The CUNY SPH Dietetic Internship participates in the Prior Assessed Learning program recognized by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ ACEND.

Dr Gaba has completed the Prior Learning Assessment course offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The authors of this continuing professional education unit clearly describe the value of including this mechanism for assigning credit in DPD and DI programs as follows:

“Today, one of the fastest growing segments of students in higher education is the non-traditional student. These students who are entering our dietetic programs often bring to the classroom knowledge and experience that have not been obtained in the conventional classroom or a supervised practice setting. Through assessment of this prior learning, university faculty members are able to evaluate previous knowledge and experience as it impacts learning and provide academic credit.

Dietetic programs are striving to meet the growing need for Registered Dietitians; Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is an innovative way to allow students to demonstrate their learning through their life experiences. Higher retention rates for these students have been shown to result in better graduation rates and overall student success which benefits the institution and the profession. Also, students often seek out programs that are willing to work with them to recognize their past experiences, and award credit for their learning.

An example might be a student who has been a dietary manager for 15 years. For didactic coursework, she/he could be awarded academic credit for food production courses that he/she took as a dietary manager. For supervised practice, credit may be given for work experiences as a manager of a long-term care foodservice operation.”

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Our Prior Assessed Learning program is designed to grant varying degrees of internship credit in specific rotations of the internship based on the qualified applicant’s learning, as demonstrated through paid work or volunteer experiences. Experiences considered for PAL must meet competencies required by ACEND that are equivalent to an entry-level dietitian. Internship credit is given for learning and gaining knowledge through the work experience of a professional career. The credit is not for work experience, but is given when an applicant demonstrates an increase in knowledge and learning.

Details about how to apply for Prior Assessed Learning credit are available below.

Applying for Prior Assessed Learning Credit updated directions

PAL application documents can be downloaded below.

CRDNs 2022

Description of Supervised Practice Rotations revised 9.3.2020

PAL Summary Page

Narrative Example

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