MDI News

Introduction to MDI 

 

The Montana Dietetic Internship (MDI) integrates experiences in clinical and community nutrition, and foodservice management with a sustainable food systems focus to provide a unique and progressive supervised dietetic practice experience to future registered dietitians. 

Surrounded by mountains and farmland, Montana State University offers the perfect backdrop for dietetic interns interested in food systems and sustainable practices. Students will have the opportunity to work at MSU's Towne’s Harvest Garden, participate in field trips to local farms/ranches and lead interprofessional projects such as Culinary Medicine sessions with nursing and medical students.

The MDI program prepares future dietitians to be innovative leaders in the implementation of sustainable food practices in all areas of dietetics. Interns spend 9 -13 weeks in a large hospital system in a more urban area and 2 weeks in one of the many critical access hospitals that serve the rural areas. Montana and Wyoming are both primarily rural with unique considerations for access to healthcare. Our dedicated facilities and preceptors provide MDI interns with opportunities to practice their clinical skills, with the unique lens in SFS, with a rural healthcare focus.

 

Pathways

The Montana Dietetic Internship offers two pathways. Visit the links below to learn more.  

Master of Science/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) - 26 slots available for 2025-27 cohort

Non-Degree Graduate Dietetic Internship (DI) - 3 slots available in 2025-26 in Great Falls or Billings for applicants with DPD Verification and MS/MPH degree

Program Costs

Visit our Program Costs Page for information on estimated tuition and fees, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. 

Required Documents

MDI requires students/interns to provide the following documentation before starting supervised practice:

  • Clear drug test
  • Background check
  • Verification of required current immunizations and vaccines

Intern Perspectives Videos

 

Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Focus

The goal of MDI is to develop leaders who can think outside the box and create innovative solutions to real world problems using the unique lens of SFS and rural healthcare.

With four weeks dedicated to exploring the Gallatin Valley’s vibrant food system, MDI cultivates a unique lens for interns to take into professional practice with opportunities to apply their strong systems and critical thinking skills to be important change agents in the health of individuals and communities. 

Out of the box problem solving skills are developed through:

  • researching and discussing important topics that impact the dietetics profession
  • working together with local partners to deliver programs or execute projects that are mutually beneficial to both interns and the community
  • immersing in the production and distribution of organic produce at Towne’s Harvest
  • enhancing culinary skills and developing recipes with fresh, local ingredients.