Dietetic Internship Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of health and wellness, the role of dietetic internship directors is becoming increasingly critical.
As society becomes more conscious of the importance of nutrition, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, mentor, and shape the future of dietetics continues to grow.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a dietetic internship director?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the inner workings of dietetic internship direction,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable dietetic internship director job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Dietetic Internship Director Duties and Responsibilities
Dietetic Internship Directors are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Dietetic Internship program.
They ensure that the program meets the accreditation standards and provide guidance to the interns.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing the curriculum for the Dietetic Internship program
- Recruiting, selecting, and orienting dietetic interns
- Providing supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of dietetic interns
- Ensuring the program’s compliance with Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) standards
- Maintaining accurate and complete records of interns’ performance and progress
- Developing and maintaining relationships with preceptors and clinical sites
- Organizing and conducting seminars, workshops and continuing education programs for interns and faculty
- Preparing and managing the program’s budget
- Reviewing and updating program policies and procedures
- Representing the program in professional and academic communities
Dietetic Internship Director Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a dedicated Dietetic Internship Director to oversee our dietetic internship program.
The role involves planning, coordinating, and evaluating the educational activities of the program, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, and mentoring interns.
The ideal candidate is an experienced dietitian with a strong background in clinical nutrition, education, and program administration.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement program curriculum, policies, and procedures in line with accreditation standards.
- Mentor and guide interns throughout their internship program.
- Evaluate intern performance and provide constructive feedback.
- Organize and oversee internship rotations and assignments.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of dietetics and nutrition practices.
- Network with healthcare professionals to secure internship placements.
- Prepare and submit reports to accreditation bodies.
- Participate in recruitment and selection of dietetic interns.
- Plan and coordinate continuing education activities for interns.
Qualifications
- Registered Dietitian with active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in dietetics, with at least 2 years in a clinical setting.
- Experience in academic or clinical teaching is preferred.
- Strong understanding of accreditation standards and processes.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Strong organizational and administrative abilities.
- Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field is preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Dietetic Internship Director
- Work Environment: Mostly office-based with occasional visits to healthcare facilities for intern supervision.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Dean of the School.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Dietetic Internship Director Do?
A Dietetic Internship Director primarily oversees and coordinates dietetic internship programs at healthcare or educational institutions.
They are responsible for developing and updating the curriculum, ensuring the program meets the accreditation standards set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
The director provides guidance and supervision to the interns, assisting them in applying their classroom knowledge to practical settings.
They monitor the intern’s progress, provide feedback, and evaluate their performance.
The Dietetic Internship Director also works closely with other healthcare professionals to provide interns with a diverse and comprehensive learning experience.
They may also be involved in recruitment and selection of interns, administrative tasks, and maintaining relationships with internship sites.
Furthermore, they may participate in research and contribute to the field of dietetics through publications and presentations.
Dietetic Internship Director Qualifications and Skills
A Dietetic Internship Director should possess a range of technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge to effectively manage and lead dietetic interns, such as:
- Strong background in clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, food service systems, or a related field to provide relevant knowledge and instruction to interns.
- Excellent leadership and management skills to oversee the internship program, guide the interns, and ensure that all the requirements of the program are met.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with interns, staff, and other healthcare professionals, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills to address and resolve issues that may arise during the course of the internship program.
- Outstanding organizational skills to manage the logistics of the internship program, including scheduling, evaluations, and meetings.
- Proven ability to evaluate the performance of interns, provide constructive feedback, and tailor the program to meet their individual learning needs.
- Strong commitment to professional development and continuous learning in the field of dietetics to keep the internship program updated with the latest industry standards and practices.
Dietetic Internship Director Experience Requirements
Candidates aspiring for the role of a Dietetic Internship Director generally require a minimum of 5 years professional experience in the field of dietetics.
This experience should ideally include a mix of clinical, community, and food service management.
Internship or part-time roles related to dietetics during their educational phase can also contribute towards this experience.
It’s important for these individuals to have spent substantial time working as a Registered Dietitian, gaining practical knowledge about dietetics and nutrition.
Candidates with more than 7 years of experience often have higher level skills, including planning, implementing, and assessing dietetic education programs.
They should also have experience in supervising dietetic interns and coordinating with preceptors.
Those with more than 10 years of experience in the field are generally considered for this role as they likely have the breadth of knowledge and leadership experience necessary for guiding and teaching dietetic interns.
They might also have experience in academic settings, holding roles such as Assistant or Associate Professor in Nutrition or Dietetics.
In addition to the practical experience, a Master’s degree or Doctorate in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field is often required, as well as maintaining the status of a Registered Dietitian.
Dietetic Internship Director Education and Training Requirements
Dietetic Internship Directors typically hold a minimum of a master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or a related field.
Some positions may require a doctoral degree.
They should have a strong background in dietetics or nutrition and extensive experience in clinical dietetics, food service systems management, or community nutrition.
They must also be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and hold state licensure where required.
Dietetic Internship Directors should complete an accredited dietetic internship or coordinated program in dietetics.
A number of Dietetic Internship Directors also have advanced certifications such as Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), or Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP).
Experience in academia, particularly in teaching and research, is often required due to the educational nature of the role.
Continuing education and professional development activities are crucial to stay updated with the latest research and trends in dietetics and nutrition.
Dietetic Internship Director Salary Expectations
A Dietetic Internship Director earns an average salary of $73,500 (USD) per year.
The salary may vary depending on factors such as level of experience, the size and type of the healthcare facility, and geographical location.
Dietetic Internship Director Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Dietetic Internship Director need?
A Dietetic Internship Director must be a Registered Dietitian (RD) and have a master’s degree in dietetics or a related field.
They should also have several years of experience in dietetics, preferably in an educational or leadership role.
Some universities or institutions may also require a Ph.D. or an equivalent terminal degree.
What are the main responsibilities of a Dietetic Internship Director?
The Dietetic Internship Director is primarily responsible for overseeing and managing the dietetic internship program.
This includes developing and implementing the curriculum, ensuring the program meets accreditation standards, supervising and evaluating interns, managing the budget, and interacting with faculty and staff to facilitate the program.
They may also need to carry out other administrative duties as needed.
What qualities make a good Dietetic Internship Director?
A good Dietetic Internship Director should be an excellent communicator and mentor, as they are responsible for guiding interns throughout their program.
They should have strong organizational and leadership skills to manage the program effectively.
They should be detail-oriented to ensure that the program meets accreditation standards, and they should have a strong background in dietetics and education to develop and improve the program curriculum.
What should you look for in a Dietetic Internship Director’s resume?
A Dietetic Internship Director’s resume should show extensive experience in dietetics, preferably in an educational or leadership role.
They should be a Registered Dietitian and preferably have advanced degrees in dietetics or a related field.
Look for evidence of effective leadership, good communication, and organizational skills.
They should also show a commitment to education and a strong understanding of the latest developments in the field of dietetics.
Is it difficult to hire a Dietetic Internship Director?
Hiring a Dietetic Internship Director can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required.
Suitable candidates must have a strong background in dietetics, leadership, and education.
It may take time to find a candidate who has all these qualities and is a good fit for the institution or program.
However, with careful planning and a thorough hiring process, it is possible to find a qualified and dedicated Dietetic Internship Director.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Today, we’ve uncovered the fascinating realm of a dietetic internship director.
And guess what?
It’s not just about managing interns.
It’s about shaping the future of dietetics, one intern at a time.
With our comprehensive dietetic internship director job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your mark.
But why stop there?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards creating impeccable listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every decision you make impacts an intern’s future.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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