º£½ÇÉçÇø

General Information

• Intro

  The º£½ÇÉçÇø (UNF) Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) within the accredited Dietetic Internship Program provides interns with the supervised practice experience required to fulfill the competencies for becoming a Registered Dietitian. The pathway includes 1220 hours of supervised practice in various rotation sites. Upon successful completion of the ISPP, each ISPP intern will receive a verification of completion and be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists

  • The º£½ÇÉçÇø ISPP has an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway within the accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) Program. This ISPP is only available to graduates who were not matched to a dietetic internship program (no match proof is required) and possess a DPD Verification Statement.
  • The length of the program is dependent on the intern's ability to locate preceptors, obtain approval from the Program Director, obtain signed affiliation agreement(s), and complete the required number of practicum hours (1220) within a reasonable amount of time (not to exceed 30 months.)
  • Applications will be reviewed and finalists will be scheduled for an interview (via phone, in person, or by Zoom).

  The º£½ÇÉçÇø ISPP provides graduates of an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD) with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of food and nutrition science, and to acquire competencies needed to practice dietetics in a variety of settings. Graduates of the ISPP are expected to be able to function as entry-level practitioners in clinical, food service, and community dietetic roles. Each is expected to operate independently with high levels of professionalism and integrity.

• Mission Statement
  Through excellence in teaching, research, and service, the º£½ÇÉçÇø (UNF) combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship Programs (DI and ISPP) will provide a high-quality supervised practice experience and related graduate coursework that prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist for positions in all areas of practice in dietetics and to pursue professional development and service.
• Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Diversity Statement

  The º£½ÇÉçÇø is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract interns, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. While embracing these concepts, including our obligations under federal, state and local law, º£½ÇÉçÇøis equally committed to ensuring that educational and employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, admission, hiring, compensation and promotion, are based on the qualifications, skills and abilities of those desiring to work, study, and participate in our community.

  To accomplish this intent, º£½ÇÉçÇøshall not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or veteran status in any educational, employment, social or recreational program or activity it offers. Similarly, º£½ÇÉçÇøwill not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who complains of discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of University Regulation. In exercising these standards, the University will not abridge either free speech or academic freedom based on its context.

  The º£½ÇÉçÇøPresident has delegated to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (E.O.D.) the authority and responsibility to receive, investigate, and, where appropriate, attempt to conciliate complaints, or investigate situations or conduct alleged to be in violation of the University's Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Regulation and Sexual Misconduct Regulation. Accordingly, any member of the º£½ÇÉçÇøcommunity who believes that they have been subjected to discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, or sexual misconduct may seek guidance, counseling and/or file a complaint by contacting: Cheryl Gonzalez, Director, E.O.D. and Title IX Administrator, located at Building One, J.J. Daniel Hall, Suite 1201, 1 º£½ÇÉçÇøDrive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224-7699, or call (904) 620-2507 or via 711 Florida Relay for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or those with speech impairments and/or limitations.

• Program Goals

  GOAL #1: To prepare graduates to be competent, entry-level dietitians possessing the skills necessary to practice in a variety of food and nutrition-related practice areas.

  • Program Objectives for Goal #1:
    • 1.1 “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 nutritionist is at least 80%”.
    • 1.2 “90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion”.
    • 1.3 “Of the graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation”.
    • 1.4 At least 80% of graduate responses will indicate scores of “3” or higher where “3= adequate”, “4= more than adequate” and “5= Excellent” on survey question related to preparation for entry level practice in dietetics on a one-year post graduation survey.
    • 1.5 “At least 80% of MS/DI program interns complete program/degree requirements within 24 months (150% of program length)”.
    • 1.6 “At least 80% of ISPP program interns will complete program/degree requirements within 30 months (150% of the program length)”.
    • 1.7 At least 90% of responding employers will rate the entry-level performance of program graduates as a 3 or higher where 3 = “adequately skilled”, “4 = highly skilled or “5 = Outstanding” on employer surveys (based on a 5-point scale)

  GOAL #2: The program will prepare graduates for professional leadership in the field of dietetics or nutrition-related areas.

  • Program Objectives for Goal #2:
    • 2.1 100% of graduates will indicate via survey that they are participating in leadership activities at their place of employment or in the community (e.g., committee work, presentation).
    • 2.2 50% of graduates surveyed will indicate active participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Program Outcomes
  UNF’s ISPP program has an ongoing assessment process on the outcome of its ISPP program. Data on outcomes are available. To obtain information on available program outcome send a written request to the Program Director. Please contact Dr. Jill Snyder at jill.snyder@unf.edu to request data.
• Accreditation

  The º£½ÇÉçÇø ISPP Program is a pathway within the accredited Dietetic Internship Program which is approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 899-0040, or 800/877-1600, ext. 5400.

  Email: ACEND@eatright.org

  Website: 

• Technology For Students

  Visit UNF's Information Technology Services

  Students, faculty, and staff have access to a number of  that provide remote connection and collaboration. These resources will help make sure you are set up for success in working remotely.

Eligibility

• Who is Eligible to Apply for UNF's ISPP?
  • Individuals with nutrition-related doctoral degrees from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university without a verification statement and needing supervised practice or with a foreign doctoral degree with an official evaluation (i.e. WES, AACRAO) stating equivalency to a U.S. nutrition-related degree.
  • Recent and past DPD graduates with verification forms but not matched to an internship. These interns must have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics that has been approved or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), have obtained a verification form, and were not matched to an internship.
  • UNF's ISPP program is considered a distance track, in that interns can apply and gain experience across the country within their respective states. The ISPP is therefore subjected to regulations of State authorization of distance education, which is a complex and dynamic environment. Applicants to º£½ÇÉçÇøISPP are encouraged to check this site to find out whether their state will allow them to gain clinical/supervised practice experience while enrolled at UNF.
  • The º£½ÇÉçÇø has been approved by FL-SARA to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Please see the º£½ÇÉçÇøState Authorization Status website for more information and updates.

DICAS Application Process

• DICAS Application Timeline
  University of North (UNF) ISPP Program encourages applicants who were not matched in the recent matching process of April 5th and previous matches to apply to its ISPP. Students wishing to apply can submit their application through the portal starting April 5 at 12:00 noon ET. The deadline to apply for the ISPP is June 15. 
• Accepted Documents from DICAS Packet

  For recent and past DPD graduates the following documents are accepted from one DICAS packet.

  1. º£½ÇÉçÇøISPP Application
  2. Three references submitted on . 
     1. References should indicate your ability to work independently and efficiently. 
     2. Two of the references can come from professors and one from work or other experience.
  3. Professional vita.
  4. Personal statement; questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
     1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession and be a registered dietitian?
     2. What experiences have helped to prepare you for this profession?
     3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
     4. What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
     5. In addition to answering the questions above, write 1-2 pages describing relevant work experience.
• Additional Required Documents

  The following documents must be sent separately either by US. Mail or E-Mail:

  1. Official original transcripts of all college and/or university coursework with final degree posted showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  2. Mailed foreign degrees/transcripts must have an official evaluation (i.e wes, aacrao) stating equivalency to a U.S. degree. ++ (US. Mail only)
  3. An original verification form from an ACEND-approved/accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) if you are a graduate or Intent to Complete Form if you have yet to graduate (US. Mail only)
  4. An official copy of GRE scores reflecting a minimum combined score of 300 using the new scoring equivalent on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam. We will also accept a confirmation page stating a future test date until official scores are available.*++ (E-Mail only)
  5. Evidence of not being matched from  Online Dietetics Internship Matching Service. (US. Mail or E-Mail)
  6. Complete and include Preceptor and Facility Information Form(s) (located in the Getting Started Handbook) for the three major rotations: (1) Clinical, (2) Foodservice, and (3) Community. Please note that one preceptor/facility can serve as a site for more than one rotation. (US. Mail or E-Mail)

  All forms sent via US. mail must be sent to Attn: ISPP Coordinator, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, º£½ÇÉçÇø, Bldg. 39, 1 º£½ÇÉçÇøDrive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

  *We will accept a copy from your DICAS packet. If you did not apply through DICAS please send a hard copy with your application packet.

  ++We will accept an unofficial copy for consideration, but an official copy will be required if admitted.

• Second Round Match Instructions

  If you are a student that did not get matched in the first round of the matching process. The º£½ÇÉçÇø is participating in the second-round application process.

  How do you apply? The º£½ÇÉçÇø will accept your application through on a first come first serve basis. GRE is not required. Interested students should contact Dr. Jill Snyder, (jill.snyder@unf.edu; 904-620-1468) or Dr. Claudia Rivero, n01373738@unf.edu. Application review will begin on April 6 and continue until all positions are filled.

Paper Application Process

• Submit the Following for Evaluation

  The paper application is only for those who did not apply through DICAS.

  For the Recent and Past DPD Graduates with a Verification Form, you must submit the following for evaluation:

  1. º£½ÇÉçÇøISPP Application
  2. Three references submitted on the . References should indicate your ability to work independently and efficiently. Two of the references can come from professors and one from work or other experience.*
  3. Official transcripts of all college and/or university coursework with final degree posted showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Foreign degrees/transcripts must have an official evaluation (i.e wes, aacrao) stating equivalency to a U.S. degree.*++
  4. An original verification form from an ACEND approved/accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) if you are a graduate or Intent to Complete Form if you have yet to graduate.
  5. An official copy of GRE scores reflecting a minimum combined score of 300 using the new scoring equivalent on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam. We will also accept a confirmation page stating a future test date until official scores are available.*++
  6. Evidence of not being matched from D&D Digital Online Dietetics Internship Matching Service.
  7. Submit a professional vita.*
  8. Personal statement; questions to be addressed in the personal statement include: *
     1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession and be a registered dietitian?
     2. What experiences have helped to prepare you for this profession?
     3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
     4. What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
     5. In addition to answering the questions above, write 1-2 pages describing relevant work experience. 
      
  9. 1. Please note that one preceptor/facility can serve as a site for more than one rotation. Complete and include Preceptor and Facility Information Form(s) (located in the Getting Started Handbook) for the three major rotations: (1) Clinical, (2) Foodservice, and (3) Community.

  You will receive an e-mail notification confirming receipt of your application packet with directions to process the application fee.

  Eligibility is determined only after all materials have been received

  Upon acceptance, candidates must pay a $50.00 non-refundable application fee.

• Send all Application Materials to:

  Applications are received via during the second round match period or paper copies can be submitted to:

  Department of Nutrition & Dietetics

  Attn: ISPP Coordinator or Program Director
  º£½ÇÉçÇø
  Bldg. 39, Room 3042
  1 º£½ÇÉçÇøDrive
  Jacksonville, FL 32224

  Late or missing components may result in your application not being considered for admission.

Candidates with a Doctoral Degree

• Submit the Following for Evaluation

  For the Interns with Doctoral Degrees, you must submit for evaluation a portfolio with the following:

  1. º£½ÇÉçÇøISPP Application
  2. Three letters of recommendation submitted on . References should indicate your ability to work independently and efficiently. Two of the references can come from professors and one from work or other experience.
  3. Transcripts of a doctoral degree in nutrition or dietetics-related field from a regionally accredited college or university, plus official transcripts of all other college and/or university coursework with final degree posted. Foreign degrees/transcripts must have an official evaluation (i.e. WES, AACRAO) stating equivalency to a U.S. degree.
  4. Evidence of prior work experience in an area related to nutrition.
  5. Submit a professional vita.
  6. Personal statement.
  7. Complete and include Preceptor and Facility Information Form(s) (located in the Getting Started Handbook) for the three major rotations: (1) Clinical, (2) Foodservice, and (3) Community. Please note that one preceptor/facility can serve as a site for more than one rotation.

  You will receive an e-mail notification confirming receipt of your application packet with directions to process the application fee.

  Eligibility is determined only after all materials have been received

  Upon acceptance, candidates must pay a $50.00 non-refundable application fee

• Send all Application Materials to:

  Applications are received via during the second round match period or paper copies can be submitted to:

  Department of Nutrition & Dietetics

  Attn: ISPP Coordinator or Program Director
  º£½ÇÉçÇø
  Bldg. 39, Room 3042
  1 º£½ÇÉçÇøDrive
  Jacksonville, FL 32224

  Late or missing components may result in your application not being considered for admission.

Application Timelines & Applicants

• Application Timeline

  Application Timelines

  Date	Application Sequence
  April 5, 2023	First day to submit application after Spring Match date
  April 5 to June 15, 2023	Review of applications begins, interviews are scheduled, and applicants are notified of results (On a rolling basis)
  June 15th, 2023	Application Deadline
  July 2023	Orientation
  August 21, 2023	º£½ÇÉçÇø ISPP start date

• Applicants not matched PRIOR to 2019
  If a potential candidate applied through prior to 2019, the applicant can apply to the º£½ÇÉçÇøISPP which admits up to fifteen (15) candidates per year. Please mail your application packet to the address listed above.
• Applicants not matched in this current match period
  If a potential applicant applied through in this year and was not matched, applications will be accepted after the DICAS match period in April. Applicants may also use the to submit their application. Decision notifications will be sent July 13th, 2023.

Expenses and Fees

• Anticipated Expenses

  IMPORTANT: ISPP candidates are NOT eligible for student grants or loans, even if they are a recent º£½ÇÉçÇøgraduate.

  The cost of the program through the º£½ÇÉçÇø, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics is as follows:

  Main Costs

  Fee	Cost
  Application Fee	$ 50.00 (Non-refundable) (Submitted after application is received and directed by coordinator)
  Registration Fee for Supervised Practice (1220 hours)	$ 9,100.00 one-time fee (Non-refundable) The candidate can pay in full. However, if a candidate needs to pay in installments, the installment plan is $2,270 for each of the following rotations: Foodservice, Medication Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition and for the Concentration Rotation. Payment is due prior to starting each rotation.

   

  Estimated Personal Costs Include:

  Fee	Cost
  Housing ($1,000/month)	$12,000
  Travel to sites ($200/month)	$2,400
  Books	$1,000
  Health Insurance	$150
  Liability Insurance (per year)	$100
  Professional Membership	$150
  Computer/Technology	$400
  Lab Coats	$50

  *The potential candidate will receive directions regarding the non-refundable $50.00 Application Fee after the º£½ÇÉçÇøISPP Application has been completed and received by the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics.

• Payment Options and Directions

  There are two options for payment:

  1. The intern will pay the entire $9,100.00 following admission to the program
  2. Prior to each new rotation, the intern will pay in installments (see form below)
  3. If an intern is seeking an Assessment of Prior Learning an additional $50 is required for the evaluation of learning competencies.

  To initiate payment, the intern will need to complete the Payment Form and e-mail it to the Coordinator, Dr. Claudia Rivero at n01373738@unf.edu. Once processed, the intern will receive a notification with directions to make the payment through the º£½ÇÉçÇøOne Stop Services Office.

• Withdrawal and Refund of Fees
  All fees are non-refundable. Interns who are admitted into the ISPP program are asked to sign a payment contract which states that all fees associated with the º£½ÇÉçÇøIndividualized Supervised Practice Program (ISPP) are non-refundable and must be paid in full prior to the start of each indicated rotation.
• Financial Aid

  Financial aid is not available through º£½ÇÉçÇøfor the ISPP applicants.

Resources

• DICAS Recommendation Form
  Watch this on how to access and submit recommendation forms in DICAS.