For more information, contact:
Rosalind M. Wilkins, MS, RD, LD, Chief
Bureau of Nutrition Policy and Education
573-751-6183
State dietetic interns exceed national average on RD exam
The Program for Dietetic Interns in the Missouri Division of Nutritional Health and Services is currently batting 1,000 with regard to its graduates passing the national accreditation exam for Registered Dietitians (RD).
The students who have completed the program have a 100 percent
success rate in passing the exam on the first attempt. In comparison,
the national passing average last year was 70 percent. "We
are very proud of the students who go through our program,"
stated Rosalind M. Wilkins, chief, Bureau of Nutrition Policy
and Education. "We are also very pleased to be placing more
competent, trained public health dietitians in the field to serve
Missourians."
DNHS began offering its internship program in 1999 as a part of
its commitment to improving the quality of the nutrition component
of the public health system. To accomplish this, DNHS recognized
the need to provide graduate dietitians interested in public health
with the opportunity to earn their registered dietitian credentials
without relocating for the duration of the nine-month training
period. DNHS offers its training at sites around the state designed
to eliminate or minimize the need for travel and overnight accommodations.
During the internship, supervised practice experiences are provided
at affiliate sites such as public health agencies, hospitals,
long-term care facilities, schools, and other facilities around
the state.
According to Anita Cain, Dietetic Student Education Coordinator,
the Program for Dietetic Interns places an emphasis on community
and public health nutrition. However, the internship program also
has learning blocks in Food Service Management and Clinical
Nutrition.
The DNHS program for dietetic interns currently has developmental
accreditation from the American Dietetic Association. It will
be reviewed for full accreditation this year.
For more information on the state dietetic internship program, contact Rosalind Wilkins at
573-751-6183 or go to the DNHS website at http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/dietetic_interns/.
Cutline for attached photo
Clinical preceptor Lisa Williams, RD, St. Mary's Health Center
in Jefferson City, Missouri, is training former dietetic intern
Melinda Ridenhour (seated) in diabetes meal planning as part of
the Dietetic Intern Program with the Missouri Division of Nutritional
Health and Services.