Paradise Valley Unified School District

Introduction Program Overview Program Objectives Program Goals and Outcome Measures Admission Requirements Computer Matching Student Expenses and Responsibilities Application Process Approved Status

Introduction The Paradise Valley Nutrition & Wellness Department offers a Dietetic Internship with an emphasis in school food service management. Opportunities for Registered Dietitians in school food service settings are rapidly expanding. With the increased prevalence of childhood obesity and the USDA mandate for school wellness policies, school food service offers entrepreneurial dietitians with new and exciting opportunities. All graduates of the program are employed in the profession of Dietetics in exciting careers such as school food service management, private consultation, food service management companies, community colleges, culinary education, and clinical settings. <  back to top >

Program Overview Paradise Valley Unified School District is located in a rapidly growing, northern suburban area of Phoenix, Arizona. The district serves approximately 34,000 students in thirty-two elementary schools, seven middle schools, five comprehensive high schools, one alternative elementary/middle school and one alternative high school. Affiliates of this program include an additional school district, Washington Elementary School District. This diversity provides our students with an eclectic school lunch experience. Clinical and community affiliates include John C. Lincoln Hospital, Banner Healthcare, and Arizona Department of Health Services. The DI program in Paradise Valley Unified School District accepts six interns each year. The program is an 8 1/2 month, full time (40 hours per week) program beginning in early March and ending in mid-November each year. The program provides a total of 1440 supervised practice hours with an emphasis in food service systems management. <  back to top >

Program Objectives To provide specialized experiences in the areas of food service management. To provide a comprehensive background in the areas of clinical nutrition, community nutrition and food service management. To provide eligibility for the American Dietetic Association registration exam. To prepare students to work as entry level dietitians. <  back to top >

Program Goals and Outcome Measures 1. The program will prepare graduates who have mastered the 46 core competencies and 10 food service systems management competencies to take the registered dietitian exam. As measured by: · Eighty percent or more of interns will successfully complete the dietetic internship. · Eighty percent or more of graduates will pass the RD exam on their first attempt. 2. The program will prepare graduates to meet employer expectations as entry-level dietitians. As measured by: · Based on employer surveys, 80% or more of respondents will evaluate graduates as adequate or very good in preparedness for RD position. · Based on employer surveys, 80% or more respondents will evaluate graduates as adequate or very good in the following: communication, professionalism, and responsibility. - Eighty percent or more of program graduates will be employed in an entry-level position within 12 months of completing the program. - Based on graduate surveys, eighty percent of graduates will rate their level of competency in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management as good or very good. 3. The program will prepare dietetic interns to perform the various tasks that are required for operating successful food service departments. As measured by: · Based on employer surveys, 80% or more of respondents will rate graduates as good or very good in food service management. · Based on graduate surveys, 80% or more of respondents will rate their level of competency in food service management as good or very good. <  back to top >

Admission Requirements Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in Dietetics with a competitive grade point average from a U.S. regionally accredited DPD program as evidenced by a Verification Statement indicating completion of Plan V or DPD requirements. Applicants must have 2000 hours work experience. This can include volunteer work, dietetic counseling, etc. Experience in clinical nutrition and/or food service is preferred. However, other work experience can be included in the 2000 hour requirement. Applicants will be required to complete an application packet consisting of: Application Form (Typewritten and signed). Typewritten essay describing professional goals and experiences (no more than two pages). Statement of Verification of completed ADA requirements*. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to verify GPA. Three sealed letters of recommendation (including at least one from an employer and one from a professor). * Additional coursework is needed to update degrees completed five or more years prior to application to the PVUSD Dietetic Internship. <  back to top >

Computer Matching 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 these materials from D&D Digital Systems. This request should be made to allow turnaround time for submitting by the postmark deadline indicated in the instructions. There is no charge for these materials; 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 (515) 292-0490 email: dnd@netins.net <  back to top >

Student Expenses and Responsibilities A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 (payable to Paradise Valley Schools) is due with the completed application packet. Food, housing, and reliable transportation are the responsibility of the DI student. Students must possess a valid driver's license. Additional costs which are the responsibility of the student include: Health Insurance ADA Membership Auto Insurance Student Stipend - During the program, students will be provided with a stipend of $11,000. <  back to top >

Application Process Mail completed application packet to: Kathleen M. Glindmeier, RD, MBA Program Director Paradise Valley Unified School District Nutrition & Wellness 20621 N. 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85050 Note: Your Application Packet must be postmarked by September 25 to be considered in the selection process. Because of the tremendous responsibility Paradise Valley Unified School District has to its students and community, a criminal background check is required. <  back to top >

Approved Status The DI program of the Paradise Valley Unified School District Nutrition & Wellness Department is currently granted initial accreditation status by the American Dietetic Association Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, 120 South Riverside Drive Chicago, IL 60606-6995 (312) 899-5400. For more information, contact Kathy Glindmeier, RD, MBA, Director of Nutrition & Wellness (602) 449-2274. Email: kglindmeier@pvschools.net <  back to top >