Nutrition Program at SUNY Plattsburgh - Student Profiles

Student Profiles

Food and Nutrition Students Get Ready for Internships

Five Food and Nutrition students at SUNY Plattsburgh gained practical experience through dietetic internships.

Meet the Students

Kelly Attard

Originally from East Meadow, N.Y., Kelly Attard, a December 2002 graduate, was accepted as an intern at Hines Veteran's Hospital in Chicago, Ill. "I hope to complete my internship, become registered and specialize in pediatric nutrition," said Attard.

Sarah Billetdoux

Sarah Billetdoux, a senior from Whitehall, N.Y., was one of five students chosen for the Military Consortium, Army dietetic internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Billetdoux is thinking about making a career in the military. "I have a three-year obligation with the Army. If I enjoy it, I plan on making a career out of the military," said Billetdoux, who was recently commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Alamaze Hood

Alamaze Hood, a senior from St. Michael, Barbados, will be heading to Dallas Presbyterian Hospital of Texas for her internship.

Traci Krayenvenger

Traci Krayenvenger, a senior from Adams Center, N.Y., will intern at Keene State University in Keene, N.H.

Beth LaPierre

A senior from Troy, N.Y., Beth La Pierre was one of six students accepted for the University of Conneticut internship program.

Internships An Important Step to Career Success

In order to become a registered dietician, seniors or graduates must participate in an internship program. Internships are available in every state as well as Puerto Rico, and each internship has a limited number of openings, typically ranging from five to 20 slots a year.

An internship typically lasts six to 18 months. Following the internship, students can sit for the national registration exam. According to the American Dietetic Association, which has accredited the College's food and nutrition program, Plattsburgh State's five-year passing rate is 93 percent.

Graduates who become registered can become clinical dietitians in healthcare or food service. Because of the evolving interest and demand for dietitians, even more unique opportunities are becoming available to food and nutrition graduates.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like to find out more about the nutrition program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:

Dr. Ena Joseph, Program Director
Office: Hawkins Hall 215B
Phone: (518) 564-4223
Fax: (518) 564-3100
E-mail: josephe@plattsburgh.edu