Maricopa County Department of Public Health

What is Maricopa County Department of Public Health? What Nutrition Services are Provided to the Residents of Maricopa County? What are the mission and goals of the Maricopa County Dietetic Internship with Community Emphasis? What are the Student Learning Outcomes for the Program? What is the current first time pass rate for the RD exam? What Type of Practicum Experiences are offered by the Internship Program? What are the Admission Requirements? Who has Accredited Maricopa County's Dietetic Internship? What are the Applicant Responsibilities Involved in the Application Process? What are the selection criteria? 2011-2012 Dates for computer Matching for Maricopa County What does the Program Cost? What is the program schedule? What are entrance requirement for matched applicants? What are the graduation requirements? Organization Information

What is Maricopa County Department of Public Health? The Maricopa County Department of Public Health serves 3.8 million residents in the largest county in Arizona. We strive to support and improve the lives of the citizens through provision of public health services that focus on the well being and health of the community at large. Vision Statement: Recognized in Maricopa County as the most valued source of nutrition services to build a healthy community. Mission Statement: Provide quality customer focused nutrition education, supplemental foods, and breastfeeding services to promote optimal health. We promote optimal nutrition for all residents regardless of income or age, with special attention to those who are under served, economically disadvantaged, or at nutritional risk. <  back to top >

What Nutrition Services are Provided to the Residents of Maricopa County? · Participant centered nutritional education and counseling for high-risk WIC participants. · Community nutrition education programs. · Women Together for Health class series · Nutrition programs for K - 8th grade through the Arizona Nutrition Network · A consumer nutrition answer line. · A breastfeeding peer counseling program for WIC clients. <  back to top >

What are the mission and goals of the Maricopa County Dietetic Internship with Community Emphasis? The mission of the dietetic internship is "to provide a quality community nutrition education program through which interns develop the skills to translate nutrition theory and knowledge into effective application and practice." Planned experience and educational opportunities of the internship will prepare program graduates to sit for the national registration exam and enter the profession as entry-level dietetic practitioners. Goals of the dietetic internship 1. Prepare graduates who have met the core competencies and community emphasis competencies as defined by CADE and are eligible to take the RD exam. Outcome Measurement: - At least 80% or interns will successfully complete the dietetic internship - At least 80% of interns will pass the registration exam on their first attempt 2. Prepare graduates to meet employer expectations as entry-level practitioners. Outcome Measurement: - 80% or more of employers will evaluate graduates as good or excellent in the overall preparedness for entry-level work, professionalism, communication, collaboration/compatibility, critical thinking, and problem solving. 3. Increase diversity in the dietetics profession by increasing the number of bicultural and bilingual graduates. Outcome Measurement: - No less than 20% of interns will be ethnically and culturally diverse - No less than 20% of interns will be bilingual <  back to top >

What are the Student Learning Outcomes for the Program? 1. Interns will demonstrate professional behaviors, including ethical practice, participation in professional activities, and a commitment to lifelong learning. 2. Interns will demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to use a variety of communication tools in disseminating nutrition information 3. Interns will demonstrate their ability to use efficiently and effectively the techniques and tools for managing foodservice systems. 4. Interns will demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge and skills in medical nutrition therapy in a variety of settings. 5. Interns will be able to utilize a broad knowledge of community nutrition to enhance health and promote wellness in a variety of settings. <  back to top >

What is the current first time pass rate for the RD exam? For the five year period of 2005 - 2009, the first time pass rate for graduates of the Maricopa County dietetic internship program is 94%. <  back to top >

What Type of Practicum Experiences are offered by the Internship Program? Our dietetic internship is a full time, 39-week program approved for an annual class of 5 interns. Interns participating in the office's program will be exposed to a wide variety of nutrition services from metropolitan and rural areas of Maricopa County. Opportunities are provided to interact with individuals and groups from multi-ethnic backgrounds representing all ages and levels of education. Community, clinical, and food service experiences offered will challenge interns to integrate knowledge gained from dedicated study with opportunities for practice and application. Our practice sites include: · Scottsdale Healthcare · St Joseph's Hospital · John C. Lincoln Hospitals · Maricopa Medical Center · Maricopa County WIC clinics · Washington, Chandler, Gilbert and Creighton School Districts · Paradise Valley Community College Fitness Center · Arizona Department of Health Services · Arizona Department of Education · City of Phoenix Senior Services . Cancer Treatment Centers of America . Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders · Desert Mission Food Bank · Maricopa Community Nutrition Programs · Crandall and Associates · Nutrition Alliance · St. Vincent de Paul's Family Diabetes Program · Southwest Center for HIV/AIDs · Athletes Performance · Diversity Specialty Institute · Dudash Nutrition or Nutrition Studio Because of the great diversity among the residents in Maricopa County, interns able to speak Spanish are highly valued by the rotation sites. However, the ability to speak Spanish is not a requirement for admission into the internship program. <  back to top >

What are the Admission Requirements? Completion of a baccalaureate or Master's degree in foods, nutrition, or dietetics from an accredited college of university Completion of the required academic Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) course work or verification of intent to complete.* Cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or greater on a 4.0 scale is preferred. *Additional course work is needed to update degrees completed 5 or more years prior to application to this Dietetic Internship. <  back to top >

Who has Accredited Maricopa County's Dietetic Internship? The Dietetic Internship at Maricopa County is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995 <  back to top >

What are the Applicant Responsibilities Involved in the Application Process? Maricopa County's dietetic internship program will be participating in the on-line Centralized Application System for Spring 2011 Computer Matching. " The program is using the on-line centralized internship application, DICAS, e-mail DICASinfo@DICAS.org. DICAS will be available after December 8, 2010 for the Spring 2011 Match. The on-line application must be completed for our program by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15, 2011. The fee to use DICAS is $40 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application. " Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to: DICAS - Transcript Dept., PO Box 9118, Watertown, Ma 02472 " When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed on-line. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application. " Applicants must also register online for computer matching and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15. There is a $50.00 computer matching fee. In addition to the requirements for students to submit their on-line applications through DICAS, the Maricopa County program also requires some additional itesm that need to be mailed directly to the program director. These include: " A completed Full-Time Work Experience Calculation Form " A completed Full-Time Volunteer Experience Calculation Form " Hand written essay on white or ivory stationery (no more than one page) which addresses the reason for applying to a public health program, description of a project completed with minimal supervision, a notation if you speak, read or write a language other than English and your level of fluency. " A non-refundable application fee of $52.00 made payable to Maricopa County. The work and volunteer forms are available on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Office of Nutrition Services website at: http://www.maricopa.gov/Public_Health/Community/WIC/internship.aspx Send all materials by the postmark deadline and by receipted mail for proof of mailing date and delivery to: Maricopa County Dept of Public Health Office of Nutrition Services Shirley Strembel, MS,RD 4041 N. Central, Suite 700 C Phoenix, AZ 85012 . You may also choose to enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard if you want to be notified that your application has been processed. The postmark deadline for 2011-2012 applications is February 15th, 2011 The application packet includes: 1. Signed Application Checklist-Maricopa County 2. Completed Standard ADA Dietetic Internship Application 3. Official college transcripts from all colleges and universities attended 4. DPD course requirement list from your institution. If your institution does not have a formal document you may include a photocopy form the course catalogue in this one instance. 5. Signed Verification of Completion of Dietetics Programs in Dietetics or a signed Declaration of Intent to Complete 6. Three letters of recommendation with at least one academic and one work/professional 7. Hand written essay on white or ivory stationery (no more than two pages) which addresses the reason for applying to a public health program, short and long term goals, expectations, personal strengths and areas of improvement, and a project completed without supervision. Please note if you speak, read or write a language other than English and your level of fluency. 8. Completed Full-Time Work Experience Calculation Form 9. Completed Full-Time Volunteer Experience Calculation Form 10. Non-refundable application fee of $52.00 made payable to Maricopa County. Send all materials by the postmark deadline and by receipted mail for proof of mailing date and delivery. You may also choose to enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard if you want to be notified that your application has been processed. The postmark deadline for 2011-2012 applications is February 15th, 2011 In addition, applicants must register with D&D Digital online at www.dnddigital.com, pay the $50.00 computer matching fee by credit card, enter their contact information and DI priority choices by 11:59 PM CST on February 15th, 2011. This is separate from the application packet sent to Maricopa County, but also required in order to be matched. <  back to top >

What are the selection criteria? Candidates application packets will be reviewed by a selection committee and scores assigned for grade point average, DPD grade point average, work experience, letters of recommendation, honors and activities, and applicant's letter. Grade point averages and quality and quantity of dietetic related work experience are given significant consideration. The selection committee may ask applicants to particiate in an interview. The ability to speak a language in addition to English is beneficial to working within the local community. It is not a program requirement in the selection process. The selection committee will rank applicants in order of preference and send the ranking to D&D Digital System for computer matching. <  back to top >

2011-2012 Dates for computer Matching for Maricopa County Postmark deadline for applications: February 15, 2011 Notification Day: April 4, 2011 Appointment Day: April 5, 2011 Matched applicants must telephone (602) 506-9325,fax (602) 506-9330 or e-mail (shirleystrembel@mail.maricopa.gov)the DI Program Director to confim their acceptance or rejection of the match by 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time on April 6, 2011. <  back to top >

What does the Program Cost? Total program costs will vary according to the needs and lifestyles of each individual. Food, housing, and transportation expenses are variable and the responsibility of the student. Interns must provide their own health and professional liability insurance in order to participate in the program. Arizona law does require drivers to carry automobile insurance and Arizona residents to have annual emission inspection completed on their vehicle. Tuition $2500.00 Application Fee $52.00 Gasoline/month $150.00 - $200.00 per month estimate Housing: 1 bedroom apt./month (varies) $650.00 - $750.00 Vehicle Emissions Inspection Fee $15.00 Student Professional Liability Insurance $35.00 ADA Associate Membership $50.00 Arizona District Dietetic Association - Central Membership $25.00 Text book/journals $75.00 Fingerprint Clearance Card and Criminal Background Check $69.00 Urine Drug Screen Panel $50.00 CPR Certification $45.00 Health Insurance (varies) Flu Shot (varies per insurance coverage) Hepatitis B Series (varies per insurance coverage) MMR and TB Skin Test (varies per insurance coverage) Ink Cartridges for home printing $100(estimate) Study Material for RD Exam $200 - 350 *** Scholarship applications are available though the ADA Education and Accreditation staff at: 1-800-877-1600, ext 5400 Scholarship applications are available at: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/career_394_ENU_HTML.htm <  back to top >

What is the program schedule? The dietetic internship program typically begins in mid August and is completed by the first week in June. Two weeks of vacation are scheduled near the end of December which includes Christmas and New Year's Day. Other holidays honored are Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veteran's Day. Affiliate Rotations (subject to change): Program Orientation - 1.5 weeks Az Dept of Health Services - 2 weeks, community Athletes' Performance - 1 week, sports nutrition Cancer Treatment Centers of America - 1 week, clinical City of Phoenix Senior Services - 1 week, community Crandall and Associates or Nutrition Alliance - 1 week, clinical (long term care) John C Lincoln, St. Joseph's Hospital, Scottsdale Healthcare, Maricopa Medical Center Hospitals - 10 weeks, clinical Maricopa County WIC - 2 weeks, community Maricopa County Community Nutrition - 2 weeks, community Arizona Culinary Institute - 1 week, community Chandler, Washington, Gilbert or Creighton School Districts - 7 weeks, food service Diversity Specialty Institute - 1 week, clinical (outpatient renal) St. Vincent de Paul's Family Diabetes Clinic - 1 week, clincial Paradise Valley Community College Fitness Center - 1 week, community Enrichment Experience - 2 weeks <  back to top >

What are entrance requirement for matched applicants? Applicants matched to a dietetic internship must accept or reject the match within 24 hours of Notification Day. Candidates matched with the program will need to complete the Hepatitis B series to participate. The series should be initiated in May to allow adequate time to complete the immunizations prior to program initiation in August. Additional documentation required at the start of the dietetic internship: * Statement of good health to participate in the program from a medical provider * Documentation of TB (PPD)Skin Test * Documentation of two rubeola and one rubella vaccinations, or positive rubeola and rubella titers * Documentation of varicella exposure or positive varicella immune titer * Evidence of current tetanus toxoid (within the past ten years) * Evidence of a seasonal flu shot (at the beginning of flu season) *Completed criminal background check and a state sex offender search * Membership in ADA * Membership in the Arizona Dietetic Association - Central * Professional Student Liability Insurance - $1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 aggregate * Health Insurance * Automobile Insurance * Driver's License * Signed verification statement of the Didactic Program in Dietetics * Official transcripts showing completion of degree <  back to top >

What are the graduation requirements? Graduates of the Maricopa County Dietetic Internship will complete all program requirements. They will demonstrate achievement of the 41 core competencies and 10 community competencies set forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Upon program completion, graduates will be competent to function as entry-level dietetic professionals and will receive a verification statement. <  back to top >

Organization Information Shirley Strembel, MS, RD: Maricopa County Department of Public Health Office of Nutrition Services 4041 N. Central Avenue, Suite 700 Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 506 9325 (Phone) (602) 506 9330 (FAX) shirleystrembel@mail.maricopa.gov <  back to top >