm CT
|
Interim Match Period Occurs: Dietetic Internship program directors with available openings can review the list of unmatched applicants to see if any qualified applicants they originally entered on the D&D Digital website are listed. Dietetic Internship program directors may contact and invite any of those applicants on their original list who did not match to attend their program. |
| Wednesday, April 7th at 8:00 pm CT | Interim Match Period Ends: All appointments of the Dietetic Internship’s own unmatched applicants must be confirmed by applicants to dietetic internship program directors. |
| Thursday, April 8th at 11:00 am CT | All Dietetic Internship Directors and Didactic Program Directors may access the current Match/No Match list of applicants who authorized their names to be released. |
Applicant Requirements
- Provide an AND Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent to Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) – submitted with the DICAS online application.
- Provide official transcripts showing completion of at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (bachelor’s degree must be completed before beginning program in August) – submitted with the DICAS online application.
- Request three (3) letters of recommendation – submitted with the DICAS online application.
- DPD Director
- Food, Nutrition or Dietetics Professor/Instructor
- Work supervisor – preferably in food, dietetics area
- Provide a resume or curriculum vita – submitted with the DICAS online application
- Provide a 1-2 page personal statement addressing the following – submitted with the DICAS online application.
-
- Describe the significant professional responsibilities you have held.
- State your professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in this MND program.
- Describe your strengths that will help you succeed in the program and in reaching your professional goals.
- Indicate your personal practice interests as specifically as possible, including any previous practice experience you may have acquired.
- Demonstration of good communication skills, professionalism, self-direction, flexibility, potential to complete the entire curriculum, and motivation to work in a fast-paced academic program and site environment.
- Describe weaknesses and/or opportunities for improvement
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the sciences is strongly recommended.
- Completion of statistics course for admission into the Graduate Department.
- Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is not required.
- Apply online for admission into the Cox College Graduate Department, ND via the AND DICAS system by February 15th.
Selection Procedure
Selection of the successful applicants is made by a committee composed of the MND Chair, college faculty and internship preceptors who are RDs. Selection of the successful applicants is based on the committee’s assessment of the individual’s potential in the program and potential as a practicing dietitian. The committee will use grade point average (overall, science, MND/nutrition core courses), the personal statement, past work experience (employment in nutrition/dietetics in the past three (3) years is emphasized), and letters of recommendation as well as face to face or video conferencing interviews (conducted for students who are greater than 250 miles from Springfield) to make this assessment. Additional screening/evaluation pieces may be required and have associated fees. This selection process also follows the rules governing the computer matching process used by AND in cooperation with D&D Digital Systems.
-
- Note: Admission to the graduate program in the College does not grant a student admission to the program. ND program applications are reviewed by a selection committee after admission to the graduate program. Program appointments are awarded on a competitive basis through computer matching process used by AND in co-operation with D&D Digital Systems, Ames, IA. Following computer matching appointment, students must pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
| Semester | Didactic Courses | Supervised Practice Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | MND 535: Nutrition Diagnostics &Assessment 1 – 3 credit hours | MND 526 - DI Supervised Practice I |
| MND 552 - Medical Nutrition Therapy in Chronic Disease – 3 credit hours | ||
| Spring | MND 502: Nutrition Counseling and Education Methods –3 credit hours | MND 527 - DI Supervised Practice II |
| MND 541: Nutrition Diagnostics & Assessment 2 – 3 credit hours | MND 528 - DI Supervised Practice III | |
| Summer | MND 529 - DI Supervised Practice IV |
The Nutrition Diagnostics Programs follow the Cox College academic calendar including scheduled breaks for Fall break, Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, and Spring break. The academic calendar is available here.
| Cost Breakdown | |
| Tuition: 12 graduate credits | $7,260 |
| Internship fee | $10,000 |
| Cox College application fee | $50 |
| AND DICAS application fee | $50 for first application ($25/each after) |
| D & D matching fee | $50 |
| Program acceptance, drug test/criminal background fee | $175 |
| Technology fee | $160/semester/term |
| Student Services fee | $65/credit hour |
| Lab fee | $160 per course |
| Course transfer evaluation fee | $50 per course |
| Student Government Association fee | $10/semester |
| Graduation Fee | $150 |
| Other expenses & approximate costs* | |
| Trajecsys | $100 |
| Zotero | $30 |
| MyClinicalExchange | $37 |
| Lab coats | $40/varies |
| Magnifier | $125 |
| Textbooks | $50-400/semester |
| Housing | $300-500/month |
| Transportation | Varies |
| AND student member fee | $58 |
| Total for 10.5 month program: | |
| Tuition and fees | $18,390* |
| Additional costs (includes estimated living costs) | $6,953* |
| Total estimated costs (varies given above) | $25,343* |
*Expenses listed are not an official quote and are provided as a guide only.
Financial Aid Information
The dietetic internship does not meet criteria for Federal Student Aid. Financial Aid is available in the form of private student loans and scholarships.
Scholarships
Cox College awards over $243,000 in scholarships from the CoxHealth Foundation and the CoxHealth Auxiliary. This is made possible by our loyal supporters. See the Cox College Financial Aid and Bursar Information page for more information.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, through its many association groups, offers a variety of scholarships to individuals pursuing degrees in food and nutrition related areas. General scholarship and educational stipend information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, the dietetic practice groups and affiliate (state) and district dietetic associations can be accessed from the respective group’s website:
Our Mission
The Cox College Master’s in Nutrition Diagnostics/Dietetic Internship and Nutrition Diagnostics Dietetic Internship are dedicated to excellence in the preparation of competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists committed to serving their communities, their profession and to transforming the future of nutrition in healthcare.
Our Philosophy
To structure a learning environment to promote critical thinking and inquiry, self-improvement, self-reliance, collaboration and lifelong learning.
Goal #1 – Prepare graduates to become competent entry level dietitians
| 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% |
| 90 % of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion |
| 80% of employers will rate graduate preparation for the profession as adequately or well prepared |
| At least 90% of program interns complete the program within 2 years and 9 months (planned program is 22 months). (MND/DI) |
Goal #2 – Develop skill in the nutrition diagnostic approach to the practice of clinical nutrition
| 80% of employers will rate graduate practice experiences in nutrition diagnostics as adequate or very adequate |
| 80% of graduates will rate preparation in nutrition diagnostics as adequate or well prepared |
| Of graduates who seek employment, 70 % are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. |
Goal #3 – Prepare graduates to effectively utilize current and pertinent scientific literature in practice as a clinical nutrition practitioner
| 80% of employers will agree/strongly agree that graduates are able to incorporate scientific research in their clinical practice |
| 80% of graduates will agree/strongly agree that they feel competent to evaluate and incorporate current and relevant literature in their clinical practice |
| 25% of graduates will pursue advanced/specialty positions/certifications or further graduate education over a 5 year period |
Goal #4 – Support the need for clinical nutrition practitioners in southwest Missouri and the Midwest region.
| 25% of graduates will seek employment in southwest Missouri or the Midwest region |
| At least 90% of program interns complete the program within 2 years and 9 months (planned program is 22 months). (MND/DI) |
| 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% |
| 90 % of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion |
| Of graduates who seek employment, 70 % are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. |
Program outcomes data are available on request.
| Supervised Practice Experience | Minimum Practice Hours |
| Year 1 Fall | |
| Supervised Practice Rotations | 416 |
| Year 1 Spring | |
| Supervised Practice Rotations | 424 |
| Year 1 Summer | |
| Supervised Practice Rotations | 160 |
| Throughout Program | |
| Additional supervised practice activities | 64 |
| Alternate supervised practice experiences | 152 |
| Total Supervised Practice Hours | 1216 hours |
The Additional Supervised Practice Experiences are accrued over the length of the program. This allows for students to choose some events and/or rotations in which they have a particular interest. In addition, it includes some required events that do not fit into the typical workday or work week. Examples of additional community experiences include Price Cutter food demos, KGBX Women’s Show, Legislative Day, Midwest Dairy Farm Tour & Media Training, National Nutrition Month projects, and CoxHealth Nutrition blog posts.
In addition, students are required to attend/complete 2 continuing education opportunities, including at least one Southwest Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics meeting and either an online CEU or CoxHealth journal club; Attendance does not count towards supervised practice hours but meets competency CDR 2.9.
Successful Completion
The ACEND competencies reflect the minimal level of expertise the intern must achieve as stated in the Cox College Nutrition Diagnostics Department Student Handbook. In addition to the minimal level of expertise required by ACEND, satisfactory performance is required in the following if a student wishes to receive a verification statement and graduate degree from Cox College (verification statement granted upon completion of all of the criteria listed below):
- Satisfactory completion of all supervised practice rotations, as evaluated by ND program director, college faculty and preceptors
- Achieving competence in Nutrition Diagnostics as measured by the program concentration specific nutrition diagnostic competency
- Attendance at all required internship/program meetings, including, but not limited to, Southwest Missouri Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics meetings
- Satisfactory completion of all courses required in the ND-DI plan of study
- Graduate GPA of 2.7 or greater
- Completion of all other degree requirements
- Successful passing of ND-DI Comprehensive Exams
Note – the maximum time allowed to complete all program requirements (defined above as successful completion) is 3 years.
Successful completion of the program should equip the student with the skills and ability to apply the knowledge in nutrition and dietetics as measured by the Registration Examination for Dietitians. The graduate of Cox College’s Nutrition Diagnostics-Dietetic Internship program is prepared to practice in multiple areas of dietetics, including foodservice systems management, therapeutic clinical practice, and normal and preventive nutrition in a variety of settings. The program concentration and Master’s in nutrition diagnostics will prepare the graduate for an emerging area of clinical practice.
Following graduation, the student has the option to apply to be admitted to the stand-alone Master of Science in Nutrition Diagnostics(MND) and finish coursework that will result in the MND degree.
This Dietetic Internship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is designed to meet the eligibility requirements for the registration examination for dietitians. Education programs and supervised practice programs must be ACEND-accredited. Registered dietitian exam requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and include:
- Completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
- Completion of an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) (minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours)
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 1-800-877-1600 x5400
Cox College programs are accredited by the North Central Higher Learning Commission
Participation in the ACEND Preselect Option serves to assist the Nutrition Diagnostics Department and the ND-DI to:
- To increase the number of Registered Dietitians in the Southwest Missouri region;
- To attract qualified dietetic students from the region to Cox College;
The ND-DI is accredited to accept 10 students on an annual basis. The program offers a maximum of four (4) preselect spots to Missouri State University students and three (3) to a College of the Ozarks student. The criteria and processes for each program are outlined below.
MSU Preselection Admission Option
The purpose of the preselect dietetic internship admission option is to offer four (4) qualified Missouri State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) students priority consideration for early application and admission to the Cox College Nutrition Diagnostics Dietetic Internship program (ND-DI).
Students will apply during their senior year for direct admission into the program to start in the academic year following graduation (Fall semester start). Final acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of the DPD program and Bachelor of Science program requirements and maintenance of required GPAs, as described below. Students applying to the preselect admission option will commit to attending the ND-DI the Fall semester following undergraduate completion and bypass the online centralized application (DICAS) and the D&D Digital Systems computer matching process.
Guidelines and Criteria for MSU students applying to the ND-DI:
- Completion of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry courses within the past five years
- Minimum of a 3.3 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) from the completed courses in the MSU dietetic program (or transferred into the program)
- Must meet the December 1 deadline for completion of the ND-DI Preselect Application
- All courses required for the ACEND Verification Statement must be included in the dietetics plan of study included in the application
- Must have no more than 2 grades of ‘C’ in the following science courses:
- Elements of Microbiology – 3 credits
- Human Anatomy – 4 credits
- Human Physiology – 4 credits
- Introduction to Biochemistry – 3 credits;
- Must have no less than a grade of ‘B’ in the following nutrition core courses:
- Introduction to Nutrition – 3 credits
- Nutrition Throughout the Life Span – 3 credits
- Nutrition Assessment – 3 credits
- Nutrition Counseling – 2 credits
- Human Nutrition and Metabolism – 3 credits
- Medical Nutrition Therapy I – 4 credits
- Medical Nutrition Therapy II – 4 credits
- Introduction to Research in Dietetics – 1 credit; and
- Must have a satisfactory performance in a face to face interview with the ND-DI Selection Committee
Preselect Application Process:
- Interested applicants must submit the Cox College ND-DI Preselect Application materials to the ND-DI program director by December 1
- Applicant must submit the following electronically:
- Evidence of meeting the minimum academic requirements from an ACEND-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics by a ‘Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree.’
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and showing completion of program coursework (see criteria for details)
- A 1-2-page personal statement addressing the following:
- Describe the significant professional responsibilities you have held.
- State your professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in the ND-DI program.
- Describe your strengths that will help you succeed in the program and in reaching your professional goals.
- Indicate your personal practice interests as specifically as possible, including any previous practice experience you may have acquired.
- Demonstration of good communication skills, professionalism, self-direction, flexibility, potential to complete the entire curriculum, and motivation to work in a fast-paced academic program and site environment.
- Describe weaknesses and/or opportunities for improvement
- 3 letters of recommendation from the following:
- DPD Director
- Food, Nutrition or Dietetics Professor/Instructor
- Work supervisor – preferably in food, dietetics area
- Resume which includes work experience and involvement in college and/or community activities.
Submit applications to the ND-DI program director:
Kristen Williams, Kristen.Williams@coxcollege.edu
Email subject line should read: MSU Preselect application
Preselect Selection Process:
- Applications will be reviewed by the ND-DI Selection Committee upon receipt of application materials.
- Qualified applicants will have a face to face interview.
- Selection of successful applicants is based on the committee’s assessment of the individual’s potential in the program and potential as a practicing dietitian. The committee will use grade point average (overall, science, MNT/nutrition core courses), the personal statement, past work experience (employment in nutrition/dietetics in the past 3 years is emphasized), letters of recommendation and face to face interviews to make this assessment.
- Meeting minimum requirements for the Preselect ND-DI Admission Option does not guarantee acceptance into the ND-DI Program.
- The total number of preselect positions is four (4) annually.
- Students are accepted into the ND-DI for the academic year (Fall start) immediately following completion of their undergraduate requirements.
- Once a student accepts an intern position in the ND-DI, their name is submitted to D&D Digital, making the accepted student ineligible to participate in computer matching.
- Admittance in the ND-DI is contingent on the student maintaining the GPA outlined in the ‘Guidelines and Criteria for MSU students applying to the ND-DI’ section.
Preselect Applicant Notification:
- Applicants will receive notification via email from the ND-DI program director of acceptance or rejection into the ND-DI by January 28th
- Written confirmation via email to the Dietetic Internship Director of acceptance or rejection of the internship position is required by January 29th
- Students admitted into the ND-DI program must apply for formal acceptance into the graduate department at Cox College. Application and acceptance fees will be required.
Note: Students not granted preselect status may apply to the ND-DI, the MND/DI or other programs via the D & D Systems computer matching process.
Participation in the ACEND Preselect Option serves to assist the Nutrition Diagnostics Department and the ND-DI to:
- To increase the number of Registered Dietitians in the Southwest Missouri region;
- To attract qualified dietetic students from the region to Cox College;
The ND-DI is accredited to accept 10 students on an annual basis. The program offers a maximum of four (4) preselect spots to Missouri State University students and three (3) to a College of the Ozarks student. The criteria and processes for each program are outlined below.
College of the Ozarks Preselection Admission Option
The purpose of the preselect dietetic internship admission option is to offer three (3) qualified College of the Ozarks (C of O) Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) student priority consideration for early application and admission to the Cox College Nutrition Diagnostics Dietetic Internship program (ND-DI).
Students will apply during their senior year for direct admission into the program. Final acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of the DPD program and Bachelor of Science program requirements and maintenance of required GPAs, as described below. Students applying to the preselect admission option will commit to attending the ND-DI the academic year (Fall semester start) following undergraduate completion and bypass the online centralized application (DICAS) and the D&D Digital Systems computer matching process.
Guidelines and Criteria for C of O students applying to the ND-DI:
- Completion of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry courses within the past five years
- Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) from the completed courses in the C of O dietetic program (or transferred into the program)
- Must meet the December 1 deadline for completion of the ND-DI Preselect Application
- All courses required for the ACEND Verification Statement must be included in the dietetics plan of study included in the application
- Must have no more than 2 grades of ‘C’ in the following science courses:
- Medical Microbiology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- General, Organic, Biochemistry I
- General, Organic, Biochemistry II
- Must have no less than a grade of ‘B’ in the following nutrition core courses:
- Contemporary Nutrition or Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Child Nutrition
- Community Nutrition
- Medical Terminology
- Nutrition Care Process/Education/Counseling
- Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Must have a satisfactory performance in a face to face interview with the ND-DI Selection Committee
Preselect Application Process:
- Interested applicants must submit the Cox College ND-DI Preselect Application materials to the ND-DI program director by December 1
- Applicant must submit the following electronically:
- Evidence of meeting the minimum academic requirements from an ACEND-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics by a ‘Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree.’
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and showing completion of program coursework (see criteria for details)
- A 1-2-page personal statement addressing the following:
- Describe the significant professional responsibilities you have held.
- State your professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in the ND-DI program.
- Describe your strengths that will help you succeed in the program and in reaching your professional goals.
- Indicate your personal practice interests as specifically as possible, including any previous practice experience you may have acquired.
- Demonstration of good communication skills, professionalism, self-direction, flexibility, potential to complete the entire curriculum, and motivation to work in a fast-paced academic program and site environment.
- Describe weaknesses and/or opportunities for improvement
- 3 letters of recommendation from the following:
- DPD Director
- Food, Nutrition or Dietetics Professor/Instructor
- Work supervisor – preferably in food, dietetics area
- Resume which includes work experience and involvement in college and/or community activities.
Submit applications to the ND-DI program director:
Kristen Williams, Kristen.Williams@coxcollege.edu
Email subject line should read: C of O Preselect application
Preselect Selection Process:
- Applications will be reviewed by the ND-DI Selection Committee upon receipt of application materials.
- Qualified applicants will have a face to face interview.
- Selection of successful applicants is based on the committee’s assessment of the individual’s potential in the program and potential as a practicing dietitian. The committee will use grade point average (overall, science, MNT/nutrition core courses), the personal statement, past work experience (employment in nutrition/dietetics in the past 3 years is emphasized), and letters of recommendation as well as face to face interviews to make this assessment.
- Meeting minimum requirements for the Preselect ND-DI Admission Option does not guarantee acceptance into the ND-DI Program.
- The total number of preselect positions is three (3) annually.
- Students are accepted into the ND-DI for the year immediately following completion of their undergraduate requirements.
- Once a student accepts an intern position in the ND-DI, their name is submitted to D&D Digital, making the accepted student ineligible to participate in computer matching.
- Admittance in the ND-DI is contingent on the student maintaining the GPA outlined in the ‘Guidelines and Criteria for C of O students applying to the ND-DI’ section.
Preselect Applicant Notification:
- Applicants will receive notification via email from the ND-DI program director of acceptance or rejection into the ND-DI by January 1
- Written confirmation via email to the Dietetic Internship Director of acceptance or rejection of the internship position is required by January 2
- Students admitted into the ND-DI program must pay an acceptance fee of $175.
Note: Students not granted preselect status may apply to the ND-DI, the MND/DI or other programs via the D & D Systems computer matching process.
Cox College’s Nutrition Diagnostics programs that include a dietetic internship will fulfill state educational requirements for professional licensure in the state of Missouri. However, many states have adopted licensure laws and regulations specifying the minimum credentials required to (1) use various titles, such as "dietitian," "nutritionist," "licensed dietitian nutritionist" or "registered dietitian nutritionist" and (2) provide MNT or other dietetics and nutrition services. Other states take a less protective approach, such as regulating the practice of licensed RDNs and other nutrition service providers and offering licensees the ability to use certain protected titles. Continuing education may also be required by some states for maintenance of certification/licensure.
Prior to enrolling in Nutrition Diagnostics programs, make sure you understand and review any additional requirements for your intended state/territory, should you plan to relocate after program completion at Cox College.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) provides information on licensure and professional regulation of dietitians here.
The Academy also maintains an active listing of individual states licensure information. The State Licensure Agency Map and Contact List can be accessed here or by viewing its licensure spreadsheet here.
