OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between the June and October start dates?

We accept 10 dietetic interns each year, 5 begin in June and 5 begin in October. The October class has the opportunity to attend diabetes camp in July and has less flexibility on time off during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

What projects/opportunities are available to the dietetic interns?

  • Attend diabetes camp
  • Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
  • Develop and present cooking demos
  • Develop and present nutrition classes to school-aged children
  • Eating Disorder Unit
  • Educational handout development
  • Food service experience
  • Outpatient and inpatient pediatric experience
  • Outcome studies
  • Outpatient counseling at the Heartland Clinic
  • Participate in bariatric education classes
  • Public speaking
  • Recipe development and analysis
  • Teach Weight Loss classes
  • Media work

"All the places I interviewed with were very impressed with OSF's internship and the level of clinical and pediatric experience offered."

Emily Wozer, MS, RD, LDN - Pediatric Clinical Dietitian
2023 Graduate

How many preceptors will I work with?

We are extremely fortunate to have 30+ OSF specific preceptors available to our dietetic interns. We have registered dieticians working in the following settings:

  • Clinical inpatient and outpatient - adults and pediatrics
  • Cardiac Rehab
  • Adult and Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center
  • Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
  • Weight Management Clinic
  • Cancer Survivorship Clinic
  • Eating Disorder Clinic
  • Perinatal Clinic

Why does the internship last for 12 months?

We offer a 21 week emphasis area where the dietetic interns develop their own curriculum to meet their specific goals. This allows time for the interns to investigate different areas of food and nutrition. Our interns graduate prepared to begin their careers as registered dietitians.

Are interns allowed to attend conferences and outside meetings?

Yes - we are excited to offer interns the opportunity to attend conference and meetings. In recent years, our interns have attended:

  • Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Fall and Spring Assembly
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Webinars
  • Annual Pediatric Conference at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, IL
  • Advocacy Day in Springfield, IL
  • Central Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics meetings

"The OSF Dietetic Internship exceeded all my expectations. They cared deeply about my professional and personal growth. They encouraged me to step outside my comfort and take advantage of opportunities I otherwise would have passed on. I’m so grateful for the preceptors and Ashley for making my internship experience unforgettable!"

Emily Fisher (Stefforia), RD, LDN - Private Practice Dietitian
2022 Graduate

Do graduates have difficulty finding jobs after graduation?

No - all interns are able to find jobs after graduation and often have jobs prior to graduation. Keep in mind that if you are set on a specific location it may be more difficult to find a job versus a graduate who is not set on living in one specific area. Some of our recent graduates have found positions in the following locations:

  • HyVee Grocery Store
  • Outpatient Bariatric Clinics
  • Pediatric Hospitals
  • WIC
  • Diabetes Clinic
  • Eating Disorder Clinic
  • Public Health
  • Peace Corps
  • Community Cancer Center
  • Hospital, including OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
  • School Districts
  • Nestle Sales Division
  • Corporate Wellness

Do most of your interns live in Illinois?

No - we have interns from all over the US and other countries. The program is open to all geographic locations.

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