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OverviewPROGRAM MISSION The mission of VSU DI is to blend theory and hands-on training for each intern. Interns will develop professionally as they practice instituting the ADA Values that include:
Each intern who successfully completes all VSU DI requirements is eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). As entry-level practitioners, graduates of the VSU DI provide quality nutrition services to clients and show sensitivity and responsiveness to the community. Admittance into the VSU DI Program does not guarantee that a Verification Statement will be issued at program completion. The Verification Statement is the eligibility document that allows dietetic interns to apply to take the Registered Dietitian examination. To receive the Verification Statement at the end of the VSU DI, the intern must meet all program requirements. VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY AND VSU DI PROGRAM HISTORY The VSU DI is offered through the School of Agriculture in the Department of Agriculture and Human Ecology. The VSU DI began accepting interns in 1994, the first class began January 1995. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The VSU DI is an accelerated program. Candidates for this program must be self-directed, proactive, attentive, motivated, flexible, and responsible. Preparatory assignments, with firm due dates, will be mailed to students after acceptance into the program. Students must complete all assignments before beginning the VSU DI Program. Each VSU dietetic intern is required to attend the VSU 5-days orientation. Interns work 36 hours/week and complete the program in 29 weeks by the end of April. Following the orientation program, interns are assigned to clinical sites where intern activities are scheduled to meet ADA Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards. A qualified professional oversees and supervises intern activities. When requirements of a block of assignments (called a rotation) are successfully complete, the intern is advanced to the next rotation. Rotations include: Clinical Nutrition (10 weeks), Dialysis (2 weeks), Psychiatry (1 week), Geriatrics (1 week), Foodservice Systems Management (7 weeks), School Lunch Foodservice (1 week), Public Health Nutrition (2 weeks), Community Nutrition (2 weeks), Business/Entrepreneur Opportunities in Nutrition (8 days) and a summation week (intern’s choice with Program Coordinator approval). Rotations are in Petersburg and its vicinities (Richmond, South Hills, Farmville, Chesterfield, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg). MINIMUM ADMISSIONS STANDARDS
All applications must be postmarked by mid February for the program year desired.
Applicants must submit an application to VSU DI Program, along with a $50 non-refundable application fee. Tuition for VSU DI Program is $3960. Upon notification by the computer matching company of an appointment, students must follow VSU’s requirements for confirmation of acceptance. In order to reserve a position in the VSU DI, a $960 non-refundable tuition deposit must be mailed to VSU. Failure to follow this guideline will automatically forfeit student program placement at VSU. Submit application materials to: Dr. Paula Inserra, VSU DI Program Director, Department of Agriculture and Human Ecology, PO Box 9211, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA 23806. Each intern is responsible for the following estimated costs incurred during the program:
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Experience VSU for the Education of Your Life! VSU adheres to the principles of equal opportunity without regard to race, sex, creed, color, disability, national origin, age, or religion. VSU: Education, Research and Community Service in Southside Virginia...within this supportive educational environment, each student is encouraged to make a lifetime commitment to professional learning and ethical practice in the dynamic profession of dietetics. |
