About Us
Since its inception in 1988, the Dietetic Internship Program has provided training in the areas of clinical nutrition, sales & marketing, research and public health/community nutrition. The 10-month internship experience provides a unique and broad spectrum of opportunities to fulfill the core competencies for dietetic interns, as established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program emphasizes Clinical Nutrition, and provides extensive training in identifying, documenting, and treating malnutrition, as well as rotations focusing in the areas of ICU, nutrition support, pediatrics, intestinal rehabilitation and transplant, and nutrition-focused physical assessment. Recognizing that individuals have different interests and priorities; the program is structured to allow interns several choices for specialty experiences.
Introductory rotations allow interns to develop their skills and achieve comfort in practice at a large hospital facility. As the interns’ skills and knowledge increase, there is a simultaneous growth in their level of responsibility, autonomy and complexity of experiences.
Accreditation
The Dietetic Internship Program is fully accredited through June 30th, 2026, by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. Recognition by USDE affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition/dietetics education programs.
ACEND may be contacted at:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Suite 2190
120 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312.899.0040, ext 5400
www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Mission & goals
The mission of the Cleveland Clinic Dietetic Internship is to create entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who will become future leaders in the nutrition profession. Critical thinking, collaboration and decision-making are skills that the interns will be required to practice and refine throughout the program. The intention of our program is to foster future cutting-edge, advanced practice dietitians who will meet the needs of their clients and provide the best care through innovative skills and research-based practice.
Interns will complete clinical rotations with the Center for Human Nutrition, where the mission is to provide the highest quality nutrition care through leadership in clinical practice, education and research. The vision in the Center for Human Nutrition is the best place for nutrition care world-wide. These statements reflect the greater Cleveland Clinic mission – to provide better care of the sick, investigation into their problems, and further education of those who serve. As leaders in the dietetics’ profession, graduates will meet the needs of their clients and provide superior care, applying advanced clinical skills and research-based practice.
Program outcomes related to our goals listed below are available upon request by contacting DIProgram@ccf.org.
Dietetic Internship Program goals and objectives
Program goals:
- The program will prepare graduates to transition from academic programs through successful completion of the internship, to attaining entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist credentialed. status, and gaining employment in the dietetics field.
- The program will foster internship graduates’ professional growth and provide opportunities to acquire and demonstrate skills to become future leaders of the dietetics profession.
Program objectives:
- At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 15 months (150% of planned program length).
- At least 90 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- 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%.
- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 90 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- 100% of graduates’ employers report that knowledge level and skill competency is satisfactory or better overall for entry-level dietetics-related work.
- 100% of graduates self-report overall scores of at least satisfactory regarding internship preparedness in dietetic-related professional skills and competencies.
- 90% of graduates report leadership responsibilities in professional areas within five years of graduation.
For any additional information or questions about the Dietetic Internship Program, please contact:
Elizabeth Friedel, MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Program Director: Dietetic Internship Program
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue/M17
Cleveland, OH 44195
216.444.0961
DIProgram@ccf.org
Admissions
Admissions requirements & disclosures
In addition to program-specific admissions requirements and procedures, applicants are encouraged to review requirements and disclosures outlined on the School of Health Professions’ Admissions page.
School of Health Professions catalog
Additional information can be found in the School Catalog, including school-wide policies and procedures, program-specific information, and course descriptions.
Technical standards
There are certain physical requirements that must be met by dietetic interns to participate in and complete the program. Dietetic interns must have the ability to perform work in a stationary position and move throughout the hospital system for extended periods. In addition, all dietetic interns must possess the integrity, intelligence, and personal and emotional characteristics to become an effective healthcare professional. Additional requirements are as follows with or without reasonable accommodations:
- Perform tasks that may involve moving items up to 10 pounds, primarily during foodservice rotations.
- Conduct Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams (NFPE), which may require maintaining a stationary position and assisting with patient repositioning to assess muscle and fat loss.
- Communicate clearly, compassionately, and effectively in English—both verbally and in writing—with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
- Accurately exchange information and document patient data to support high-quality, empathetic care.
- Analyze and interpret clinical and nutritional data to support appropriate nutrition interventions.
- Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound clinical judgment in patient care settings.
- Demonstrate emotional maturity, adaptability, and the ability to establish professional relationships across various learning and healthcare environments.
- Adhere to ethical and safety standards while maintaining respect and compassion for all individuals.
- Accurately perceive and interpret visual and observational information from various formats (e.g., paper, electronic media, clinical settings).
- Accept and respond appropriately to constructive feedback, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement.
Requirements
To be considered for acceptance into the Dietetic Internship Program, candidates must complete a graduate degree prior to starting the internship OR be enrolled with a graduation date planned no later than summer of the same year completing the internship. (For example, if applying in the Spring 2025 match, degree should be completed by Summer 2026.) Candidate must:
- Complete all required course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Present a Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent.
- If the applicant’s native language is not English, official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Duolingo English Test (DET) are required. Applicants must have a total minimum score of 75 with written and speaking sections no less than 17 for the TOEFL. A minimum score of 105 is required for the DET. Exam date must be within two years of the program's start date.
*Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian - nutritionist (RDN).
- For more information about this requirement, visit CDR's website
Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program at Cleveland Clinic and also obtain a master's degree, are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
We support applicants choosing from various pathways to achieve the required nutrition and graduate coursework. While it is not required, Cleveland Clinic dietetic interns may choose to enroll in the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Master of Nutrition program. The CWRU Master of Nutrition program is conveniently located close to hospital rotations and can be completed while interning full time.
For more information on the Master's in Nutrition program, contact Stephanie Harris, PhD, RDN, LD at stephanie.harris@case.edu.
While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirement, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.
Selection criteria
Selection of interns will be based upon the following criteria:
- Knowledge: Overall and professional coursework; GPA’s (overall, science, DPD course-specific); college achievement scholarships, awards and honors.
- Work experience: Paid or voluntary work experience. Nutrition-relevant opportunities and those of high quality and/or with responsibility are recognized.
- Leadership and self-motivation: Positions of leadership in extracurricular activities or work experiences; ability to set goals, take initiative, make decisions, use good judgment, and work independently. Previous and future goals are realistic and clearly identified.
- Management of multiple responsibilities: Coursework taken per semester/quarter in conjunction with work experience or family responsibilities; involvement with extracurricular activities; organizational skills, dependability, adaptability, and ability to handle stress.
- Communication skills: Personal statement and video submissions; experience communicating with groups and individuals; empathy; self-confidence; interview (if selected).
International students
International students wishing to apply must follow procedures set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for international students. Please refer to the ACEND website, and their "International Fact Sheet" for additional information.
Admissions process
The Dietetic Internship Program participates in the online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services process, DICAS.
Candidates must complete all application materials in the DICAS platform. NEW DEADLINE: All materials are due by January 15th. All complete applications receive a full review. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decision on or before March 1st. Applicant confirmation to accept or decline program invitation offers will be requested on March 15th.
In addition to the standard application, we also request a video clip submission; 1-2 minutes long, where applicants have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share why they are interested in being a Cleveland Clinic dietetic intern. It is not required but strongly encouraged. This clip needs to be web-based and can be posted on YouTube or Vimeo. Please provide the video link and password, if necessary, at the bottom of your Personal Statement.
Post-acceptance documents and requirements
If an applicant is accepted into the program the following items are required in order to enroll in the program. These items must be uploaded in the Cleveland Clinic School of Health Professions’ student information system, Campus Cafe. Please review the health requirements before submitting your documentation.
- Create an account in the School of Health Professions secure payment portal and upload a copy of your registration confirmation to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe.
- Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement in Campus Café via DocuSign.
- Complete the Applicant Demographic Survey and upload a copy of your survey completion confirmation to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe.
- Complete the Student IPEDS Survey and upload a copy of your survey completion confirmation to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe.
- If applicable, complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Duolingo English Test (DET) and upload a copy of your results to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe. Please see additional information regarding scoring under “Requirements” above.
- Upload your negative tuberculosis (TB) test documentation to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe. The TB test must be completed within 12 months prior to the start of the program.
- Upload your immunization documentation for chicken pox (varicella) or positive titer to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe.
- Upload your immunization documentation for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe.
- Upload your positive hepatitis B titer or waiver to your applicant portal in Campus Cafe.
- Upload your tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) booster documentation to your applicant portal in Campus Café. The booster is required within the past 10 years.
- Influenza immunization documentation is required during flu season (November 1 through March 31). The applicant is not required to upload documentation to the applicant portal in Campus Cafe at this time but will be required to obtain and submit documentation when the vaccination becomes available.
- Complete the required onboarding tasks in SilkRoad. Onboarding will include a background check. Additional information will be provided following completion of the above items.
Tuition & Fees
Expenses*
Tuition – $10,000 - paid in four installments. For interns who commit to the program on 3/15, tuition will be reduced by 50% to $5,000 total (2 installments).
Additional expenses*
- Academy Student Membership – $58
- Cleveland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership – $15
- Up-to-date immunizations or proof of immunity.
- Health Insurance – Variable; REQUIRED; responsible for own arrangements.
- Liability Insurance – may purchase additional coverage; responsible for own arrangements
- Parking – Free
- Housing – Variable; responsible for own arrangements
- No meals are provided
- Transportation - A vehicle is REQUIRED due to varied schedules and travel to affiliations. Cleveland does have a public transportation system, but this will not be helpful for all sites.
- Travel Expenses – Interns will be responsible for travel and living expenses for elective rotations (if sites outside of Cleveland are selected).
*All fees and expenses are subject to change
Financial aid
Without also being enrolled in a separate degree-providing program, interns are not eligible for federal loans, grants, etc. However, payments on student loans may be deferred during the internship. Recent interns have been awarded scholarships through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Foundation, the Cleveland Clinic Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship and others, to help cover expenses.
The Dietetic Internship Program does not currently participate in Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Tuition refund policy
The Dietetic Internship Program issues refunds for tuition and other fees for eligible applicants and students as outlined in the School of Health Professions’ Tuition Refund Policy.
Graduation Requirements
Once accepted into the program, all learning experiences specified in the program curriculum must be completed at a level of sufficient competency. Interns will receive frequent evaluations and feedback from supervising faculty and the Program Director. Interns who fulfill all program requirements, including a confirming graduate degree, will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the National Examination for Registered Dietitians.
Graduating interns must also:
- Prepare for and complete all required rotations, experiences and assignments to meet graduation criteria.
- Attend all required classes.
- Work as a team on group projects and presentations.
- Complete multiple clinical case study presentations.
- Present to Center for Human Nutrition on a research project.
- Attend internal and external (local) meetings or events as specified by the Program Director.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
The student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward graduation will be evaluated after the completion of each term of the program. Failure to maintain SAP may result in the student being dismissed from the program.
Program Outcomes
Over the past 35-plus years, our program has continued to grow. Nearly 200 internship graduates have gone on to pass the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. Each member of the last 20 classes who chose to take the exam has passed. The Cleveland Clinic Dietetic Internship has a 92% first-time pass rate and a 100% one-year pass rate. Most internship graduates are employed in the field within six months of completing the program, with some transitioning directly into advanced clinical and/or leadership opportunities.
Program outcomes highlights
|
Year |
CC DI Graduation Rate |
CC DI Graduate RD Exam |
National U.S. RD Exam (1st attempt in calendar year) |
CC DI RD Exam Mean Score |
National U.S. RD Exam |
CC DI Graduate Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2024 |
100% |
86% |
60% |
29 |
24 |
100% |
|
2023 |
100% |
100% |
63% |
30 |
24 |
100% |
|
2022 |
100% |
90% |
67% |
30 |
25 |
100% |
|
2021 |
100% |
90% |
62% |
30 |
24 |
100% |
|
2020 |
100% |
91% |
68% |
30 |
25 |
100% |
One-Year Program Size: Small
Five-Year Percentile Rank (based on First Attempt Pass Rate): 89
Five-Year Percentile Rank (based on First Attempt Mean Score): 97
Curriculum
Prior learning from other programs, work experiences or activities will not count towards Cleveland Clinic Dietetic Internship program hours, assignments and/or required competencies.
Rotation chart
|
Rotation |
Description |
Length |
|
Orientation |
Orientation to Cleveland Clinic and the Center for Human Nutrition, including various specialized teams: inpatient nutrition therapy, outpatient nutrition therapy, nutrition support, pediatrics and food service management. Training classes include a review of enteral nutrition, nutrition calculations, communication and listening skills, utilizing the Nutrition Care Process, and how to navigate the electronic medical record. Policies, procedures and expectations are also discussed. |
2 weeks |
|
Dietetic Technician |
Interns gain comfort and familiarity with navigating the hospital, interviewing patients, providing diet education and using the electronic medical record. |
1 week |
|
Clinical Rotations |
Clinical Nutrition is the basis for this internship, and interns are required to master skills related to Medical Nutrition Therapy among various patient populations. Core Clinicals
Advanced Clinicals
|
18 weeks |
|
Electives 3 rotations, 2 weeks each |
For the elective rotation, interns can request to visit a Cleveland Clinic specialty area, such as the Center for Functional Medicine, Wellness & Preventive Medicine, Neonatal Intensive Care, Endocrinology or Home Infusion. Interns can also work with a dietitian(s) outside of Cleveland Clinic and may choose to pursue an on-site or virtual opportunity in another city or state. The Program Director will assist in obtaining an affiliation agreement for external rotation sites. Electives are intentionally flexible and many interests can be accommodated. Elective categories:
Focus on nutrition practice among specialized populations in a not-for-profit environment. In the past five years, interns have utilized various sites in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, but also in New York, Louisiana, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Columbus. Some of the agencies who have hosted Cleveland Clinic interns include Food Pantries, Cooperative Extension Services, Women Infant and Children's programs, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, school nutrition and the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition.
Focus on dietitians working in business, private practice, industry or any other for-profit environment. In the past five years, interns have utilized various sites in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, but also in Columbus, OH, Battle Creek, MI, Dallas, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY, Boston, MA, Los Angeles, CA and Orlando, FL. Many dietitian entrepreneurs have hosted Cleveland Clinic interns in industries and businesses such as grocery stores, food and supplement companies, meal services, weight loss, disease management and food technology.
Almost all clinical and non-clinical specialties can be explored during this elective. |
6 weeks |
|
Staff Relief |
Interns are able to return to one of their favorite experiences from the clinical core rotations and will be responsible for seeing 100% of their preceptor’s assigned patients, functioning independently in the RD role. |
2 weeks |
|
Clinical Management |
Interns work with a clinical nutrition manager for one week to develop a greater understanding of management styles, employee recruitment, retention, and performance evaluation, including coaching and leadership initiatives to encourage better patient care and employee satisfaction. |
1 week |
|
Outcomes Research |
Interns are matched with a dietitian who is actively working on a research project. Rotation responsibilities include but are not limited to: IRB completion and submission, assisting with data collection and entry, reviewing current research literature, and working with the team to develop a manuscript or abstract for professional submission. |
2 weeks |
|
Patient and Retail Foodservice Management |
Interns will work on either Main Campus or at a Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospital to learn about the patient and retail foodservice structure including meal preparation and supplemental distribution, menu development, safety and regulation, and therapeutic diets. A foodservice manager will work with the intern to provide directed training toward good management practices in the supervision, training and coaching of foodservice employees and preparing to address issues related to customer and patient satisfaction. |
4 weeks |
Work hours
As a full-time intern you will be expected to work at least 40 hours per week, typically 8+ hours each day. Additional assignments and required readings will be completed outside of work hours. Occasionally interns are scheduled to work weekends with a preceptor and attendance to several evening meetings is required.
Being a Cleveland Clinic dietetic intern requires great responsibility, organization and time management. Because of these reasons, and also that the schedule and routine change every 3-4 weeks, it may be difficult to hold an outside job during the program. Working is permitted as long as it does not hinder your performance in the dietetic internship program.
Time away from the program
Interns will be scheduled off on most weekends and on the following Cleveland Clinic-designated holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Interns are also off Wednesday and Friday of Thanksgiving week and receive two weeks off around the December holidays. There is also a flexible week-long spring break, dates chosen by the intern, sometime between April and June.
Personal days
Each intern has four personal days to use as needed. Any time off beyond these four days must be made up.
Additional Information
Interning at Cleveland Clinic
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Intern office space
Dietetic interns at Cleveland Clinic have dedicated office space with computer workstations, storage for personal items, a refrigerator, and complimentary coffee machine. Each intern is also assigned a personal laptop for the program length, allowing flexible access to our resources from anywhere.
Training to assess and diagnose malnutrition
All dietetic interns participate in a two-part didactic and hands-on training that teaches them to assess and diagnose patients for malnutrition using the Nutrition- Focused Physical Exam (NFPE). This training is using a simulated environment where participants receive immediate feedback from a trained observer.
Open House
Please join us for a virtual Dietetic Internship Open House.
A recorded version is also available.
Visit our Instagram page for more info.
