Dietetic Internship

The Didactic Internship Program at Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics programs. ACEND will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation/approval standards. ACEND is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dietetics education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion, or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students.

ACEND contact information:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
 
Phone: 800-877-1600
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

Interested in studying abroad? Check out study abroad opportunities delivered through CHS Global in the College of Human Sciences or Auburn Abroad through Auburn University. Interested in an opportunity more specific to health and nutrition — the Department of Nutritional Sciences supports two options. 

Graduate Student Council
Graduate students are also eligible to serve on the Graduate Student Council (GSC), acting as the official graduate student representation in university affairs and the Student Government Association (SGA).

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers Student Membership at a discount, allowing students access to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, webinars, Nutrition Care Manual, the Evidence Analysis Library and automatic state association affiliation. 

Dietetic Interns are required to participate in research as part of obtaining their M.S. in Nutrition. Faculty in the department have research expertise in both basic science and applied nutrition. From studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of nutrient metabolism to evaluating community-based nutrition interventions, students work alongside faculty on projects that contribute to real-world health solutions.

These experiences not only deepen scientific understanding but also strengthen applications for post-graduate programs/graduate school and enhance career readiness in dietetics, public health, and biomedical sciences.

Research opportunities may include:

• Laboratory-based studies in biochemistry and metabolism
• Applied research in public health nutrition, food systems, and behavioral interventions
• Collaborative projects with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
• Presentation and publication of findings at university symposia and professional conferences

In addition to Auburn’s institutional awards, students pursuing education in dietetics can apply for scholarships through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. The Foundation offers over 250 scholarships annually, ranging from $500 to $25,000, for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and dietetic internship students. Applicants complete a single universal application to be matched with eligible awards. These scholarships support students from diverse backgrounds and academic paths, and many are open to both Academy members and non-members.

Academic Advising
Dietetic interns enrolled in a concurrent master’s degree program receive comprehensive advising support designed to foster academic success and professional development. Advisors assist with course scheduling to ensure alignment with internship requirements and timely program completion. They also help students identify and access academic resources, such as tutoring, writing support, and time management tools. Additionally, advisors provide career counseling, guiding interns toward appropriate career paths in dietetics and related fields based on their interests, strengths, and professional goals.

Health Services
The Auburn University Medical Clinic provides a full range of primary and urgent medical care services for Auburn students, faculty, staff, spouses and dependents and visitors. Services are provided on an appointment basis. Walk-ins will be evaluated and given appointments or seen immediately based on the urgency of their condition. The clinical staff consists of fully licensed and board certified/eligible physicians, certified registered nurse practitioners and certified physician’s assistants. Student health services include allergy and immunization, diagnostic services for illnesses and injuries, follow-up assessment and treatment, laboratory and x-ray, massage therapy, mental health, pharmacy, sports medicine, and women’s health. Services are provided on a fee-for-service basis with on-site billing. Check of the Auburn University Medical Clinic’s Website for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Counseling
Student Counseling Services (SCS), a department in the Division of Student Affairs, is the primary counseling center for Auburn University's undergraduate and graduate student community. The mission of SCS is to provide comprehensive preventative and clinical mental health services to enhance the psychological well-being of individual students, as well as the broader campus culture. Counseling Services is committed to supporting the academic, retention, and student development missions of Auburn University, so students can have a balanced university experience and take full advantage of the educational opportunities at the university.