Mission, Goals & Objectives

What Are the Mission & Goals of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health Dietetic Internship?

Mission of the Dietetic Internship

Guiding future dietitians who advocate for their communities and support fair and just access to well-being for all.

Goals of the Dietetic Internship

1. The program will prepare graduates to take the CDR credentialing exam to become registered dietitian nutritionist.
   
    Objectives:
   • 1.1
     • a) Full-Time Track: At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within fifteen months (150% of the program length).
     • b) WIC Track: At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 15.5 months (150% of the program length).  
   • 1.2) 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
   • 1.3) 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%.
   • 1.4) Of graduates who seek employment, 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
   • 1.5) 70% of graduates will remain employed within the public health sector for a minimum of three years post-graduation.
2. Graduate will meet employer expectations as entry-level practitioners one year past graduation. 
   
    Objectives:
   • 2.1) 80% or more employers will evaluate graduates as good (score 4) or excellent (score 5) in the overall preparedness for entry-level practice.
   • 2.2) 80% or more employers will evaluate graduates as good (score 4) or excellent (score 5) in all the following: professionalism, communication (verbal and written) collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Program outcomes data available upon request.