The Frances Stern Nutrition Center Combined MS/DI focuses on Clinical Nutrition and includes: provision of nutrition care to individuals, development of nutrition programs for population groups, management of financial resources, marketing of services and products related to practice, teaching dietitians and professionals/students, conducting research, and nutrition therapy management of food.
Looking to Apply? Learn more about applying below.

As Program Director for the Master’s component of our combined program, I welcome you in association with our Dietetic Internship Director Kelly Kane to our “one stop shop” for both an MS degree and a Dietetic Internship. Because we value flexibility to meet your needs, the MS curriculum offers an opportunity not only for elective courses in many other schools of Tufts University and across Boston, but also for a “concentration” from other Friedman school nutrition programs if desired.
Haewook Han, Director, Master of Science, Dietetic Internship
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide an environment in which dietetic interns will acquire the knowledge, competencies, skills, and professionalism needed to be future leaders in the diverse field of dietetics. Our graduates will be competent entry-level registered dietitians with a strong scientific foundation in nutrition therapy, coupled with hands-on experience in relevant areas of dietetic practice. We strive to promote in our students a strong commitment to citizenship, collaboration, and ethical standards. Dedication to the highest level of patient and community service forms the foundation for all we do.
Our students also benefit from the expertise of a number of other highly qualified registered dietitians who supervise affiliations outside of Tufts Medical Center, including WIC programs, the Joslin Diabetes Center, Dialysis Clinic, Incorporated (DCI), and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.
View Program-Affiliated Clinicians
The FSNC staff is active in many professional associations, including the various practice groups of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, the Society for Nutrition Education, and the American Society for Nutrition Sciences.
The Frances Stern Nutrition Center has been accredited by the accrediting body of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, currently the Accreditation Council for the Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) since 1936 as a dietetic internship specifically designed for the training of clinical nutritionists. This program's area of emphasis is clinical nutrition which was chosen because it is our belief that solid preparation in clinical nutrition and medical nutrition therapy provides a strong basis for the training of a competent entry level dietitian since clinical healthcare teams are increasingly reliant upon RDs to optimize outcomes in both preventive and therapeutic management of health and disease. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the examination to become a Registered Dietitian.
Prerequisites
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; a minimum university cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required.
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The school has permanently removed the GRE as a requirement, as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read more about this new change in admissions policy and what it means for your application to the school. For students taking the GRE who seek to refresh their verbal and quantitative skills, self-study materials and sample questions are available from the Educational Testing Service.
- COMPLETION OF DIDACTIC PROGRAM OF DIETETICS ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT. For information concerning academic requirements for Academy membership and for general information concerning application to dietetic internships, log onto www.eatright.org or write to Publications Dept., Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600
Master of Science
The Combined Masters Degree/Dietetic Internship Program requires completion of a Master of Science degree. The student receives a Master of Science degree from Tufts University. After completion of the program, it may be possible to continue on in pursuit of a doctorate degree.
The Combined Masters Degree/Dietetic Internship Program follows the Tufts University Friedman School Academic Calendar for Boston Degree Programs.
The Combined Masters Degree/Dietetic Internship Program offered by the Frances Stern Nutrition Center, Tufts Medical Center and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, is a full time 20 month program. Successful completion of the program fulfills requirements for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for dietitians upon completion of the program.
A Verification Statement is issued by and signed by the Dietetic Internship Director after the student has demonstrated satisfactory completion of at least 2096 hours of supervised practice. This statement is issued upon completion of the dietetic internship and Master of Science degree. If a student has not satisfactorily completed the following requirement, a Verification Statement will not be issued.
Graduation and Program Completion Requirements
The Combined MS/Dietetic Internship is the only ACEND accredited program offered through the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.
Successful completion of the Combined MS/Dietetic Internship requires:
- Obtaining all undergraduate and DPD transcripts demonstrating attainment of undergraduate degree and undergraduate (DPD) verification statement.
- Completion of 2096 supervised practice hours
- Completion of all Tufts University Friedman School Master of Science degree requirements. Please refer to the Degree Requirement Worksheet for the specific coursework.
- Meeting all of the objectives for required affiliations including satisfactory completion of all internship rotations, assignments, attendance, and behavioral requirements, and following all policies and procedures of the FSNC Dietetic Internship
- Satisfactory evaluations by clinical staff and faculty, completed and shared with students upon completion of each required experience, which confirm attainment of all competencies outlined for the internship including successful completion of
- Clinical Case Presentation
- One Journal Club Presentation
- Sample Professional Development Portfolio
- Legislative Assignment
- Minimum 8 hours of community service
- Obtaining all rotation evaluations
- Payment of the Clinical Training Fee in full
Upon successful completion of the of the MS/DI program, the intern will receive a Dietetic Internship Verification Statement and the student’s information will be submitted to the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) for eligibility for the RD exam. The Dietetic Internship Verification Statement and submission to CDR will not be provided until all of the above requirements are met.
The Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program is designed to meet the educational requirements for the State of Massachusetts. Determinations regarding professional licensure and certification eligibility associated with this program are outlined below.
- The Program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure and/or certification as an entry-level registered dietitian in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- Since no licensure or certification exists in some states, a determination has not been made as to whether or not the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure and/or certification as an entry-level registered dietitian in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Michigan, and Virginia.
For more information about state licensure requirements click here.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian
The combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program provides the education and training necessary to become a Registered Dietitian. Completion of educational programs and supervised practice that are ACEND-accredited is required for the training to become a Registered Dietitian. Our program is an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program designed to be undertaken after completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college university and the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited dietetic internship program at Tufts University/Tufts Medical Center are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. The Registration Exam requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). After successfully passing the Registration Examination, graduates can practice as Registered Dietitians. In order to maintain registration, graduates must complete continuing professional educational requirements. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.
The Board of Registration of Dietitians/Nutritionists grants licenses to qualified individuals who comply with the requirements of the statute. The Board also insures that licensees have complied with continuing professional education requirements necessary to maintain current knowledge and renew their license.
More information about licensure
Program Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Produce competent entry-level registered dietitians with special expertise in clinical nutrition therapy that have a foundation needed to practice nutrition successfully in a variety of areas (such as clinical dietetics, health promotion, disease prevention, palliation, research, industry, or government).
- Objective 1: At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within 30 months (150% of program length).
- Objective 2: 90% of program graduates take the RD credentialing exam within 12 months of program completion.
- Objective 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 nutritionists is at least 80%.
- Objective 4: The program’s first time pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam on the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 90%.
- Objective 5: Of graduates who seek employment and respond to the alumni survey, 85% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective 6: 90% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will rate themselves satisfied with their clinical training as preparation for their professional positions at one and five years post-graduation
- Objective 7: 85% of employers who respond to the employer survey are satisfied with our graduates’ preparation for entry-level practice.
Goal 2: Prepare future dietetics leaders to practice with a strong commitment to citizenship, collaboration, and ethical standards and successfully navigate current and future professional issues and challenges.
- Objective 1: 95% of graduates will conduct their professional practice and personal behavior in accordance with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Code of Ethics.
- Objective 2: 85% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will report an understanding of leadership and management issues and approaches in a variety of organizational systems.
- Objective 3: 50% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will have been involved in professional activities such as participation in local, state, or national nutrition and dietetics organizations and/or committees.
- Objective 4: 85% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will report the attainment of the knowledge and skills needed to participate in nutrition research.
- Objective 5: 50% of graduates who respond to the alumni survey will have submitted a professional publication or poster or provided a nutrition related presentation to a professional of community audience.
For over 10 years, 100% of enrolled students have completed and graduated from the Program. Additional program outcome data is available upon request. Please contact Dietetic Internship Director, Kelly Kane at kelly.kane@tuftsmedicine.org for further information.
Accreditation
The Combined Dietetic Internship/Masters Degree Program at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center, Tufts Medical Center, is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The next program review is scheduled for Fall 2024. ACEND is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Dept of Education.
ACEND's phone number is: +1 (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400 Or (312) 899-0040
Fax: 312/899-4817
acend@eatright.org
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60606-6995
*The Combined Dietetic Internship/Master's Degree will participate in the online dietetic internship centralized application process (DICAS). Please see the "How to Apply" tab below for further instructions.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, you can attend one of our virtual open houses which occur via Zoom on the THIRD Friday of every month at 2 pm EST. Please email kelly.kane@tuftsmedicine.org if you are interested.
Frances Stern Nutrition Center Dietetic Internship participates in the Centralized Online Dietetic Internship Application (DICAS) and only participates in the spring dietetic internship matching. In addition to the DICAS application, applicants are also required to complete and submit the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy application form. Do NOT send materials directly to FSNC or Tufts University.
Selection Criteria
Application to the Combined / Master's Degree/Dietetic Internship Program requires successful completion of The Academy's Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements and fulfillment of the application process noted above.
Interns are selected based on:
- Scholastic achievement
- Professional references
- Written and oral expression
- Leadership abilities
- Professional activities
- Work experience
- GRE scores (optional)
Application Checklist
- Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS)
- Submit personal statement, recommendations, and transcript through this application.
- DICAS charges $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application.
- Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy application form. Complete the application online.
- Complete Application Information and Academic History Section
- Do NOT submit essays, recommendations, or other supporting material through the online application.
- Pay a $70 application fee through the online application system.
Note: The cost for participating in the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) is separate from the FSNC Application Fee.
Deadline for Application
The deadline for application to the Combined Dietetic Internship / Master Degree Program at Frances Stern Nutrition Center / Tufts University is the spring matching deadline for the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS), February 15, 2024. Do not send any materials directly to Tufts University.
Computer Matching
The Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program at Frances Stern Nutrition Center / Tufts University participates in the Computer Matching Program sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. All applicants must also participate in the Computer Matching Program through D &D Digital, otherwise their application will not be considered. Applicants should follow directions on the D & D Digital website (link below), and prioritize their Dietetic Internship preferences, from any Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-accredited Didactic Programs. There is a $65.00 charge for D &D Digital computer matching.
D&D Digital Systems
304 Main Street, Suite 301
Ames, IA 50010-6148
Phone: +1 (515) 292-0490
Fax: +1 (515) 663-9427
Website: www.dnddigital.com
Email: dnd@sigler.com
Acceptance
Appointments to the internship are made on match day, as designated by D&D Digital. Applicants will find their matching result on www.dnddigital.com. This is the ONLY source of notification for applicants. The Appointment Date is in April. Matched applicants must contact the dietetic internship director by telephone, FAX or email on or before 5:00 PM (time zone of the program) on Notification Day to confirm the acceptance of the match.
Phase II Selection
Any combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship positions not filled during first round match will be selected from applications that were reviewed by the program with the first round match. This means that students who have applied during the first round matching process but, did not match to any program during the first round, will be given priority for a Phase II selection.
- The program will reach out directly to any unmatched students who have previously applied to the program during the first round to begin the Phase II selection.
- If the open internship position is still not filled after consideration of the initial applicants, new applications to the combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program will be considered from students who have not previously applied to the program.
- New applicants should apply to the program through DICAS Phase II, and must meet the application requirements as stated above, including application to the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and optionally reporting GRE test scores.
- For further information or questions about the Phase II Selection, please contact Kelly Kane at kelly.kane@tuftsmedicine.org
Tuition
For current tuition rates, please refer to our Tuition and Expenses page to an overview of tuition and fees. This document shows expenses not only for the Friedman degree programs, but also for living in/around Boston, books and supplies, and associated fees.
For information about financial aid, please refer to the Office of Financial Aid page.
View Current Degree Requirements Worksheet
Required Courses
Seven core courses are required for all students and are taught at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, as well the courses offered via the optional specialization, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Nutrition (see specialization courses on degree requirement worksheet linked above). The core courses include:
- Nutritional Biochemistry (NUTR 315)
- Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy (NUTR 316)
- Principles of Epidemiology (NUTR 204)
- Fundamentals of Nutrition Policy and Programming: How Science and Practice Interact (NUTR 203; common substitute NUTB 206) or other approved policy class of choice
- Statistical Methods for Health Professionals I and II (NUTB 250 and NUTB 350)
- Advanced Clinical Nutrition Practice in Kidney Disease (NUTR 0374)
- Senior Project (enroll via NUTR 497: Directed Study)
Electives
The remainder of graduate course work consists of four additional elective courses. Students have the opportunity to take elective courses in the graduate degree programs at Tufts University School of Medicine Master of Public Health program, Harvard University School of Public Health, Brandeis University, Boston College, Boston University, and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University, as well as at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.
Minicourses
In addition to regular courses, there are minicourses and special classes designed to help interns become more skillful practitioners. Lecturers are from our own medical and dental faculties as well as from other universities or health care facilities. Examples of recent offerings include counseling, pediatrics, and management.
Joint Internship Classes
Lectures by prominent Boston physicians, dietitians, and other experts are offered regularly in joint classes for all the dietetic internships of Greater Boston and throughout Massachusetts including, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts General, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Mount Auburn Hospital, Simmons College, Boston University, University of New Hampshire, and Southcoast/Sodexho Hospitals. This gives interns a chance to meet professional colleagues and to become familiar with the extensive health care resources of the city. Topics include: Nutrition Support, Sports Nutrition, Obesity, Nutrition Research, and others.
Workshops
Workshops, planned for each class according to need, may include Research Design, Cultural Diversity and a Management Seminar.
Program Timeline
First Year (Entering Student)
Orientation (August) | Coursework (No Rotations) (September - December) | Clinical (Re-orientation), Coursework and Rotations (January - May) |
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Review of:
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Courses:
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Courses:
Rotations (may include): Food Service, Adult Ambulatory, Management, WIC/Public Health, Weight and Wellness Center, Dental, Research Vacation: Spring Break (typically third week of March) |
Second Year (Senior Student) (June - May)
Coursework and Rotations (June – August) | Coursework and Rotations (September– December) | Coursework and Rotations (January – May) |
---|---|---|
Student program evaluation at the end of the first year. Meeting with graduating second year students to get advice and feedback. Coursework: Begin work on Senior Project (enroll via NUTR 497: Directed Study), possible elective (3-4 required prior to graduation) Rotations may include: Inpatient Acute Care, Pediatrics, MGH Weight Center, Oncology, USDA HNRCA, Renal, Optional, Staff Relief, Joslin Diabetes Center, any first year rotations not completed Seminars Vacation: One week to be taken anytime from June of second year until the end of the program. |
Coursework: Continue work on Senior Project (enroll via NUTR 497: Directed Study), possible elective (3-4 required prior to graduation) Rotations may include: Inpatient Acute Care, Pediatrics, MGH Weight Center, Oncology, USDA HNRCA, Renal, Optional, Staff Relief, Joslin Diabetes Center, any first year rotations not completed Seminars Vacation: One week in December (typically the week of Christmas). |
Coursework: Complete work on Senior Project (enroll via NUTR 497: Directed Study), possible elective (3-4 required prior to graduation) Rotations may include: Inpatient Acute Care, Pediatrics, MGH Weight Center, Oncology, USDA HNRCA, Renal, Optional, Staff Relief, Joslin Diabetes Center, any first year rotations not completed Seminars Jean Inman RD Exam Review Course |
Transfer of Courses Previously Taken
A student may transfer toward their Master of Science/Dietetic Internship degree program a course previously taken at other universities or other Tufts University schools, provided the course was not used toward another degree. Transfer of a course(s) does not reduce the cost of the Dietetic Internship degree program. Only courses that have been taken within the last five years at regionally accredited U.S. universities are routinely considered for transfer. Students who wish to transfer courses taken outside the U.S. or for courses taken more than five years prior to enrollment should discuss the possibility with the Academic Dean and exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. The maximum quantity of transfer courses as semester hour units allowed for MS/Dietetic Internship degree program is: 6 semester hour units.
The following materials are required for a course to be considered for transfer of semester hour units:
- An official transcript demonstrating a grade of B or better in the course and showing the year the course was taken;
- A detailed syllabus, in English. (Note: if a syllabus is not available, students may petition the Academic Dean to substitute course notes or other material);
- The amount of the Friedman School semester hour units requested;
- A completed Petition for Transfer of a Course form with all of the above information (http://nutrition.tufts.edu/students/registrar/forms).
Graduates of our program hold a variety of positions in the fields of nutrition and policy. These include:
- Faculty member, coordinated undergraduate program in dietetics
- Nutrition in ambulatory services of a teaching hospital or general hospital
- Nutritionist for neighborhood health centers, health maintenance organizations, or maternal and infant care centers
- Consultant for private health organization, group practice, extended care facilities, and day care centers
- Teaching in colleges, universities and schools of nursing
- Nutritionist in rehabilitation institutes
- Full professor in a Dental School
- Nutritionist on inpatient nutrition support team
- Clinical nutritionist in community and teaching hospitals
- Research dietitian
- State food and nutrition specialist (cooperative extension)
- Director of clinical nutrition services
- Nutritionist in the private sector - food industry
- Director of Dietetic Internship
- Nutritionist at a Health Center or Athletic Facility
- Nutritionist in an outpatient weight loss center
- Nutrition Communication Specialist at a Dairy Council
- Project Manager at a restaurant company that focuses on sustainability and local sourcing
- Dietitian in Private Practice
- Healthcare Marketing Associate
- Research Unit Project Manager
- Senior Program Manager for a community based pediatric nutrition initiative
Additionally, alumni of the Frances Stern Nutrition Center have been employed by a wide range of companies and organizations, including the World Health Organization, Oke USA Fair Trade Fruit Company, Mathematica, Bon Appetit Management Company, The Almond Board, USDA, California Department of Public Health, Equal Exchange Program, Kaiser Permanente, DynaMed, Med Mark Nutrition Labeling Initiative.
Frances Stern Nutrition Center
The Frances Stern Nutrition Center was established in 1918 by Frances Stern, a pioneer in the field of applied nutrition. The Center was the first organization of its kind in the world and has served as a model for many other nutrition clinics in the U.S. and abroad.
In the early 1900s most people did not understand the fundamental principles of nutrition. Frances Stern, a well-respected nutritionist for the US Department of Agriculture, recognized this problem and simply suggested, "Someone should show them." Taking her own advice to heart, Stern revolutionized nutritional education by using visual aids in her instruction. She believed that it is better to show rather than tell people how much they can eat.
Tufts Medical Center
Nutrition resources at the Tufts Medical Center include both adult and pediatric clinical programs for hospitalized and ambulatory patients, as well as the Frances Stern Nutrition Center. Tufts Medical Center is the major clinical unit affiliated with the Tufts University School of Medicine. Tufts Medical Center has established a national and international reputation for research, teaching, patient care, and graduate and postgraduate education.
Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts
Scientists at the HNRCA examine how nutrition impacts healthy aging and the role nutrition plays in preventing diseases of the aging. The HNRCA, which is an independent research facility located two blocks away from the Friedman school on the Tufts Boston campus, was established in 1977 as a unique partnership between the USDA and the University. Many of the scientists at the HNRCA’s 20 research labs are also Friedman School faculty. Friedman students have unique opportunities to conduct research under the supervision of HNRCA scientists who have international stature in their respective areas of research expertise.
Boston Food Allergy Center
The Boston Food Allergy Center offers patients with food allergy and/or food associated gut disorders comprehensive state-of-the-art diagnostic studies and treatments including oral food challenges, skin prick testing, patch testing, component-resolved diagnostics, endoscopies, as well as various breath tests to evaluate for H. pylori, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and various food intolerances. Students will work with Dr. John Leung, a US-trained physician triple board-certified in Allergy/Immunology, Gastroenterology, and Internal Medicine in reviewing clinical history, physical exam, and previous laboratory, histological, and endoscopic data, confirming a diagnosis and providing a customized nutrition therapy plan.
Ambulatory Services: Outpatient Counseling Adults
Interns are provided with introductory experiences and close staff supervision in counseling patients. This is typically a five week rotation. Common patient diagnoses are hypertension, diabetes, cancer, prenatal conditions, and underweight. Typical diet instructions include sodium restriction and weight gain. The focus of this experience is on developing skills in planning nutritional care, counseling, and documenting care provided. This includes setting priorities, long-term goals, and behavioral objectives for patients. Interns are also provided opportunity to complete nutrition evaluation, therapy, and care of patients undergoing evaluation for or after solid organ transplantation (heart, kidney, and liver), patients in the adult and pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic settings, as well pediatric patients in our general pediatric clinic.The student plans individualized nutrition care and provides nutrition counseling on the basis of nutrition priorities. This rotation is a partial virtual rotation.
Administrative/Management Affiliation
This three week experience includes activities involved in the management of the nutrition staff and hospital departmental budget as well as exposure to program management at the Friedman School. The interns also are involved in data collection for quality improvement activities as well as individual clinical management projects. Typically, two weeks is spent in the Tufts Medical Center Frances Stern Nutrition Center (face to face, onsite) and one week is spent working on program management at the Friedman School (virtual rotation).
WIC/Public Health
After an observation period, interns function as staff nutritionists in the Women, Infants and Children Program in a neighborhood health center in and around Boston during this two to three week rotation. Among other activities, they identify individuals who are at nutritional risk, provide nutritional counseling to individuals and groups, and refer clients to other health team members when appropriate. This rotation may be held virtually (fully or partially).
USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Students participate in ongoing nutrition surveys, ambulatory studies, metabolic studies, and the operations of a kitchen in a large research unit. They are exposed to recruitment methods, research protocols and protocols, and interdisciplinary projects. Typically, this rotation is two - three weeks in length (face to face, onsite).
MGH Weight Center/Tufts Medical Center Weight and Wellness Center
Students take part in the multidisciplinary care approach to obesity management. They observe and participate in individual and group counseling sessions. In addition, they are exposed to both the medical and surgical approaches to weight loss. The intern is also given the opportunity to directly observe a gastric restrictive surgery. Typically, two to three weeks is spent in the Tufts Medical Center Weight and Wellness Center (partial virtual rotation) and three weeks are spent in the MGH Weight Center (face to face, onsite).
Affiliations in Inpatient Acute Care
Clinical Experiences in Tufts Medical Center Inpatient Acute Care Setting: Interns are precepted in each specialty area by dietitians having expertise in the various specialty areas listed below (all face to face, onsite).
Adult
Students function in the role of a clinical dietitian in an acute care hospital setting under the supervision of the clinical dietitians who have specialized expertise in particular areas of nutritional intervention. The students initially observe the dietitian and assist in daily tasks. They are later given individuals, groups, or a floor of patients to screen, assess, develop care plans for, monitor and counsel under the supervision of the dietitian. Each rotation provides a gradual increase in patient acuity and type of nutritional intervention required.The students' experience is enhanced by attendance at team conferences, medical and surgical rounds, journal review and nutrition rounds. In addition, journal articles and other readings pertinent to each rotation are available on the units. Students are also responsible for assuring that food service to patients is appropriate. They interact with the Food Services Department and are responsible for communicating pertinent patient information to them.
a. Cardiology
In this two week introduction to acute care, the dietetic intern develops basic skills in nutritional assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring and appropriate medical record documentation for patients with the following problems: cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarctions, atherosclerosis, heart transplantation, postoperative surgical needs and hyperlipidemias. The intern will develop appropriate nutritional care plans, monitor status and provide nutritional education for these patients.
b. General Medicine / General Surgery
During this three week rotation, the intern uses their newly acquired skills in nutritional assessment of more complicated medical patients including Renal, Cardiac, Diabetes, GI and the Aging Population. In addition, the dietetic intern identifies the special nutritional needs of surgical patients by assuming responsibility for the nutritional care of patients on the following surgical services: vascular, oncology, GI, gynecology, cardiothoracic, bariatric surgery, and general surgery. They develop appropriate nutrition care plans for patients on various modified diets as well as those on tube feedings, and are involved in education of patients and families. They also become familiar with the nutrient content or standard nutrition solutions and are able to recognize indications for use.
c. Hematology/ Oncology/ Bone Marrow Transplant
Interns provide nutritional care to patients having different types of cancers, including solid tumors, leukemias, lymphomas, and myelodysplastic syndromes. They also identify the special nutritional needs of the bone marrow transplant patient and become familiar with chemotherapeutic agents and their side effects effects and are introduced to parenteral nutrition during this three week rotation.
Pediatrics
The students are provided a three week rotation in our level 3 neonatal ICU and our NICU follow up clinic in order to learn about the nutritional need and care of premature infants.
Advanced Clinical Experience/Staff Relief
In this affiliation, interns assume total responsibility for inpatient nutritional care in an assigned area for a three week period (face to face, onsite).
Additional Experiences
Renal
Students participate in nutrition assessment and care of ambulatory renal patients. They also observe and serve as a health care team member for patients undergoing hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis during this four week rotation (face to face, onsite).
Dental
Students are provided with a unique experience in dealing directly with dental professionals on supervisory and advisory basis in reference to nutritional care of patients. The dietetic intern receives an overview of dental science and the relevant dietary factors which will make her a valuable asset to the dental profession. In this experience, the intern supervises dental students in teaching preventive nutrition dentistry to their patients. Typically, this rotation is two-three weeks in length (face to face, onsite).
Food Service Management
Through experience and observation, students develop skills in managing time and other resources; establishing safe and sanitary practices; purchasing, receiving and storing of food; developing, implementing and evaluating menus; providing for quality control; educating food service employees. The administrative and management skills developed in this affiliation promote greater effectiveness and adaptability in both clinical and community nutrition. It takes place at Tufts Medical Center's Food Service Department led by Sodexo during a two week period (face to face, onsite).
Optional Affiliation
An affiliation of about three weeks' duration in an area of special interest to the intern is planned. This is done to allow students to explore an area of interest or to permit a more in depth experience in a specific area. The Optional Affiliation time is application oriented, whereas Senior Independent Study (Senior Project) is more research oriented and is usually designed towards producing a publication. Flexibility is available for the Optional Affiliation, but alternate Affiliation choices must be discussed with and approved by the Dietetic Internship Director.
Program Costs (2022-2023)
Expenses for one year of a two year program
Tuition | $25,776 |
Fees | $660 |
Health Insurance | $7164 |
Clinical Training Fee* | $10,000 |
(Total Direct) | $43,600 |
Books & Supplies | $750 (including a laptop needed for remote learning and distanced education) |
Room & Board (off campus) | $20,250 |
Transportation/Travel | $780 |
Personal | $3,150 |
Drug Test | $90 |
Loan Fees | $902 |
(Total Indirect) | $25,922 |
Expenses Covered by Program | CORI check, OIG check, Liability Insurance |
Total | $69,522 |
*The Dietetic Internship has a one-time Clinical Training Fee of $20,000 charged by Tufts Medical Center. Students may request an increase to their financial aid to cover this expense.