Pictured (L-R) Jessica Madson, Viterbo University professor; Jessica Norton; Angela Sauer; Samantha Moore; Sara Ashbeck, clinical manager, Nutrition Therapy; Courtney Sanders; Andrea Lola, clinical manager, Gundersen Lutheran; Emily Drogseth; Kwai Cheung; Jennifer Schulte; and Melanie Kudrle. |
On Monday, Aug. 31, eight Viterbo University students majoring in nutrition and dietetics began what will be a year-long internship with Gundersen Lutheran Nutrition Therapy’s registered dietitians (RD).
Nutrition Therapy is eager to partner with Viterbo University and take part in this mutually beneficial experience, according to administrative director Jennifer Larson. “By interacting with and learning from our experienced staff of registered dietitians, the Viterbo internship students will build on their classroom experience and should be well prepared for their careers in medical nutrition therapy,” says Jennifer. “Likewise, as mentors and teachers, our staff is constantly invigorated by the ‘fresh eyes’ and enthusiasm of the students and challenged to stay progressive and on the cutting edge of nutrition therapy,” she adds.
During the fall and spring semesters, the interns will work alongside Gundersen Lutheran RDs in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. They will complete nutritional assessments, use the Nutrition Care Process and standardized nutrition language for patients and will be responsible for proactively developing solutions to nutritional problems.
The interns will also complete two-to-four week final rotations consisting of 320 total hours to demonstrate qualities of an entry-level RD. They will complete a group project and an evidence-based research presentation. After nearly 1,200 hours of supervised practice in all, these interns will be eligible to take the national registration exam and begin their careers.
Learn more on the Viterbo University web site.