The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (MSNS) program is designed to educate and form servant leaders in the field of health and wellness. The Dietetic Internship (DI) option is for students seeking to become registered dietitians nutritionists (RDN).
The dietetic internship program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) is designed to prepare interns with the skills and tools needed to excel as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists. Specialty preceptors and simulated experiences in the Simulation Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH) offer premier learning strategies for students in all specialty areas of health care, followed by outstanding DI rotation cites. The combined online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences degree offers advanced studies with a nutrition Capstone Research Project.
Program Description:
Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice. These are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for the Academy, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required. Some of the certifications include pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support and diabetes education.
For more information, please visit www.eatright.org.
The dietetic internship program participates in a computer matching process. The steps to apply to the program are as follows:
1. Complete Digital Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) application by February 15th. For how to apply to DICAS, refer to https://portal.dicas.org.
The following information must be included in DICAS:
- Why did you choose dietetics? What sets you apart from other applicants?
- What are your short and long term goals and strategies for achieving them?
- What strengths will you bring to the program and what areas will challenge you?
- How have your past experiences made you prepared for an internship?
- Who has impacted your life the most? How or in what way?
- What characteristics of the University have drawn you to this internship?
2. $40.00 non-refundable application fee. Attach check or money order to this cover sheet. Mail and make payable to the MSNS-DI Program, 7500 Hennessy Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808. Check must be postmarked by February 15th to be included for consideration.
3. Video addressing interview questions emailed to Rachel.Fournet@franu.edu.
4. Register with D&D Digital Computer on-line Dietetic Internship matching services for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. On how to register with D&D Digital, refer to www.dnddigital.com.
If a student matches with DICAS to the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University DI program, the student automatically gains entrance into the MSNS graduate program.
Completion of the MSNS is required, even if an intern has already earned a masterâs degree
The mission of the MSNS-DI program is to educate and form entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists or dietetic practitioners to meet the core competencies for becoming servant leaders in health and wellness. With a concentration in community nutrition, graduates will be educated in the most rigorous, individualized, professional and comprehensive manner.
The program outcomes data are available upon request.
Goal 1
The program will prepare graduates to be competent for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists.
Objectives for goal 1:
Goal 2
The program will graduate compassionate, well-qualified professionals and servant leaders in health and wellness.
Objectives for goal 2:
Graduation and program completion requirements include:
The concentration emphasis is on community nutrition. The program provides 1,524 practicum hours of supervised practice experiences over the 17 month curriculum. Rotations are assigned throughout five major areas of Louisiana â Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Lafayette, Bogalusa and Monroe. Applicants rank preference of city for major rotation site during the application process, although first preference is not guaranteed.
Supervised practice experiences are divided into four semesters:
Interns rotate in supervised practice areas 32 hours/week, Monday through Thursday. Interns are also responsible for attending a two hour lab each Friday, located on the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Universityâs campus in Baton Rouge.
A more detailed breakdown of the supervised practice experiences by rotation area include:
Clinical | (33%) 512 hours 16 weeks |
Community | (21%) 320 hours 10 weeks |
Foodservice Management | (13%) 192 hours 6 weeks |
Continuing Education/Professional Development | (16%) 240 hours 6 weeks |
Business/Entrepreneur | (10%) 160 hours 5 weeks |
Research | (3%) 36 hours 1 week |
Simulation/Service-Learning | (4%) 64 hours 2 weeks |
Total: (100%) 1524 hours
Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition/Fees | Course Fees | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 13 | $8,589.25 | $939.13 | $9,528.38 |
2 | 13 | $8,589.25 | $335.00 | $8,924.25 |
3 | 3 | $2,326.75 | $385.00 | $2,711.75 |
4 | 7 | $4,831.75 | $4,831.75 | |
*Total | 36 | $24,337.00 | $1,659.13 | $25,996.13 |
*Tuition costs do not include textbooks or any additional costs associated with this program. Additional costs can be found in the Student Handbook provided below.
**Information about financing your education can be found by visiting the Office of Financial Aid
Rachel M. Fournet, PhD, RDN, LDN
Director, Nutritional Sciences
(225) 768-1739
Kathryn Fakier, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN
Director of Clinical Education, Dietetic Internship
(225) 214-6984
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
The Nutritional Sciences Dietetic Internship Program is granted candidacy for accreditation 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.
Note: Prospective students should visit the State Authorization page to verify that Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is authorized to offer online courses and programs in your respective state. Prior to enrollment, students are also encouraged to visit their state educational agency or licensing board to ascertain whether or not they can utilize their degree program for additional compensation, initial licensing or renewal, as well as any other benefits.