Please note:  Application material is updated each October.  Check to make sure you have the latest material.

 

Lamar University

 

 

 

DIETETIC INTERNSHIP

 

APPLICATION MATERIALS

For Applications Due February 15, 2005

 

DEPARTMENT OF

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

DIVISION OF THE COLLEGE

OF

EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

LAMAR UNIVERSITY

BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77710

409/880-8663

FAX 409/880-8666

 

DIETETIC INTERNSHIP

 

 

 

THE PROGRAM

 

Lamar University offers a 10-month Dietetic Internship (DI) for up to 9 highly qualified college graduates.  During the program, students are challenged by learning experiences in clinical dietetics, food service systems management, and community nutrition.  The program also includes a 3-week staff rotation.

 

A dietetic intern who enters the program as a dietitian licensed by the State of Texas (LD) may petition to receive credit for those DI rotations in which he/she has extensive experiences and competence.  Experiences to be applied toward DI credit are determined on an individual basis at the discretion of the program director and clinical instructor.

 

Upon satisfactory completion of the DI, each intern is eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians and become an active member of the American Dietetics Association.  Assistance is given in preparation for the registration exam and job placement.

 

Learning experiences are provided by classes, conferences, seminars, projects, and individual instruction with emphasis on developing responsibility as a professional staff member.  Interns are evaluated on the basis of professional growth, effectiveness in each rotation, and performance on class projects.  Counseling sessions are held on a formal and informal basis throughout the program.

 

Clinical rotations include general medicine, cardiac rehab outpatient counseling, diabetes, longterm care, pharmaceutical sales, and baratrics.  Food service systems management rotations provide experiences in patient food service, school food service, quality assurance, sanitation, purchasing, inventory systems, computers/information processing, menu analysis, and recipe standardization.  Students also rotate through the following community/public health areas:  Nutrition and Services for Seniors, Beaumont City Health Department Environmental Health, Health Promotion, WIC, University Research, University Teaching and the Educational Technology.


GRADUATE CREDIT

 

The DI requires the completion of a total of 21 graduate hours.  Fifteen of these hours may be applied toward an advanced degree.  Students are strongly encouraged to continue graduate study beyond the DI.  For more information on graduate studies, request a copy of the general catalog from:

 

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

                P O BOX 10009

                LAMAR UNIVERSITY

                BEAUMONT  TX  77710

409/880-8356

 

 

Courses in the DI include:

 

The Dietetic Practitioner (3 hours) - Advanced didactic preparation in dietetics.  Includes nutritional assessment, charting, counseling skills, and medical nutrition therapy calculations.  Prerequisite: Acceptance into Lamar University DI.

 

Dietetic Seminar (6 hours) - Study of the delivery of nutritional services and consultation for individuals, families, and institutions.  Students complete projects in client education, clinical nutrition, public health, food service management and related activities.  Prerequisite: Acceptance into Lamar University DI.

 

Dietetic Practicum (6 hours) - Supervised practice which includes an average of 32 hours per week field experience in the areas of clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.  Rotations include hospitals and other health care facilities, community nutrition sites, and food service facilities.  Prerequisite: Acceptance into Lamar University DI.

 

Field Experience (6 hours) – Enhances the supervised practice by offering experiences for the intern to prioritize assignments, build on time management skills, thoroughly and accurately complete activities and understand the core competencies.

 

 

 

 

 

THE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY

 

Lamar University

 

Lamar University, a part of the Texas State University System, is a multi-purpose university commissioned by the Texas Legislature to provide an environment for learning for the people of the state.  The University is an educational, scientific, technical, and cultural resource center committed to the three-fold mission of teaching, research, and service.  The University seeks partnerships with business, governmental, industrial, and other educational organizations to more efficiently accomplish its goals.

 


Beaumont

 

Lamar University is located in the city of Beaumont which offers private and public schools, churches, museums, shopping districts and a wide range of leisure-time activities.  A civic center, convention center and coliseum draw professional entertainers and a wide variety of business, social, and professional groups to the city.  Beaumont is convenient to major recreational facilities of Southeast Texas, including the Gulf of Mexico, large lakes and the Big Thicket National Preserve.

 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Applications

 

Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2005.  Successful candidates for the 9 appointments will be notified in April via computer matching for the class that begins in the summer.

 

To be considered for admission, all application materials must be postmarked by the due date.  It is advisable to mail early to insure arrival by the deadline.  A self-addressed postcard may be included in the packet to be returned to the applicant.  This type of notification is economical and indicates that the packet arrived safely.  In addition, applicants must hold or show plans to complete an ADA-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university prior to beginning the program.  

 

The selection of dietetic interns is made from the best qualified candidates without discrimination for any nonmerit reason such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status/children, or disability.  Applications that meet the admission criteria are rated by a 6-member selection committee.  The committee rates the applicants using objective criteria and a point system.  The evaluation is based on:

 

•academic work and references

     •work experience

•scholarship

•extracurricular activities/honors

•letter of application

•overall neatness and satisfactory completion of application packet

 

 

Computer Matching

 


All applicants must participate in computer matching.  Applicants should request instructions and a mark/sense card to prioritize their Dietetic Internship preferences.  Applicants should request this material from any ADA-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or from D&D Digital Systems.  This request should be made early enough to allow turnaround time for submission by the February 15 postmark deadline.  There is no charge for this material.  However, there is a $50.00 charge for computer matching that is due with the applicant's prioritized ranking.  Address request to:

                           D&D Digital Systems

304 Main St. Suite 301

Ames, IA 50010-6148

                           Ph 515/292-0490

                           Fx 515/663-9427

                           email:

 

Application materials will not be returned.

 

 

Application Fee

 

The application fee to the Lamar University DI is $25.00.  Make check/money order payable to Lamar University.

 

 

Financial Assistance

 

The American Dietetic Association Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships to qualified students.  Applications should be requested from the ADA Foundation in the student's senior year.  Dietetic students are also eligible to apply for guaranteed loans.  To apply for financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans) at Lamar University, contact:

     Director of Financial Aid

     P O Box 10042

     Lamar University

     Beaumont, Texas  77710

     409/880-8450

 

 

Housing

 

The student housing program is designed to supplement the academic program by providing opportunities for social and intellectual development and recreation in an educational environment.  A variety of living styles include semi-private rooms, modern furniture, carpet, central heating and air conditioning.

 

Interns who do not feel the residence hall program meets their personal needs may elect to find living accommodations off campus.

 

Questions concerning housing system, its policies, room and board rates, should be directed to:

     Student Housing Office    

     Lamar University Station

     Box 10041

     Beaumont, Texas  77710

409/880-8111

Transportation

 

Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Lamar University and to all rotation sites.

 

 

Duty Hours/Sick Leave/Vacation

 

Interns are generally scheduled for a 32-hour work week.  Sick leave is allowed; however, time must be made up.  A Student Health Service is available.  University holidays are observed.  Students may NOT schedule personal vacation during any hours/days of the internship program.

 

 

Personnel Appearance

 

Interns are required to wear white lab coats (with LU patch)over professional street clothing during some rotations.  Other rotations require a designated uniform. Students also wear a name badge during all rotations.  Further dress code policies (body piercing, etc.) are discussed once a student matches to the program.

 

 

Insurance

 

Interns are required to have professional liability insurance as well as health insurance and automobile insurance.

 

 

Time Commitment

 

The DI at Lamar University is a rigorous educational experience.  The course work combined with 10 months of rotations result in an intensive program that requires study and class time beyond the actual 32-hour work week.

 

 

Immunizations

 

Once matched to the program, interns are given a health statement form which requires documentation of immunization status, etc.  Forms must be completed prior to the program start-up date in the summer.

 

 

Official Transcripts/Verification Statements

 

Those interns who apply to the program prior to completing a B.S. degree and all DPD courses must provide a final, official transcript and verification statement no later than the last day of June.


Lamar University

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

 

DI APPLICATION CHECKLIST

 

Please follow all directions carefully as an incomplete application cannot be considered.  Send ALL materials (#1-7 below) directly to Amy R. Shows -  Program Director, DI, Lamar University, P.O. Box 10035, Beaumont, TX, 77710. 

 

PLEASE CHECK (%)WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED ITEMS #1-6:

 

      1.      Supervised Practice Program Application Form.  Access the 2004 standardized Supervised Practice Program application form at: http://www.depdpg.org/ and clicking on: DI application documents and additional information near the bottom of the page.

 

_____ 2.      Provide other work experience on the form provided at: http://hal.lamar.edu/~fcs_dept/degreeprog.html

 

      3.      Letter of application

 

Letter is to be handwritten

Use dark ink that will copy well.

Use standard 8 1/2" by 11" typing paper

Letter should be no longer than two pages in length

Address the following in your letter:

 

Discuss your goals and how they developed.  Include specific experiences, responsibilities, and/or special interests.  Discuss steps you are taking to reach your goals.

 

Discuss specific strengths you have to offer both the DI and the profession of dietetics.  Also address skills you need to improve/develop in order to become a competent practitioner.

 

Discuss your reason for applying to the Lamar University DI as well as expectations you have regarding the program.

 

Discuss your interest in obtaining an advanced degree.

 

      4.      OFFICIAL transcripts from ALL colleges OR universities attended.  Submit a separate, OFFICIAL transcript from all colleges or universities, even if college credits are reflected on the OFFICIAL transcript of another university.  If OFFICIAL transcripts must be sent separately, they still must meet the postmark deadline.

 

      5.      One original copy of Didactic Program in Dietetics approval sheet signed by advisor (also called "Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree" or "Verification Statement"). 

 

      6.      Three references using the 2004 standardized DI recommendation forms.  They may be accessed

              At: http://www.depdpg.org/ and clicking on: DI application documents and additional information near the bottom of the page.

 

One from academic advisor

One from a major professor

One from your most recent or most relevant work supervisor.  (If you have not been employed, a third professor may be used.)

 

_____ 7.      Check/Money Order ($25.00) payable to Lamar University.

 

 

ALSO:         Send completed mark/sense card for computer matching directly to D&D Digital Systems via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested.  Postmark deadline is February 15.  DO NOT send your mark/sense card to us in your application packet. 

 

NOTE:         This packet is only valid for the February 15, 2004 application deadline.

 

 

 

 

NOTICE

 

 

All applicants to Dietetic Internships (DI) and most Preprofessional Practice Programs (AP4) must participate in computer matching.  Applicants should request instructions and a mark/sense card to prioritize their DI or AP4 preferences.  Applicants should request this material from any ADA-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or from D&D Digital Systems.  This request should be made to allow turn around time for submitting by February 15, 2005 postmark deadline.  There is no charge for this material.  However, there is a charge for computer matching that is due with the applicant's prioritized ranking.

 

Address requests to:

                              D&D Digital Systems

304 Main St. Suite 301

Ames, IA  50010-6148

                              Ph 515/292-0490

                              Fx 515/663-9427

                              email:

 

 



CORRESPONDENCE

 

Mail all application materials to:

                                                           

Amy R. Shows, Phd, RD, LD

DI Program Director

Family and Consumer Sciences

P O Box 10035

Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas 77710

409/880-8667

 

 

Persons wishing to make application to the University should contact:

 

Graduate Admissions Office

Lamar University

P O Box 10078

Beaumont, Texas 77710

409/880-8356

 

 

 

 

 

ESTIMATED FEES:

 

Minimum estimated monthly living expenses:  $1,000.00

C           rent; utilities; food

C           reliable transportation & maintenance

 

Minimum estimated program expenses:

Texas Residence         $5,751.

Non-Texas Residence  $11,895.

 

C           Insurance (professional liability, health, automobile liability)

C           Tuition and Fees

C           City of Beaumont Certification Course

C           Professional Clothing

C           Hand Calculator

C           Expenses for Professional Meetings

C           Textbooks

C           Physical Exam

C           Immunization Series

C           Pager

 

 

 

Lamar University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educational institution and employer.  Students, faculty, and staff members are selected without regard to their race, color, creed, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.

A member of the Texas State University Systems


*OPTION*

 

MASTERS PROGRAM

Lamar University

College of Education and Human Development

 

MS DEGREE

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

NUTRITION EMPHASIS

 

Prerequisites:

 

Undergraduate degree or significant undergraduate course work in Family and Consumer Sciences or a related field.

 

Departmental Requirements:

 

FCSC 5300  Research in Family and Consumer Sciences

KINT 5350  Statistical Theory and Analysis

 

Nutrition Selections (Other than DI classes)

 

     FCSC 5313  Current Topics in Family & Consumer Sciences (may be repeated for credit when topic of investigation varies.)

Topics offered in the past:

                     Sports Nutrition

                     Nutritional Epidemiology

                     Weight Management

                     Vitamins

                     Minerals

                     World Hunger Issues

                     Eating Disorders

FCSC 5350  Cultural Foods

FCSC 5310  Recent Advances in Foods and Nutrition (May be repeated for credit when topic of investigation varies.)

                Topics in the past:

                     Maternal & Infant Nutrition

                     Child & Adolescent Nutrition

                     Nutrition & Aging

 

Total Credit Requirements:

Thesis Route:        24 hours of course work plus 6 hours of thesis

Non-thesis Route:    36 hours of course work

 

For more information on this program, contact:

 

Dr. Amy R. Shows or Dr. Connie Ruiz

Family and Consumer Sciences

     P O Box 10035

Lamar University-Beaumont

Beaumont, TX  77710

(409) 880-8663