The mission of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship is to prepare a diverse population of entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for practice in public service and lifelong learning through
innovative curricula and supervised experiences.
Goal & Objectives
Goal #1: Graduates are competent registered dietitian nutritionists who are prepared for entry-level employment.
- Objective 1: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 24 months (150% of planned program length).
- Objective 2: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective 3: 80% of program graduate respondents will rate their perception of the adequacy of the education and training provided in the program as "agree" or higher.
- Objective 4: At least 85% of employers who respond to a survey on program graduates report "agree" or "strongly agree" regarding the graduate's knowledge and skill preparation for entry-level practice.
Goal #2: To prepare graduates to take and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam.
- Objective 1: At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- Objective 2: The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
Our Philosophy
The program is committed to providing a broad range of experiences to students, so they may become competent dietitians in a variety of settings. The program adopts the values of the institution and the School of Health Professions, which are to demonstrate
compassion to all, to act with integrity, to show respect to everyone, to embrace belonging, and to promote excellence and innovation through lifelong learning.. The program encompasses these values while encouraging critical thinking, leadership
development, management skills and team building to facilitate the transition of the student from an intern to an entry-level practitioner.
To achieve this mission, the program enforces policies and regulations stated in the SHP Bulletin and the UTMB Catalog. Additional policies
and regulations established by the program are based on educational and clinical structures and the practical limitations of the program. It is essential that each student understand the regulations, their enforcement, and their rationale prior to
beginning their program.