DPD_Handbook_2023.pdf
Qualities of a Successful Dietetic Internship Applicant
Dietetic internships or supervised practice programs look for candidates with:
- Strong academic performance: typically a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The student’s GPA is evaluated as a science GPA (the science courses listed on the DPD course requirements), a DPD GPA (all courses other than Science listed on the DPD Course requirements) as well as a total GPA.
- Work or volunteer experience: There is no absolute requirement, but experience gained through employment, internships and volunteer activities are considered. Students should look for opportunities that provide experience in all areas of nutrition/dietetics (e.g. community, education, clinical and food service).
- Leadership: Ability to work effectively in a group and provide leadership to others can be demonstrated by participation in campus or off-campus organizations or being given increased responsibilities at a job.
- Knowledge of the profession of dietetics: It's important to devote some time learning what dietitians do before you make the decision to commit the time and energy pursuing this career. This can be accomplished through working with, volunteering for, or interviewing practicing dietitians in hospital, community, and/or foodservice settings.
Certification as a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR)
Students who complete the DPD requirements to receive a verification statement and complete a bachelor’s degree are eligible to sit for the Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) examination. This can often provide a way to obtain valuable experience before applying to supervised practice programs. If a student desires to take the examination they must:
- Complete the required DPD courses to earn a verification statement
- Complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree
- Give the DPD Program Director: 1) a signed Mis-Use form, and 2) an official transcript.
The DPD Program Director then electronically begins the application. The REPS system then alerts the program graduate to complete the online application. At that time the DPD Program Director uploads the required materials: verification statment, signed Mis-Use Form, and official transcript REPS site at the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). When the request has been processed the student is notified that they are eligible to sign up to take the exam. It is highly recommended that the student prepare for the exam with a study guide. The application materials are available at the CDR website or through the DPD Program Director.
Dietetic Internship/Supervised Practice Program Application Process
Applicants for dietetic internships or supervised practice programs are computer matched twice a year to programs that participate in the computerize matching through D&D Digital. Programs that participate in the Fall match typically begin in January so are appropriate for December graduates. April match internships typically begin the following August. Applicants build their online application through the dietetic internship centralized application process (DICAS). For the Fall match, students can begin building their applications in the summer for completion by September 25th, 11:59 p.m. (Central). Results of the Fall match are announced in early November. Students applying to the April match may begin building their online application materials on DICAS around the end of November or December 1st. Applications for April match must be completed by February 15th 11:59 p.m. (Central). Match results are announced in early April.
To find out which programs participate in either the Fall or April match visit: Supervised Practice Programs
The DICAS application process guides the applicant to obtain copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions they have attended, insert grades for required DPD coursework, list volunteer and work experience, and upload letters of reference, a resume, and individualized personal statements. The applicants have the opportunity to rank the programs they would like to be matched with. There are registration fees for DICAS, D&D Digital and for each dietetic internship on the rank list.
If applicants are matched, they are matched to only one program. It is assumed the applicant is willing to attend the program they are matched with. More information is available at:
Application Process or from the DPD Program Director.
