Frequently Asked Questions

When will I need to have all of my preceptors and sites arranged?

You must have commitments from a clinical and community site as part of your application. You do not need to have the affiliation agreement signed at this time. You will need to submit the applications for your remaining required rotations prior to beginning your rotations in January. (See the current interns web page for specific timelines). These sites include: foodservice, outpatient counseling (this can be at the same site as your clinical rotation), dialysis (this can be at the same site as your clinical rotation, also), long term care, WIC and possible electives. While a WIC site can be submitted as your initial community rotation, you will need to find an additional site in order to meet all of the competencies. Any of your required rotations can be extended, as desired.

Will I be able to work and complete this program?

It is unrealistic to expect to work more than 20 hours per week fall semester and 10 hours/week spring semester and you are strongly advised to limit outside employment. Though the required courses are on-line, they are at the graduate level and require a significant time commitment. You can expect to spend 8 - 12 hours/week for each on-line course or at least 24 hours/week fall semester (Advanced Clinical Nutrition, Micronutrients or Macronutrients, and Introduction to Dietetic Internship), 16 hours/week spring semester (Community Nutrition and Dietetic Internship I) and 16 hours/week summer semester (Seminar and Dietetic Internship II) in course work/week plus the 28 hours per week in rotations.

If you are financially unable to meet the program costs at this time, you are urged to consider seeking financial aid (see below), or delaying your application to this program.

Am I eligible for financial aid?

  Students who are accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition program are eligible for financial aid. Being enrolled in the internship in of itself does not qualify you, but since it is tied to the Graduate Certificate, financial aid is available. Students enrolled at least half time (4 graduate credit hours) who demonstrate financial need are eligible for William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized Loans. William D. Ford Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are also available. Federal Perkins Loans are available to students enrolled at least half time who demonstrate financial need and meet other institutionally defined award criteria. Visit the following web page for more information

http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/sfa/page43898.html

Can I complete this program part-time?

No, this program is not approved for part-time completion. You must schedule at least 28 hours of practice/week and be enrolled in the distance Community Nutrition (F&N 6070) course spring semester and Seminar (F&N 6800) summer semester.

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no fee to apply to this program. After acceptance into the program, you will apply to the Graduate Certificate Program. A $30.00 application fee is due at that time.

How do I locate my sites?

Past applicants have often had contacts in the area related to work or past volunteer experience. Membership in your local Dietetic Association can also be a source of potential contacts. Competition from other internship programs can influence whether or not preceptors have the ability to work with distance interns. You may want to make initial contact by sending a letter of request along with your resume. Refer your prospective preceptor to the Q and A for Prospective Preceptors page. Follow up with a phone call to schedule an appointment.

What should I consider when looking for sites?

BGSU is committed to providing you with a program that enables you to pursue individual interests supportive of your professional goals. If your long-term goals include working in a community setting, a smaller community hospital may be appropriate for your acute care rotation. If you see yourself becoming a Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian, you would benefit from an experience that includes time at a large medical center.

Your electives should be used to provide experiences that meet your interests. This may mean extending any of your required rotations. Examples of elective rotations include working with dietitians who work with athletes, diabetes camps, grocery store chains, as free-lance writers or are in private practice.