Montana Dietetic Internship - Handbook, Policies & Procedures

MDI Handbook, Policies & Procedures

Download the Printable MDI Handbook 2022-2025. 

Welcome to the Montana Dietetic Internship!

History of the Program

With an interest in increasing opportunities for dietitians in Montana, the initial idea for the Montana Dietetic Internship (MDI) was developed by Dr. Alison Harmon of Montana State University (MSU)-Bozeman and Dr. Carla Cox of Missoula in 2007. The MSU Food & Nutrition faculty and The College of Education Health & Human Development administration, along with the Montana Dietetic Association (now the Montana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), collaborated in the development of the MDI Program, and the first class of interns began the program in August 2011. With the change in degree requirements for future dietitians, in 2015 MDI began the development of a new pathway for the MDI program which included an online Master of Science degree (MS). In 2020, the MDI program enrolled students into the first MS/Dietetic Internship (DI) cohort. During the full time, 24-month MS/DI pathway students complete 39-graduate level credits. Online coursework is completed in the first year of the program, followed by a year of at least 1000 hours of supervised practice in Montana or Wyoming. The non-degree graduate DI program will continue as a pathway option on an as needed basis only.

The MDI program is unique. Montanans possess distinct characteristics that influence the way they educate themselves in a large rural state with only a few significant population centers.  An independent spirit, strong work ethic, creativity, appreciation and dedication to its people and sensible land stewardship have been forces behind the creation of this dietetic education program and its maturity. The uniqueness of MDI continues to stem from the program design consisting of a main support institution in MSU and seven primary geographic centers throughout Montana and Wyoming offering supervised practice (SP) experiences. MDI aims to develop nutrition professionals well-suited for a career in dietetics who are job-ready to perform and excel in their chosen careers. MDI graduates contribute to the betterment of people and the communities in which they work and live. 

Located in Bozeman, MT, MSU supports the Montana Dietetic Internship. MSU has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1932 and is in good standing, receiving a reaffirmation letter in 2018 for a seven-year accreditation cycle.

Founded in 1893 as the state's land grant institution, MSU is the university of choice for those seeking a student-centered learning environment distinguished by innovation and discovery in a Rocky Mountain setting.  The University offers baccalaureate degrees in 60 fields with numerous pathways, master's degrees in 68 fields with 12 options for graduate certificates, and doctoral degrees in 35 fields. Nearly 1000 faculty members in teaching and research and approximately1850 staff and professional personnel work together to provide a challenging and richly diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success.

Requirements for the MS/DI application include: a completed DICAS application, a Verification Statement (or declaration of intent) from an accredited didactic program in dietetics, a preferred 100 hours of volunteer or work experience in food, nutrition, and/or dietetics, three references from dietetic professionals, faculty and/or employers, and a preferred GPA > 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Online interviews may be utilized to further discern best candidates for the MS/DI. Once accepted, students are enrolled in online coursework for 4 consecutive semesters, starting in the summer term. After completion of the online coursework, students start supervised practice in Bozeman in August, the second year of the program. Students will complete foundation weeks including professional development and NUTR 560: Food Systems Leadership for Nutrition Professionals on the main Bozeman campus. Upon successful completion of the initial work in Bozeman, interns rotate through clinical, foodservice management, community nutrition, and integrated or specialty supervised practice sites. Depending on goals, abilities, and preferred location, the supervised practice experience will be in food and nutrition care facilities in Eastern, Central or Western Montana or Northern Wyoming.

Non-Degree Graduate DI Program Pathway Application Requirements

Note: Applications are Only Accepted as Space is Available

Requirements for the non-degree graduate DI application include: a completed DICAS application, a Verification Statement (or declaration of intent) from an accredited didactic program in dietetics, a completed master’s degree, a preferred 100 hours of volunteer or work experience in food, nutrition, and/or dietetics, three references from dietetic professionals, faculty and/or employers, and a preferred GPA > 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Online interviews may be utilized to further discern best candidates for the non-degree graduate DI should open slots be available. Once accepted students will be enrolled in a total of 12 non-degree graduate credits and start their supervised practice in August. Students will complete foundation weeks including professional development and NUTR 560: Food Systems Leadership for Nutrition Professionals on the main Bozeman campus then progress through rotations in clinical, foodservice management, community nutrition, and integrated or specialty supervised practice sites. Depending on goals, abilities, and preferred location, the supervised practice experience will be in food and nutrition care facilities in Eastern, Central or Western Montana or Northern Wyoming.

Applications for both pathways will be evaluated based on a variety of factors including scholastic achievement, work/volunteer experience, professional references, leadership abilities and program fit.

The College of Education, Health and Human Development is committed to an environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion of all individuals in our college and the MSU community, and the communities we serve. EHHD has an imperative to prepare all individuals within the college to be successful in a diverse world, and to be aware of power differentials, oppression, and privilege within society. We believe that each student, staff, faculty member, and guest should feel welcomed and valued for their contributions to the educational process in all areas of teaching and learning, research, and service in the MSU community and beyond.

MSU Mental Health and Wellness Statement & Support Services

MSU strives to create a culture of support and recognizes that your mental health and wellness are equally as important as your physical health. We want you to know that it’s OK if you experience difficulty, and there are several resources on campus to help you succeed emotionally, personally, and academically: 

• Counseling & Psychological Services: https://www.montana.edu/counseling/     
• Health Advancement: https://www.montana.edu/oha/  
• Insight Program (Substance Use): https://www.montana.edu/oha/insight/  

• Suicide Prevention: https://www.montana.edu/suicide-prevention/  
• Medical Services: https://www.montana.edu/health/  
• WellTrack: https://montana.welltrack.com/  
• Mental Health Screen:https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/montanastateuniv  

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) - Strategic Missions and Visions

A world where all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition

AND Vision

Professional Policies and Procedures                                                                                           

AND and MTAND Memberships

Policy:

To fully develop as a food and nutrition professional, membership and participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is highly desirable; therefore, membership as a student or active member in the dietetic professional organization is required.

Procedure:

1. To obtain professional membership go to the Student section of the Academy website (http://www.eatright.org/students/join/) and follow the procedures.
2. Membership in AND automatically makes the intern a member of his or her affiliate/state association. Interns need to ensure that their affiliate is Montana.

Professional Meeting Attendance

Policy:

Interns may attend an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition or other state dietetic meetings during supervised practice.  Attendance needs approval by the preceptor and Program Director. 

Procedures:

1. Meeting registration, lodging and travel costs are the responsibility of the intern. Meeting attendance and participation may be counted as supervised practice hours

Policy:

Interns may attend other dietetic-related meetings during supervised practice.  Attendance needs approval by preceptor and Program Director.

Procedures:

1. If a dietetic-related meeting occurs during supervised practice, an intern may request time to attend the meeting.
2. To gain approval for attendance, requirements include:
   1. intern’s preceptor approves the attendance;
   2. the meeting is related to the intern’s current rotation;
   3. time spent at the dietetic-related meeting will count as FNCE or an affiliate state meeting and as supervised practice; and
   4. meeting registration, lodging, and travel are incurred by the intern; and
   5. all supervised practice assignments are to be completed prior to attendance to the meeting; and
   6. an oral report is presented to the preceptor upon return, and summary sent to the Program Director.

Insurance – Professional Liability

Policy: 

Since clinical facilities require that all students have malpractice liability insurance, each intern is covered under the MSU Student Professional Liability Insurance.

Procedures:

MSU provides proof of liability insurance when requested by supervised practice facilities.

Internship Program Policies

Liability for Safety in Travel

Policy:

Safety during travel is of prime importance to MDI interns.  Due to the distances traveled during this internship, attention to safe driving will be stressed.

Procedures:

During Program Orientation, interns will receive information about travel in Montana and safe driving tips.

Policy:

MDI interns are required to obtain automobile insurance prior to participating in supervised practice in affiliated facilities.

Procedures:

Submit proof of insurance to the online records management system by the specified due date.

Substance Screening

Policy:

MDI requires a urine substance screen for all interns per facility onboarding procedures.

Procedures:

1. 1. Before being placed in supervised practice facilities, student/interns are required to have urine substance screening facilitated by an approved source.
   2. Information will be given to student/interns to obtain the required tests.
   3. All costs associated with the urine substance testing are the responsibility of the student.
   4. Positive Substance Screen: A Positive substance screen will be confirmed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO) from an approved drug testing laboratory.
      1. Student/interns with a positive substance screen can anticipate, per rotation facility policy, not being able to complete supervised practice at that site.
      2. Student/interns with a positive substance screen will meet with MDI Directors and EHHD Assistant Dean/Director of Student Success to determine course of action including potential dismissal from the MDI program.
   5. Negative Dilute screening results will require retesting at student/intern expense.

Criminal Background Checks

Policy:

Affiliation agreements with facilities contain requirements that interns coming into facilities do not have a criminal record; therefore, a background check is required to participate in supervised practice. 

Procedures:

Before being placed in supervised practice facilities, interns are required to have background checks conducted by an approved source.  The background checks include criminal and public record searches Montana statewide, counties resided in outside of the state, and Fraud & Abuse Control Information Systems (FACIS) checks. 

Educational Purpose of Supervised Practice to Prevent Use of Students to Replace Employees

Policy:

Interns are supervised during a variety of experiences in several facilities; however, students are not employees within the meaning of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Procedures:

The U.S. Department of Labor publication entitled "Employment Relationship under the Fair Labor Standards Act," dated February 1973 indicates that interns are not employees if all of the following circumstances surrounding their activities apply:

1. 1. the training, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the preceptor, is similar to that which would be given in a vocational school;
   2. the training is for the benefit of the interns;
   3. the interns do not displace regular employees, but work under their close observation (i.e., the intern will consult with a preceptor before making a decision);
   4. the preceptor providing the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the interns, and on occasion his or her operations may actually be impeded;
   5. the interns are not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the training period; and
   6. the preceptors and the interns understand that the interns are not entitled to wages for the time spent in training.

Filing and Handling Complaints from Interns and Preceptors

Policy:

The Program Director will be responsible for filing and handling complaints from interns and preceptors.          

Procedures:

The Program Director will hear complaints from interns and preceptors and keep a record of all complaints in secure program files. 

Assessment of Prior Learning and Credit Toward Program Requirements 

Policy:

MDI recognizes that students may have prior experiences that equate planned activities during supervised practice; therefore, will consider the option to grant credit for those experiences and provide alternative, higher-level experiences to support continued growth as a professional.

Procedures:

For credit to be considered for supervised practice completed at other schools, students need to provide the following information: name and level of course, pre-requisite courses, course syllabus, and name of course text, if applicable.

Evaluation of Equivalency of Prior Education or Experiences

Policy:

The Program Director, in consultation with MDI MS Coordinator, faculty and preceptors, will evaluate and award credit for prior education and/or work experiences as warranted.

Procedures:

1. To evaluate and give credit for prior work experience, students need to provide the length of time (dates, number of hours), names and qualifications of supervisors, and detailed description of the experience.  A set of experiences may only be used for one exempted rotation.

2. Faculty and preceptors will compare the experience to MDI supervised experiences and decide whether or not to accept the request to credit the experience toward the number of required supervised practice hours. 

Recency of Education

Policy:

Completion of all requirements for the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) from an ACEND accredited program must be completed within the past five years.  

Procedures:

1. An original, signed copy of the DPD Verification Statement must be given to the Program Director before the start of MDI.

2. If the date on the DPD Verification Statement is more than 5 years prior to starting MDI, the applicant must take or have taken 9 credits in advanced level dietetics related coursework within the last 5 years at a university with an approved DPD or coordinated program.  At least 3 of the 9 credits must be in medical nutrition therapy.  Documentation of the plan for the 9 credits or completion of those credits must be included in the application packet. Documentation of successful completion of the coursework must be provided before the start of the program.

Supervised Practice Placement

Policy:

It is the goal of Program Directors to appropriately place interns in the most suitable supervised practice experience.

Procedures:

1. Program Directors, in conjunction with facility preceptors, decide the placement of interns in supervised practice sites after students have committed to the internship.  Except for the Self-Selected rotation, interns do not arrange their own clinical/community/foodservice management rotations for supervised practice.
2. Student interns will provide a letter (email) of introduction to each preceptor contact prior to the first day of a rotation.  The letter will provide contact information, perceived strengths and weakness, and expectations for the upcoming rotation (see Appendix C – Letter of Introduction).
3. Students will complete a self-evaluation for clinical, community and foodservice experiences within their Competency Master Log which is in line with the foundation knowledge and competencies for dietitian education (see Appendix D and E; Updated Version 1.04 of the 2017 Foundation Knowledge and Competencies for Dietitian Education and MDI Intern Competency Log).  Students should compile this information as they progress throughout the internship.  
4. A number of policies apply to supervised practice:
   1. After program orientation, each intern will complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice, approximately 35 hours per week, in each major emphasis area, with a 2-week self-selected rotation.
   2. The assigned schedule may vary each week, but interns will be prepared to work the assigned shift, early or late, and the assigned days, including weekends.
   3. As a professional, no time clock is punched. Interns remain on the job for the amount of time required to complete the assigned responsibilities for the day.
   4. The final evaluation for each rotation is mutually determined by facility preceptor(s) in consultation with university faculty
      (see Appendix F).

Supervised Practice Hours Tracking

Policy:

Formal Assessment of Intern Learning

Policy:

MDI will assess interns’ learning and skill attainment on a regular basis throughout the internship.

Procedures:

1. Prior to interns arriving at their facilities, preceptors will receive evaluation rubrics to be used for intern evaluation.
2. The MDI Competency and Intern Evaluation for Supervised Practice form (see Appendix E) will be used as an introductory negotiation piece for intern and preceptor to express expectations and standards of performance.  The form will then be used post-rotation to provide feedback and evaluation to the intern and at mid-rotation for longer experiences. 
3. Preceptors will share their assessment with the Program Director, discuss their assessments with the intern, and the Program Director will follow-up with the intern to discuss evaluation and plans to improve or maintain performance should interns be assessed at less than a “3.” 

Performance and Progress Reports

Policy:

All performance and progress reports will be discussed, reviewed, and then filed as part of a permanent record for the intern.

Procedures:

1. After meeting with the intern to share performance evaluation, the preceptor will electronically send the evaluation to the Program Director.
2. The Program Director will electronically save the report; all performance and progress reports will be saved in individual electronic intern files.

Self-Selected Rotations

For all self-selected rotations, including international rotations, interns will complete a Self-Selected Rotation Form detailing the proposed learning objectives and outcome measures, what core competencies are to be addressed during the experience and the types of activities proposed to meet those competencies.

Policy: 

Interns will plan 2 weeks of their internship experience, called “self –selected rotations.”

Procedures:

1. Student/interns will be provided with a list of possible self-selected rotation topics and preceptors; however student/interns may choose experiences that are not listed.
2. By early spring of the internship year, student/interns will submit a self-selected rotation form for each rotation experience they have planned to the MDI Director. Information on the self-selected rotation form includes the following: 
   
   1. Preceptor Information
      1. Qualifications
      2. Signed agreement statement to serve as a preceptor
      3. Contact Information
   2. Evaluation
      1. Learning Outcomes of Intern
      2. ACEND competencies addressed by rotation
      3. Activities or Projects

Policy:

Student/Interns are responsible for expenses associated with the self-selected experiences including transportation, housing, and meals.

Policy:

Self-selected rotations will be evaluated.

Procedures:

Student/Interns will submit an evaluation of each self-selected rotation that includes a self-evaluation and an evaluation from the preceptor.  In the evaluation, intern and preceptor should address each learning outcome or competency as well as assess the quality of activities or projects completed by the intern.

Distance Education

Policy:

Program Retention and Remediation Procedures

Student/Intern Advancement

Policy:

Once admitted to MDI, the intern must meet certain academic criteria to advance through the program.

Procedure:

Advancement criteria for the MS/DI pathway include:

1. 1. Complete required online coursework in sequential order with a minimum GPA of 3.0 each term, cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a minimum grade of “C” in each course included in the Program of Study. Student GPA at the end of Fall Semester must be >3.0 to advance to supervised practice with the original cohort.
   2. Earn an overall preceptor performance rating of  >3 for supervised practice.
   3. Exhibit professional behavior in classes, supervised practice, and MDI or dietetic professional meetings at all times.
   4. If an intern exhibits unprofessional behavior or unsafe clinical behavior, this will constitute as an inappropriate incident (Appendix F – Incident Report). 

Advancement criteria for the MS/DI pathway include:

1. 1. Earn an overall preceptor performance rating of >3 for supervised practice.
   2. Exhibit professional behavior in supervised practice and MDI or dietetic professional meetings at all times
   3. If an intern exhibits unprofessional behavior or unsafe clinical behavior, this will constitute as an inappropriate incident (Appendix F – Incident Report).   

Disciplinary and Termination Procedures

Policy:

Professional and safe behavior in the MS/DI are critical to success as a future food and nutrition professional; therefore, unprofessional, or unsafe behavior constitutes an inappropriate incident, and if accumulated will result in disciplinary or termination procedures.      

Procedures:

1. Unprofessional or unsafe clinical behavior is defined as:
   1. two or more unexcused absences or "tardies" to supervised practice or courses as defined by instructor
   2. lack of responsiveness or communication with Program Director, Assistant Directors, faculty, or preceptors,
   3. chronic lack of participation in courses or supervised practice,
   4. disrespect exhibited toward peers, faculty, or preceptors,
   5. refusal to work with another person based on the individual’s personal beliefs, race, culture, or religious preference;
   6. failure to display stable mental, physical or emotional behavior(s) which may affect another’s wellbeing;
   7. use of any substance that may impair clinical judgment or be harmful to self or others;
   8. dishonesty,
   9. cheating or plagiarism,
   10. failure to maintain confidentiality in interactions or records,
   11. attempting activities without adequate orientation, skill preparation, or appropriate assistance.
2. Unprofessional behavior that is observed by preceptors or program faculty will be documented in an incident report and a corrective plan of action implemented.

Procedures:

Probation and warning status for graduate studies & supervised practice 

1. 1. Unprofessional or unsafe behavior during supervised practice  
      
      1. An intern whose pattern of unprofessional or unsafe clinical behavior is found to be excessive (i.e. 3 incidents) will be removed from a regular appointment in MDI (Appendix G – Incident Report).
      2. Probation:  At that time, the intern will be placed on probation and counseled to change behavior.
      3. Notification: Students will be notified by the Program Director or Assistant Director when an incident has occurred and been recorded. When the student is placed on probation or warning status, documentation is completed and placed in their personal file (Appendix G – Notification of Probationary or Warning Status).
      4. Warning: Interns have two weeks to change the inappropriate behavior.  If the behavior remains unchanged, the probationary status will be advanced to a warning status. Prior to this warning period, the intern, preceptor, and Program Director meet and agree to a plan for behavior change (Appendix G – Notification of Probationary or Warning Status). 
      5. The warning status is a time period of two weeks in which the intern has the opportunity to change the inappropriate behavior.
      6. If the unprofessional or unsafe behavior continues through the warning period, the intern’s participation in MDI will be terminated.
   2. Academic actions that result in probation include:
      1. Unsatisfactory rating (< 3) from any supervised practice preceptor;
      2. Interns receiving an unsatisfactory rating from facility preceptors, which is mutually substantiated by the Program Directors, will be required to complete additional work with the details listed in a corrective plan of action, and placed on probation;
      3. Failure to complete required assignments throughout the internship;
      4. In some cases, interns discovered to be cheating, plagiarizing, or being dishonest in any venue receive a grade of F for an assignment.
      5. For MS/DI students, a 3.0 GPA must always be maintained. A student who receives <3.0 GPA for a term or does not achieve a minimum “C” grade for all courses on the Program of Study will be placed on College Probation. A student who earns a cumulative GPA <3.0 will be placed on College Probation. A student who earns a cumulative GPA <3.0 will be placed on University Probation. See Graduate School Policy (p.26) for more information;
      6. Monitoring is in place to identify students that are failing to meet academic requirements. Assignments are graded throughout the program and students that have received a “C” or lower or that have failed to turn in assignments are monitored closely. If more than one assignment results in poor performance, students are required to meet with Program Directors to discuss options for academic support and to determine a corrective plan of action to allow advancement into supervised practice.
      7. Students must follow the corrective plan of action to be returned to Good Academic Standing and receive approval from MDI Directors to continue on to supervised practice

Policy:

Students/interns that are not meeting the advancement criteria for the MS/DI or the non-degree graduate DI programs may be asked to terminate the program. Students/interns will be counseled on other career opportunities.

Procedures:

1. If a student is unable to improve their academic performance with academic support or is not able to meet the program requirement of an overall preceptor performance rating of >3 for supervised practice, they may be asked to terminate the program.
2. Students will meet with the Program Directors to discuss other career path options such as public health nutrition, community wellness, exercise science or other health related career options.
3. Students also have the option to meet with the Careers, Internships and Student Employment Services Department at Montana State University for additional career guidance. 

Remediation

Policy:                      

Remediation resources are made available to students/interns not meeting the advancement criteria for the MS/DI or the non-degree graduate DI programs.

Procedures:        

1. Student/intern is connected as appropriate with any/all of the following academic support resources:

The College of Education, Health and Human Development Student Success

Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success

TRiO Student Support Services

Writing Center

Office of Disability Services

2. Student/intern is connected as appropriate with any/all of the following non-academic resources:

Counseling & Psychological Services   

Health Advancement                   

Insight Program (Substance Use)              

Suicide Prevention                          

Student Health Services                            

WellTrack                                          

Mental Health Screen                                        

Termination or Resignation

Policy:

If unprofessional or unsafe behavior or unsatisfactory academic performance continues through the probationary and warning periods, an intern’s participation in the MS/DI or DI will be terminated. If an intern fails to meet the standards set for the graduate program or supervised practice, the intern’s participation in the MDI will be terminated.

Procedures:

1. Accumulation of three incident reports will dictate a joint conference of the intern Program Directors and/or graduate committee.
2. Review of all reports will be thorough and verified.
3. If reports are verified, the final decision will be made by the Program Director(s) in consultation with the Head of the Department of Health and Human Development and potentially the MDI Advisory Board.
4. Interns terminated from MDI for any reason may follow the appeal procedures as outlined in the MSU Conduct Guidelines and Grievance Procedures for Students.

Policy:

If an intern decides that dietetics or the MDI program is not their appropriate educational or career choice, interns have the right to resign from the program.

Procedures:

1. After discussion of the decision to withdraw with the Program Directors, the student/intern must submit a letter of resignation to the Program Director. 
2. If the student/intern should choose to later reapply to MDI, they will be considered on an equal basis with all other applicants.

Program Completion and Maximum Time to Complete Program

Policy:

Student/interns who successfully complete the supervised practice program will be awarded an ACEND Verification Statement, which allows the graduate along with a completed MS degree to take the Registration Exam for Dietitians.

Procedures:

1. Successful completion of the MS/DI or DI-only program is defined as:
   1. Complete two semesters of DI supervised practice rotations and attend DI classes
   2. Submit an MDI Master Log record to verify the completion of 1050 supervised practice hours and ACEND competencies
   3. Achieve at least a “competent” rating (3 out of 5) overall in rotation performance evaluations based on established criteria
   4. Satisfactorily complete all weekly classes and other assignments during program foundation weeks, internship and the final week’s assessment
   5. MS/DI students – satisfactory completion of the MS online coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Policy:

Interns must complete the internship in 150% of the planned time for completion. 

Procedures:

1. MS/DI Graduate Students - Students must complete the program within 36 months or additional fees will be assessed. Due to the nature of the program (MS classes first year, supervised practice second year), additional DI program fees may be assessed if intern is unable to complete supervised practice during his or her assigned time. Students must be enrolled in 6 supervised practice graduate level credits while completing internship hours.

2. Non-Degree Graduate DI Students – Student/interns must demonstrate completion of the internship within 36 months or additional program fees will be assessed. 

Procedure for Obtaining the Verification Statement

Policy:

The Program Director will present all successful interns ACEND Verification Statements during graduation week at the end of the internship.

Procedures:

1. Interns will be together for a final week of assessments, program evaluation, RDN Exam Prep Workshop, MTAND FANS attendance, and a graduation ceremony.
2. The Program Directors will collect and review all preceptor evaluations, assignments, and final assessments to determine eligibility of the student/intern for graduation.

Graduation

Policy:

Student/Interns demonstrating completion of the MS/DI or DI only program will be considered MDI graduates.

Procedures:

1. MS/DI graduates can participate in MSU spring commencement ceremonies.

Examination for Registered Dietitians

Policy:

MDI will provide the procedures for taking the RDN examinations.

Procedures:

1. During the final week of the internship, the Program Directors will provide interns with the following:
   
   1. Verification statements (4 copies)
   2. CDR information and forms
   3. Directions for taking the RDN examination
   4. Suggestions for preparing for the exam.
   5. Information regarding certification and licensure for dietitians in Montana
   6. Locations of testing sites

Job and Career Placement

Policy:              

MDI will promote employment for graduates within the state of Montana and Northwest region.

Procedures:

1. Career opportunities will be emailed to the alumni listserv.
2. At the MTAND FANS, the Program Directors will facilitate introduction of MDI graduates to potential employers.
3. MDI directors will serve as employment references when appropriate.

Facility Selection for Supervised Practice

Policy:

Facilities that serve as supervised practice sites have state licensure and/or are accredited as required. Additional sites are vetted and included by the Program Director as appropriate to meet diversity of experiences and to provide opportunity to meet competencies.

Procedures:

1. Registered Dietitians or other professionals in their roles who are qualified to serve as preceptors are identified
2. Supervisor and facility permissions are obtained
3. An Affiliation Agreement is developed between MSU-Bozeman/MDI and the facility’s human resources department
4. Affiliation Agreements are updated by the Program director according to the term of the agreement, based on site visits and intern evaluations.

Preceptor Compensation

Policy: 

The MDI includes preceptor compensation in its budget in the amount of $100/intern per week.  Preceptor compensation will be provided in a consistent manner.

Procedure:

MDI Speaker Compensation

Policy:

Speaker honorarium for preceptor and intern training during Foundation weeks of supervised practice (does not include presenting online during NUTR 598 class):

• Non-departmental presenters will receive:
  • $225 for 1-3 hours, presentations/workshops
  • $440 for 4-6 hours, unless otherwise negotiated
• Travel compensation and lodging can also be provided at Montana State Reimbursement rates.
• All compensated speakers/presenters will meet MSU policies/requirements for reimbursement.

MS/DI Graduate School Additional Policies

MS/DI students will be held to all of the above policies in addition to the following policies specific to MSU Graduate School Requirements.  

Graduate School Committees 

Policy:

Students will be required to select a graduate committee composed of a minimum of three (3) members.

Procedures:

1. The Program Director and Department Head of Health & Human Development will Co-Chair the Graduate Committee with the Assistant Director and MS program coordinator who will act as committee members in the first semester of the program

Program of Study

Policy: 

The program of study acts as a contract between the student, the department, the college, The Graduate School, and the University.

Procedures:

1. The program of study must be submitted on an official Graduate Program of Study & Committee form to The Graduate School by the end of the student’s second (2^nd) term of graduate attendance. A one-time fee is associated with the filing and approval of this form.
2. The program of study must be recommended by the student’s graduate committee chair and department head. Final approval rests with The Graduate School. 
3. The program of study may be amended through the course of the student’s graduate study. Changes to a student’s program of study must be made through the Graduate Program Change Form and recommended by the graduate committee chair and the department head. Final approval rests with The Graduate School. No fee is associated with this form.

Leave of Absence and Remediation Procedures:

Leave of Absences

Policy:

Students wishing to take a leave of absence need to reach an agreement with the Program Director and Committee Co-Chair as well as the MS Program Coordinator concerning the leave.

Procedures:

1. The student should write a letter to the Program Director and chair describing the leave, and a copy should be filed with The Graduate School.
   
   1. The letter should include the reasons for the leave of absence and its duration.
2. Students who do not have an agreement for a leave of absence with their chair (and a letter documenting that agreement) and do not take classes for one semester will be withdrawn from the graduate program to allow opportunities for other students.
3. Students who are withdrawn for nonattendance will need to reapply for admission to graduate school if they desire to resume their program.

Remediation

Policy:

Interns have access to remedial instruction through meeting with course instructors during office hours, preceptors, the Program Directors; and utilizing campus support services.

Procedures:

1. Problems may arise regarding student progress through the graduate program. Potential problems include:
   
   1. inadequate academic performance (grades lower than a “C”)
   2. inadequate skill development (lower than a “C” grade in competency development, practicum, and/or internship courses)
   3. inadequate progress on the graduate program (average of less than one sixth of the total credits needed to graduate completed per year)
   4. impairment of functioning (causes could include health problems, stress, mental illness, substance abuse and/or dependence)
   5. violations of standards of ethical conduct.
2. These and other problems will be addressed in the following manner:
   1. First, the chair, MS Coordinator and/or committee will discuss the problem with the student and develop plans for remediation. If the student is in agreement with the plans for remediation, then there will be a follow-up meeting at a designated time at which point progress regarding problem remediation will be assessed.
   2. The chair will keep documentation of the discussion addressing the problem and the discussion concerning progress and its remediation.
   3. If the student and the chair cannot reach an agreement about the problem in need of remediation, the manner in which the problem will be addressed, or an agreement about the assessment of progress in the remediation of the problem, the student will meet with the entire graduate committee. The student may also ask to meet with any other program faculty or the entire program faculty.
   4. If the student's committee is in agreement that the student is failing to remediate identified problems within an appropriate time span, the student may be counseled out of the graduate program and into alternative career or academic programs which are better suited to their needs and abilities.
   5. Students wishing to contest problem remediation plans or being counseled to withdraw from the program may do so by following the university's student grievance procedures which are referenced in the Graduate School Policies and Procedures.

Academic Standing

Policy:

All course requirements must be completed with at least a grade of C. An overall GPA in the graduate program must be a 3.0.

Procedures:

1. A degree-seeking graduate student is expected to obtain a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) to be in Good Academic Standing. A student must maintain:
   1. A minimum 3.0 GPA each term,
   2. A minimum 3.0 GPA in the entire Program of Study, and
   3. A cumulative 3.0 GPA overall.

2. Any student whose cumulative or term GPA is less than 3.00 at the end of any term may be placed on probation or suspended from their degree program
3. A student may be placed on University Probation for either of the following reasons:
   2. The cumulative GPA or Program of Study GPA has fallen below 3.0.
   3. The Graduate School or academic department provisions of admission have not been met.

Suspension

Policy: 

A student may be suspended from a degree program for any of the following reasons:

1. Cumulative or program GPA falls below a 3.0 after being placed in University Probation status.
2. Provisions of admission not satisfied.
3. Unsatisfactory progress in a degree program.
4. Cumulative or program GPA falls below 3.0 for any two (2) terms.

Procedures:

Suspension prevents a student from continuing in the program and the student would need to follow re-admission procedures to rejoin the program.

If a degree-seeking student wishes to appeal their suspension, they must follow the steps in the timeline outlined below:

1. Notice of Appeal. The student must notify the Office of Student Services (OSS) in The Graduate School, their intent to appeal within five (5) business days of receiving the suspension letter.
2. Submission of Appeal. The student has an additional ten (10) business days to provide a letter and any supporting documents to the OSS.
3. Plan of Action proposal. The submitted appeal can be accepted or denied. If the appeal is accepted, the student will be sent a Plan of Action from the OSS to be completed with their committee chair/graduate coordinator. The committee chair/graduate coordinator and the department will make a determination if they are willing to support the student’s Plan of Action proposal. If the Plan of Action is supported, the plan must enumerate the items to be completed for the student to return to good standing.

Final approval of a suspension appeal resides with The Graduate School.

Appendices 

Appendix A: MDI Intern Evlauation of Preceptor

This form is to be completed and submitted to the Program Director at the end of each rotation for each preceptor.

Intern:                                                  Preceptor:                                           Rotation Dates:          

Hours Spent with Preceptor:               Facility:

Give specific feedback on the learning experiences with this preceptor.  What activities/experiences did you find valuable; do you have suggestions for activities/experiences that could have improved this rotation?

Please give specific feedback on any areas marked as fair or poor.

Was this rotation appropriate for meeting competencies and developing confidence in the dietetic specific area it supports?

Please identify and articulate the value of precepting (CRDN 5.8) as you observed in this rotation.

Appendix B1: MDI Year 1 – Graduate Student Agreement

I, ________________________________________, accept my appointment in the Dietetic Systems Leadership MS and have read, understood, and agree to uphold the following: (Please initial each statement to illustrate your understanding and agreement.)

_____ I have read and will follow the policies listed in the MDI Program Handbook.

_____ I must receive a minimum grade of "C" for all courses listed on my Program of Study. If a course receives a grade lower than a "C", a student must retake the course and earn a "C" or better in order to remain in and graduate from MDI.

_____ I am expected to obtain a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) each term and maintaina 3.0 cumulative GPA to be in Good Academic Standing.

_____ I must promptly complete graduate school forms by their deadlines to remain enrolled in the graduate program.

_____ I understand the conditions for probationary/warning status (Appendix G) and termination from the program.

_____ If I withdraw from the MS or DI program for any reason, I will not be guaranteed reentry to the program.  Readmission will depend upon space availability and faculty recommendation. No preference will be given to reentry students. Program fees will not be refunded. Tuition will be refunded per Montana State University Policy.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature                                                                                                                                           Date

Appendix B2: MDI Year 2 – Supervised Practice Agreement

I, ________________________________________, have read, understood, and agree to uphold the following: (Please initial each statement to illustrate your understanding and agreement.)

_____ I have read and will follow the policies listed in the MDI Program Handbook.

_____ If I must miss orientation or supervised practice due to illness, death, or emergency in the family, I will contact my Program Director and/or preceptor prior to the orientation or experience.  I understand that supervised practice must be rescheduled and completed.

_____ I must meet all standards for supervised practice required by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in order to remain in and graduate from MDI.

_____ I understand the conditions for probationary/warning status (Appendix G) and termination from the program.

_____ I am responsible for arranging my own housing and transportation.

_____ I am encouraged to attend local dietetic meetings, and lectures presented by visiting dietetic professionals.

_____ As part of the final MDI week, I will attend the Montana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Summit (FANS).  I will be responsible for my own expenses, transportation, and lodging.

_____ I will obtain student membership in the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and identify Montana as my state affiliate.

_____ I am aware that this is a very intense, demanding, professional program and outside employment is strongly discouraged.

_____ I must submit evidence of a satisfactory health exam, required immunizations and vaccinations, and a clear background check, and drug screening before participating in supervised practice.

_____ I must obtain the ServSafe certification or its equivalent and CPR certification.

_____ If I withdraw from the MS or DI program for any reason, I will not be guaranteed reentry to the program.  Readmission will depend upon space availability and faculty recommendation. No preference will be given to reentry students. Program fees will not be refunded. Tuition will be refunded per Montana State University Policy

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature                                                                                                                                          Date

Appendix B3: MDI Intern Responsibilities for Supervised Practice

It is the MDI intern’s Responsibility to be on time, be prepared, and participate fully in all supervised practice experiences, webinars, and events.

• The MDI Intern should have a positive attitude, that is, be prepared and eager to learn what supervised practice prescribes – even when the value of the experiences may not be immediately evident to the MDI Intern, and consider how they fit into the big picture. There is always something to learn.  
• The MDI Intern should be internally motivated, that is, be interested in learning because they want to become excellent practitioners, team members, and professional leaders. Grades and other extrinsic rewards are less important than what the MDI Intern learns and how they conduct themselves in professional settings.
• Always be on time during ALL rotations, webinars, field trips and with meeting deadlines set for assignments.  Discuss with preceptors ahead of time if you are not able to make the deadline.  Adhere to assigned work hours.
• Look ahead and plan meetings with upcoming preceptors to arrange schedules and review assignments. 
• Get started on assignments early.
• Take advantage of opportunities offered inside and outside of the organization.

It is the MDI Intern’s responsibility to communicate regularly and appropriately with preceptors and others so that expectations, arrangements, responsibilities etc. are understood and agreed upon.

• The MDI Intern should be open to new information, ideas, experiences, approaches, ways of accomplishing things, and opportunities – even when these seem to be or are in conflict with the MDI Intern’s personal beliefs and prior experiences.
• MDI Interns should be willing to approach each new situation with the same openness and eagerness that they had at the beginning of their supervised practice experience.
• The MDI Intern should remember that preceptors, wonderful as they are, are not mind-readers.
• You are not expected to know all the answers.  Remember, you are in an internship to learn so ask lots of questions to enhance your knowledge.
• Practice good listening skills and avoid gossiping.  Display positive body language, such as good eye contact, firm handshakes, and greeting people with a smile.

It is the MDI Intern’s responsibility to plan carefully and thoroughly. It is also the MDI Intern’s responsibility to follow through with all supervised practice plans and to prepare for the unexpected.

• The MDI Intern should be organized and willing to assume responsibility for their own learning.   Excuses for disorganization and forgetfulness are not acceptable.
• MDI Interns should be flexible and willing and able to adapt appropriately as situations change and circumstances warrant.  Expect and accept that problems and frustrations will occur periodically, and learning to deal with problems will allow you to grow as a professional. 
• Cope with problems with a positive attitude.
• MDI Interns should remember that providing patient/client care and/or high-quality food and nutrition services is their preceptor’s priority.

It is the MDI Intern’s responsibility to learn when to ask for guidance and when to be appropriately self-directed.

• MDI Interns should learn when to ask questions and when to search for the answers themselves. Clarify tasks given to you so you don’t waste time.  If expectations are not clear to you, ask the preceptor what the expectations are.
• Be flexible; respond positively to changes in schedules or assignments.
• MDI Interns should be able and willing to build upon their prior learning. 
• MDI Interns should be able to integrate new information and concepts with those that they learned previously. (Preceptors do not have the time nor should they be expected to teach or re-teach theory that MDI Interns should have mastered previously.)

It is the MDI Intern’s responsibility to look for connections:
    between theory and practice
    to what is already known and understood
    between and among the new things being learned
    between the training environment and future roles

• MDI Interns should expect to spend time in reflection and self-assessment.
• MDI Interns should be patient – with patients, clients, employees, preceptors, and themselves. Learning and the development of professional skills takes time, effort, practice, and patience. 
• MDI Interns should understand that not everyone is ‘great’ at everything. They should expect their assessments from you will generally reflect the fact that there is room for them to improve.
• MDI Interns should understand that they are expected to develop and demonstrate entry-level competence for all of the ACEND competencies. If they are not able to so in the time allotted, they should be prepared to devote additional time and energy in these areas.

It is the MDI Intern’s responsibility to maintain an appropriate perspective and stay focused on learning and the tasks at hand.

• MDI Interns should manage their personal lives so that they can take full advantage of the experiences the program and their preceptors are providing for them.
• MDI Interns should expect that completing a supervised practice experience will be time-consuming and challenging. Without challenge and stretching, growth is limited. 

It is the MDI Intern’s responsibility to take care of themselves.

They should:

• Eat well 
• Exercise 
• Get enough rest 
• Manage their stress  

It is the MDI Intern’s responsibility to be organized, respectful, and appreciative.

• MDI Intern behaviors should reflect their recognition that many people are doing extra tasks and giving generously of their time, energy, and talents so that MDI Interns can be in facilities, having learning experiences.
• MDI Interns should not take their supervised practice program or the guidance of their preceptors for granted or make unwarranted assumptions.
• Be courteous to preceptors, directors, and fellow interns.
• Always treat others with respect, even when you don’t share the same values or opinions.
• Ask for things to do; don’t wait to be told what to do.  Volunteer to see patients or do other tasks especially when the preceptor is busy.  If you lack guidance, talk to the preceptor, or to the internship directors.
• Understand that constructive criticism is given to improve your skills and is not to be taken personally
• Read e-mails daily and respond (if needed) promptly.
• Practice good organizational skills and pay attention to details.

Edited 2022: Adapted from an original work by Mickie S. Rops, CAE

Appendix B4: MDI Directors’ Responsibilities

Role Models

• MDI directors support and promote high standards of professional practice.
• MDI directors treat interns, preceptors, and program stakeholders with honesty, integrity, and fairness.
• MDI directors create trusting relationships with interns, preceptors and stakeholders.
• MDI directors provide mentoring and support for interns and preceptors in a manner that is equitable, cultural and diverse inclusive and does not discriminate against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, ability status, sexual orientations and identities, gender identities and expressions, socioeconomic status, or national origin.

Planners

• MDI directors support student/interns in completing required forms for the graduate school and registration to maintain their good standing enrollment status.
• MDI directors plan and adjust the intern rotation schedule as needed, and communicate changes with appropriate individuals.
• MDI directors fully participate in weekly NUTR 598 class. If the directors are unable to participate, they will find a suitable replacement for the session. 
• MDI directors communicate regularly and appropriately with interns, preceptors, and stakeholders so that expectations, arrangements, and responsibilities are well understood and agreed upon.

• MDI directors present substantiated information and interpret controversial information to their best ability without personal bias and respect that legitimate differences of opinion can co-exist without conflict.
• MDI directors, to their best ability, remain alert to situations that might cause a conflict or have the appearance of a conflict and seek reasonable resolution.
• MDI directors protect confidential information and make full disclosure about any limitations on their ability to guarantee full confidentiality in any given matter.

Resource Developers

• MDI directors seek to engage interns, preceptors and stakeholders in constructive feedback that gives clear direction for MDI program improvement, enhancement, and maturity.
• MDI directors seek out professional development resources and pursue opportunities to continue honing program leadership skills.
• MDI directors provide job and career and job information/counseling/resources often.

Facilitators of learning

• MDI directors are timely in their responses to interns, preceptors, and stakeholder inquiries.
• MDI directors provide the intern, preceptor and stakeholders with timely feedback and encourage an open-door policy by being available for support, resources, and information when requested or needed.
• MDI directors provide constructive suggestions for challenges faced by students/interns or preceptors.

Assessors of Learning

The MDI directors provide objective evaluation of performance for interns, preceptors, former interns seeking employment and/or professional association memberships, awards, or scholarships.  MDI directors make all reasonable effort to avoid bias in any kind of professional evaluation of others.

Appendix C: Letter of Introduction

Dear [MDI WIC Preceptor],

My name is Intern X and I am the MDI intern coming to your facility soon. I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself as I look forward to my rotation with you at the STR County WIC, 2020 West Persimmon St., on Monday, September 24th.   Is this the correct address and should I arrive at 8:00AM?  I will come with business casual dress unless instructed otherwise.

I grew up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin which led me to an excellent education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources. Afterwards, I felt a need to explore and experience new things, so I decided to travel and spent the next ten or so years living in Spain, Washington, Colorado, and Mexico. Throughout these years, I gained valuable experience including, marketing and event planning with non-profits, Spanish, sales and also continued to gain experience in restaurants as a server, bartender, host and dining room manager.

It was during this time that food and nutrition became very important to me. I began to make healthy lifestyle changes and experienced the benefits first-hand.  The transformation in my life was significant and this truly inspired me to return to school to pursue a career in dietetics.

I am especially looking forward to my rotation with you at STR County WIC. I have a daughter who is almost 2 years old, so I understand many of the intricacies involved with feeding young children and the importance of good nutrition and making mealtimes a positive experience. I am extremely passionate about health, wellness and prevention of chronic diseases. I am also very interested in any programs involving children, particularly aimed at prevention of childhood obesity.  

I truly look forward to working with you and staff at STR County WIC and am excited for anything that you have planned for me. If you need to contact me my phone number is, (206) 291-4757. Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Intern X

Appendix D: MDI Intern Competency LOG

Name:

Rotation:

Preceptor:

Dates of Rotation:

Appendix E: MDI Supervised Practice Planning & CRDN Activities

Dietetic Intern:

Rotation:

Preceptor:

Dates of Rotation:

Competency/Activity Record Accounting - To be completed by intern and provided to Preceptor for review at the end of the rotation.

ROTATION EXPECTATIONS

Preceptor expectations:

Intern expectations:

Intern’s objectives for rotation:

Intern Evaluation for Supervised Practice - Clinical

Dietetic Intern:

Rotation:

Preceptor:

Dates of Rotation:

FINAL EVALUATION & FEEDBACK: Before the final day of the rotation please meet with the intern and provide evaluation and feedback on their progress in each category below.  For a rating of 1 or 2 please provide specific comments to assist the intern in making goals for improvement in following rotations.  Please provide a copy of the feedback to the intern and an electronic copy to the MDI director.

Comments

Discuss intern overall strengths: