Mission Goals Outcomes

The mission of the Loyola University Chicago Dietetic Internship (LDI) is to prepare entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists through a supervised practice and academic studies within the context of a Jesuit, Catholic University, and the requirements of the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

The LDI is committed to the development of emerging professional Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who firmly believe that nutrition has a profound importance in promoting human health and quality of life. The focus of learning activities is to strengthen the intern's knowledge requirements, and support the development of competence and skills guided by accreditation standards to meet program goals and learning outcomes through constructive and supportive supervised practice. Interns should become competent in the application of theoretical education, adjusting to the reality of existing practice environments, and develop interaction skills with other professionals, workers, and clients.

Throughout the internship, emphasis is placed on the conviction that the competent and ethical practice of dietetics is infused with service to God and fellow humans. Competent practice is defined not only as the application of knowledge in nutrition, foods, and related areas, but also as the development and use of skill in leadership, communication, and management. The internship also recognizes that dietetics is a rapidly changing field and that practitioners have a continued responsibility for self-directed learning and professional education.

1. To provide quality experiential preparation enabling graduates to successfully complete the Loyola Dietetic Internship, master the competencies and learning outcomes for DI programs as defined by the ACEND, pass the registration exam and enter dietetic practice as competent professionals.
   
   
2. To support the mission of Loyola University Chicago through the development of graduates who seek to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice and faith.
   
   
3. To prepare graduates who are able to apply public health knowledge, resources and skills to dietetic practice.
   
   
4. To prepare graduates who are able to apply principles of outcomes performance management to dietetic practice through completion of the Master of Science in Dietetics degree.

1.1:  Based on the average from the most recent five year period, 80% of the LDI graduates, in each track, will successfully complete the program/degree requirements within 150% of anticipated program length.  For the DI track, 150% of anticipate program length is 18 months.  For the MS/DI track, 150% of anticipated program length is 35 months.

1.2:  95% of current dietetic interns, in each track,  will achieve a grade of 85% or greater for each of his/her evaluations for each supervised practice (SP) experience.

1.3:  95% of current dietetic interns, in each track, will achieve a grade of 85% or greater for each of the required courses for the LDI.

1.4: Based on Program Completion Survey data, interns will indicate that they were provided with opportunities to master core and community competencies by an average score of 4 or greater for each competency.

1.5:  Based on course evaluation data, interns will indicate that they were provided with opportunities to master competencies aligned with learning activities by an average score of 4 or greater for each competency (appropriate to the rotation).

1.6:  Based on the most recent five year period, 75% of LDI graduates will take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.

1.7: Based on average from the most recent five year period, 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%.

1.8: Based on responses from the Program Completion Survey, at least 75% of LDI interns respond that they “agree” or “strongly agree” that the program assists in development of professional networks and skills for entry-level employment opportunities.

1.9: Based on responses from the LDI Graduate Survey completed by graduates at least one year after program completion, at least 75% of LDI grads, who are seeking employment, are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation, based on the most recent five year average.

1.10: Based on responses from Employer Surveys one year after program completion, at least 80% of employers agree that they would hire the LDI grad again.

2.1:  Based on responses from the Program Completion Survey, at least 90% of LDI interns, in each track, will respond that they "agree" or "strongly agree" that their professional development expanded their knowledge through service to humanity.

2.2:  Based on responses from the Program Completion Survey, at least 90% of LDI interns, in each track, will respond that they "agree" or "strongly agree" that they were prepared to contribute to the nutritional well-being of a diverse group of residents in an urban environment such as Chicago.

3.1:  Based on responses from the Program Completion Survey, at least 90% of LDI interns, in each track, will respond that they "agree" or "strongly agree" that their experience with the LDI increased their application of knowledge, resources and skills related to public health nutrition.

4.1:  At least 90% of students who are in the MS/DI track will successfully complete the comprehensive exam requirements synthesizing outcomes performance management theory and principles with their selected dietetic practice topic in accordance with SON comprehensive exam requirements over a five-year period. 

Program outcomes data are available upon request.