Nova Scotia Health - Central Zone, Dietetic Internship & Practicum Training Program

The NSH Central Zone, Dietetic Internship & Practicum Training Program is a 47 week graduate program commencing in the Fall. Proficiency in English is required.

This dietetic education program is accredited  and recognized by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) and prepares students for eligibility for registration with a provincial dietetics regulatory body.

Vision, Mission, & Values   
To deliver exceptional hands-on training and work experience to develop competent, professional, well-rounded entry level dietitians in accordance with PDEP standards. 

Program Philosophy & Goals   
To enhance theoretical knowledge through the application of university-based learning to real life situations in order to develop competent, person-centered dietitians who optimize both clinical and fiscal outcomes through critical thinking and creative, evidence-based problem solving.

Dietetic Practicum Students are valued members of the organization and, as such, are expected to contribute to strategic priorities, implementation of new initiatives and achievement of NSH’s goals and objectives.

• Acquire skills in nutrition, management, communication, education and research needed to meet entry-level requirements
• Understand the connection between life-long learning and professional competence 
• Apply knowledge to practical opportunities in a variety of settings
• Develop self-confidence and expertise in the performance of professional responsibilities 
• Develop a sense of professionalism; prepare for positions in healthcare, community and/or industry

Program Details There is program flexibility depending on the area of interest and availability of resources within the requirements set by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP).

Quality Improvement (QI) Project:   
Dietetic Practicum students will conduct and present a QI project. Required Course Background: You must have an introductory level Research Methodology Course at an undergraduate or graduate level; either is acceptable.

Selection Criteria   
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree which meets the academic requirements set by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP). A minimum average of 73% must be attained in order to be considered.

Demonstrating Academic Currency   
Nova Scotia Health will recognize the Knowledge and Competency Assessment Tool (KCAT) Level I result as a demonstration of academic currency from an applicant who completed a Canadian accredited academic degree more than three year ago.

1. An applicant who has completed an accredited academic degree in Canada more than three years ago may apply to the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) to write the KCAT to demonstrate academic currency. Eligibility to write the KCAT is subject to CDO’s application requirements.
2. NSH, Central Zone Dietetic Internship and Practicum Training Program will accept a KCAT Level I result obtained within the past three years as demonstration of academic currency from an applicant of their program who completed a Canadian accredited academic degree more than three years ago. 

Internationally Trained Students   
Students who received their Nutrition degree outside of Canada, must have their degree evaluated for equivalency in Canada by a PDEP recognized undergraduate Program.

A completed application package must be received as indicated below by January 15, 2024. Incomplete packages will not be considered.

Selected applicants will be invited to take part in skills testing. Interviews will be conducted based on the outcome of the skills test.   
Criteria for applicant selection include:

• Education and Training
• Relevant Work Experience
• Leadership Potential and Initiative
• Organizational Skills
• Decision-Making Abilities
• Communication Skills
• Good Interpersonal Skills
• Stress Tolerance
• Maturity, Insight
• Compassion
• Interest in Food
• Computer Skills are Essential
• Proficiency in English is Required

Please review carefully as some application information is required electronically and some via paper copies.   

Send Electronically   
The following is to be sent via email to CZNFSApplication@nshealth.ca by deadline above to be considered:

1. Directly from the Applicant via email:
   1. Resume and cover letter  
2. Directly from University via email:
   1. Confirmation of Completion of Academic Program Form, available here.
3. Directly from References via email:
   1. Three references are required to be sent via email from person providing the reference and using the NSH Program reference form, available here.
   2. Please request:
      1. One reference from a faculty member at the university attended.
      2. One reference from a previous employer/volunteer work supervisor.
      3. One other professional or educational reference. Please consider a reference from a Dietitian where possible. 

Note: references sent via applicants or personal references will not be considered.

The following must be sent as one package to the address indicated by deadline above to be considered:

1. Please provide official transcripts from all post-secondary academic institutions where you have completed courses which contribute to your undergraduate nutrition degree, even if this is a single course. Transcripts must include the grades for first semester of current year for applicants who are still completing their nutrition degree. Transcripts are to be sent directly by the University either in a sealed envelope and signed/stamped across the seal by the institution or a secure electronic version.  All official transcripts must be received by the application deadline. Late transcripts and transcripts provided by the applicant will not be accepted and your application will be considered incomplete.

2. A non-refundable $100 application fee via a cheque made payable to Nutrition and Food Services, NSH. Additional option (credit card)   

   Send to:   
   Nutrition and Food Services   
   Nova Scotia Health Authority   
   Room 2353 Veterans’ Memorial Building 5955   
   Veterans’ Memorial Lane   
   Halifax, NS B3H 2E1.   

   For credit card payments, please contact CZNFSApplication@nshealth.ca for further information.

Upon acceptance:   
The successful applicants will be notified and will be required to pay a $250 program registration fee. This fee is non-refundable. Cheques (or credit card payments) can be made payable to Nutrition and Food Services. Student and Learner Placement Co-ordinator will be in contact with incoming students to review deadlines for necessary form completion, immunization records and required Criminal records checks.   

Dietetic Practicum Program Positions   
There are 8 positions in total in Nova Scotia Health (Central Zone) Dietetic Internship Program:

Core clinical and food service experiences are located at Dartmouth General Hospital and/or QEII Facilities. 

The Dartmouth General Hospital (DGH) is a 140 bed acute care facility providing services to approximately 120,000 people in Dartmouth and surrounding areas.

The QEII has approximately 1,000 beds, records approximately 370,000 ambulatory clinic visits annually and has approximately 12,000 staff. The QEII Health Sciences Centre (QEII) is comprised of five hospitals and the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre.

The facilities are:

• Victoria General
• Halifax Infirmary
• Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre
• Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial
• Abbie J. Lane Memorial