Mission, Goals & Objectives

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

The mission of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health Dietetic Internship program is "To provide a quality public health/community nutrition education program through which dietetic interns develop the skills to translate nutrition theory and knowledge into effective application and practice to meet the needs of a diverse population. Planned experience and educational opportunities of the internship will prepare program graduates to sit for the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians and enter the profession as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists."

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.