It’s not easy applying and matching to dietetic internship programs. Thousands of applicants apply each year but the dietetic internship match rate is 60%.
Each year, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics releases dietetic internship match rate statistics. These statistics include the number of internship openings, applicants who apply, applicants that match, and percentage of matched applicants.
What is Computer Matching?
D&D Digital Systems is a computer matching service contracts to facilitate the dietetic internship matching process. The website collects the applicant’s dietetic internship program rankings and helps internship programs match with applicants from their choices.
Changes in Number of Openings
The number of openings in which applicants can apply to has quadrupled over the last two and a half decades. Between 2018-2019 there was an increase of 2% in the number of dietetic internship openings. However, the number of applicants who apply annually is increasing causing a tremendous amount of competition.
Changes in Number of Applicants
Over the past decade the number of applicants has averaged 5,853 individuals and continues to grow while openings averaged 3,504. Likewise, only 67% (two thirds) of applicants match to a dietetic internship programs. Between 2018 and 2019, there was an 11% decrease in the number of applicants. The limited acceptance rate of interns each year may be deterring applicants from applying.
Changes in Applicants Matched
Over the past two and a half decades, the number of applicants matched to programs has steadily declined.
What is being done about this?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is using incentives to encourage current dietitians to become preceptors. The academy has initiated Outstanding Preceptor Awards each year for six preceptors who are exemplary educators and mentors. This award includes a $1,000 reimbursement towards expenses for attending FNCE. As well as recognition at the Academy Member Showcase and NDEP Member Meetings at FNCE.
Those who chose to precept are offered up to 15 CPEUs per 5 year cycle. Preceptors can earn an additional 8 CPEU for attending a free Preceptor Training Program. These motivators have increased the number of preceptors available. More needs to be done to combat the recurrent issue of less than 60% of applicants being matched annually.
For more information click here to view the changes that have in the number of internship openings, applicants, applicants matched, and percentage of matched applicants since 1993.
Are you applying for a dietetic internship? Check out our blog on the Steps for Applying to a Dietetic Internship Program! Click here!
Applying for dietetic internships or RD programs can be a daunting task for many applicants. Here is everything you need to know about the application process!
First, review the list of dietetic internships or RD programs available
There are a lot of factors to consider when applying for a dietetic internship or RD program. Applicants should consider the type of internship, tuition, admission criteria, location, number of students accepted, and additional experience dietetic internship directors expect from applicants.
Applying for dietetic internships using Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS)
DICAS is an online application system many dietetic internship programs use. The application system allows applicants to upload and submit all application materials in one location and select the specific dietetic internship programs they wish to apply to.
DICAS
DICAS charges an initial fee of $45 for the first application and $20 for each additional application thereafter. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete prior to pressing e-submit.
DICAS holds two application periods each year, spring and fall. Application material from one period does not save to the next. You will be required to pay application fees again to re-apply.
2.Request official transcripts from the institution(s) that met degree and DPD requirements
An official transcript can be sent to DICAS through your institution’s registrar. You should complete these several weeks prior to when you plan to submit your application. A transcript is needed from any institution attended. Dietetic internship directors want to see grades from all degree and DPD courses. For detailed instructions on where to send official transcripts click here.
3. Upload DPD information
Applicants will enter their DPD director’s contact information and submit it to DICAS. This will allow the DPD director to submit a Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent to DICAS on your behalf.
What is a Verification Statement?
A verification statement is a form your DPD director fills out verifying that you have met all program and degree requirements from an academy accredited DPD program. The form is mailed to students following completion of the DPD program. You should keep at least one original signed verification statement as part of their permanent record.
What is a Declaration of Intent?
A declaration of intent is a form listing all of the courses that a student still needs to complete to fulfill program and degree requirements. This form verifies the student’s intent to complete the bachelor’s degree and/or ACEND’s minimum academic requirements. The form is signed by the director and uploaded to DICAS. This allows the student to begin applying for dietetic internships prior to graduation.
4. Enter Coursework
Prior to entering grades you received on your transcript, you must first complete the section on colleges attended. Search the name of your institution(s) in which you received grades for degree and DPD courses.
Entering Course List
You will upload your DPD course list provided by your DPD director. Once this is complete, you will be able to enter each course and its corresponding grade for each academic term.
Entering Coursework
All DPD coursework must be entered under the correct semester exactly as it appears on your official transcript. If you repeated a class, you only need to include the higher of the two grades you received from the course. DICAS will then calculate your overall DPD professional and science GPAs. Refer to your GPA when considering internship programs to apply to, as many programs have minimum GPA requirements.
Visit DICAS Coursework to learn more about entering course work and how to input foreign degree and DPD courses taken.
5.Enter any awards, work experience, and volunteer experience
Describe any awards and work and volunteer experience you have in detail. While it may not be a requirement by the internship(s) that you are applying to, recognizing any activities that you partake in is a great way to stand out from other applicants. If work and/or volunteer experience are required, be sure to pay attention to required hours and document the total number of hours completed for each type of experience.
6. Write, revise, and review your personal statement
Stay within the word count limit
The personal statement is undoubtedly the most important part of your application. This is where you are finally able to express your interest in a specific internship program as well as your personality. The personal statement should not exceed the 1,000-word count limit. It should be written in essay format, keeping in mind these five questions:
Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for a career in dietetics.
Explain your short-term and long-term goals?
What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
Is there any other information do you consider important for the selection process?
Answer each question thoughtfully
Some internships might have additional questions which need to be addressed. Be sure to answer all questions in their entirety while staying within the word count limit. Most importantly, make reference as to why you would be the best candidate for the internship(s) you are applying to and how your skills and knowledge will add value to the program(s). When discussing your short and long-term goals, acknowledge how the dietetic internship(s) you are applying to will help to achieve these goals.
Proofread
Lastly, proofread, proofread, and proofread again! To strengthen the quality of your essay and correct any errors have multiple people proofread it. Having even the smallest grammatical errors could be what places you at the bottom of the stack of applications.
Dietetic internship and RD program directors have stacks of applications to review every year. You want to make sure that your personal statement leaves a positive memory when they are narrowing the applicant pool.
7. Update and upload your resume
A resume is a great way to illustrate your previous experiences, organizational skills, attention to detail, and writing ability. Include experiences relevant only to the internship program you are applying to (you may have more than one resume depending on the type and number of internships you are applying to). Be sure to upload your final resume on DICAS in the form of a PDF.
8.Selecting References for Letters of Recommendation
Select three references who you believe will speak positively on behalf of your commitment to dietetics and refer to your skills, education, and performance in the field. Applicants must enter the contact information on each of three types of references:
A professor who is familiar with your academic work
An employer from a time you worked in a dietetics related job
A reference of your preference
9. Application Certification
Check the appropriate boxes in DICAS and electronically sign the application to confirm the accuracy of the information provided. The name you sign with must match the name you provided when you created your DICAS account, as the electronic signature substitutes for your actual legal signature.
10. Program Designations
In this section, you are able to designate which programs you plan to apply to.
Add program designations
To add program designations on DICAS, select the state/province in which your internship is located in the state dropdown menu. Click on the checkbox that contains the program you plan to apply to. Upload the appropriate cover letter, resume, personal statement, and any additional required application materials at this time. Once complete, click submit to save your selection. Repeat the above steps if planning to apply to more than one internship program and remember to select the appropriate application materials.
Removing program designations
Delete program designations by selecting the “delete” icon.
11. Submitting your DICAS Application
To submit your DICAS application, you will pay a final fee for each program. Please note that once you have submitted your application(s), you can make limited changes to your application. For more information regarding the submission process, please visit Submitting and Completing Your DICAS Application.
Most importantly, keep track of each application’s due dates as deadlines may vary among programs!
Creating an Account and Using D&D Digital Systems
D&D Digital
To create a D & D account go to http://www.dnddigital.com and pay the registration fee. The applicant will then generate a prioritized list of each program they applied to in DICAS. This is done by ranking the preference level of each program from highest to lowest and submitting the list prior to the deadline. In turn, internships submit a ranked order of applicants with the exact number of applicant positions available in that program.
Applicants are removed from the internship list if the applicant was not ranked on the internship’s final list. Internships are removed from the applicant’s list if the internship was not ranked on the applicant’s final list. An adjusted rank order list is created when an applicant and an internship pair up to fill holes once rank order lists are determined.
On Match Day, the applicant will sign into their D&D Digital account and view the results.
The matching process
A match occurs when the applicant’s highest-ranked internship program has that intern listed within one of their open slots. Once a match occurs, the matched applicant’s name will be removed from all other internship lists. Additionally, the number of unmatched applicants in the internship’s window will decrease by one. Unmatched applicants will be considered for their first rank order internship program, cycling through unmatched applicants until no further matches can be made. Internships are no longer possible once the internship class is full, or once the internship’s applicant list is empty.
Appointment Day
The day following Match Day is Appointment Day. Applicants accepted into a program must contact the dietetic internship director prior to 6:00 PM to confirm acceptance (this time may change each year). The program is not obligated to hold openings for any applicant who fails to confirm their spot.
Applicants not matched to an internship
Beginning at 6:00 PM on Appointment Day, dietetic internships that still have openings can access the list of all unmatched applicants who gave permission to release their information if unmatched. Dietetic internship directors are then able to review the list and invite applicants on their original applicant list who did not match into the program or those unmatched by other programs who qualify for the program. Applicants invited into the program have until 8:00 PM the following day to accept or reject the offer made by the dietetic internship director.
For more on what to do if you didn’t get matched, visit our blog here.
P.S. Increase your chances of landing a spot in a dietetic internship or RD program by working with an expert coach! 100% of Get Matched Coaching clients were matched in 2021. Click here to learn and apply.
Nutrition students are busy! Here are some tips to find flexible, remote nutrition experience that will fit your schedule and boost your DICAS Application.
A great GPA, a well written personal statement, and stellar references are all key factors in building the ideal DICAS application. But nutrition experience is also one of the top deciding factors for many dietetic internships. However, it can be difficult to try to fit quality nutrition experience into your already busy schedule. Without a flexible job, you might feel stuck on your path toward becoming the best DICAS applicant ever. Fortunately, we are in a time where things like social media, telehealth, and virtual communications are on the rise. Now is the perfect time to jump on the virtual bandwagon by finding remote nutrition experience and showcasing how creative you can be!
What kind of remote dietetics experience is available?
Remote nutrition services, or telenutrition, have been growing for more than a decade. New research shows these services will continue to grow and become more popular. Therefore, seeking out opportunities for work with telenutrition or remote dietitians can help prepare you for continued growth in the field and provide distinctive experience for your application.
Social media platforms are always growing and becoming a go-to place for news and information. We don’t want to keep reading the same content every day, so there is a nearly endless need for creative and out-of-the-box social media and website content.
Dietitians are primarily healthcare professionals, but they are also largely educators. There are excellent opportunities to remotely build experience in creating/editing educational materials. RDs are looking for materials including flyers, nutrition labels, or educational videos. Helping with this type of content will look good in DICAS and be helpful in your future!
How do I find this virtual work?
A quick google search for remote nutrition experience will bring you dozens of jobs sites, such as Chegg’s internship page, with some great opportunities. Many of these opportunities are specifically looking for nutrition and dietetics students.
Every dietitian remembers the hard work it took to get them where they are today. So most RDs are eager to help nutrition students. Reach out to your favorite RD on Instagram or LinkedIn to see if they have remote work you can do. Find someone that inspires you or has your dream job as an RD, and send them a message. This can be a little intimidating. Not every RD will have the capability to take on extra help, but the worst they can say is no. So give it a shot!
Consider the sample letter below to get you started –
Dear [NAME],
I’m currently a dietetics student with [SCHOOL]. Like you, I have a passion for [talk about why you chose this RD. Do you share an interest in hormone balance, plant based diets, or holistic nutrition? Do you hope to work with a similar demographic? Be specific, let them know you’ve done your research].
I would love the opportunity to work with you remotely. [Talk about what you can offer. Do you have stellar writing, research, or photography skills? Are you social media or tech savvy? Are you great with creating content that their audience can relate to?]
Please feel free to contact me here or at [provide an email, phone number, and/or other form of contact – make it as easy as possible to find you!] to discuss what help you might need.
Thank you for your consideration! [YOUR NAME]
Be a leader
If you’re struggling to find a dietitian who needs extra help or a job posting that is appropriate for you, be a leader and create your own remote experience! Nutrition leadership experience is always something that shines bright on a DICAS application. Find a way to be innovative and challenge yourself to find a new way to share nutrition. For example, consider a weekly vlog that addresses important nutrition tips for a niche population or a virtual nutrition club that helps other students stay focused. Make the most out of the time you have!
We hope these tips have helped sparked some ideas for ways you can get significant nutrition experience that fits into your schedule. For more ideas on gaining experience, check out this post!
Are you a dietetics student dreaming of starting your own nutrition business? We collaborated with Tony Stephan, RD, to provide you with his TOP five tips!
Dietitian entrepreneurship is quickly increasing in popularity. As a Dietitian Business Coach, I know, trust me! I teach R.D.’s to create profitable and impactful online nutrition coaching businesses through the I Believe Mastermind. I see firsthand how fulfilling and unique this career path is for R.D. to be and Registered Dietitians.
More and more R.D.-to-be’s are uninterested in working in a clinical setting, and that’s okay! There are so many other options out there for Registered Dietitians, like entrepreneurship. You do NOT need your R.D. credential or clinical experience to start your nutrition coaching business RIGHT NOW. You read that right; you can begin your nutrition coaching business while you’re still in school! Below, I have my TOP FIVE tips for the R.D. who wants to do just this!
#1: Take Action
If creating and owning your own nutrition coaching business is something you’ve been thinking about for quite some time, then what are you waiting for?! The first step toward success occurs when you take action!
If you’ve been planning, thinking, and waiting for the “right time” to pull the trigger and get started on your nutrition business and you haven’t been DOING, you are LOSING. I know this sounds harsh, but I’m saying it in the most loving way possible.
Let me tell you a little secret, and there is no “right time” for anything! Do one thing every day that will move you forward with your business. You need to put in the effort because success is truly YOUR responsibility, no one else’s.
#2: Have A Support System
Support is ESSENTIAL when it comes to entrepreneurship. In the I Believe Mastermind, I always tell my clients that you have two families, the one you are born into and the one you choose. You may or may not have family or friend support at home. Either way, it’s vital you also have support from other individuals going through the same entrepreneurial journey that you are.
My clients, in particular, have a multitude of excellent resources available to them. For instance, they can message me directly or turn to our Facebook or Slack community if they are stuck and confused about something. We are always there to root for each other, celebrate success, answer questions, and more.
Having a community to turn to for help or motivation is essential and can make the difference between having a successful or unsuccessful nutrition coaching business.
You DO NOT need to build a business alone. The most successful people in the world have all had help from coaches, mentors, friends, etc., so do not think that help is a “bad” thing for one minute.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength!
#3: Do Not Have A Plan B…Commit!
Commit yourself to the process of creating and building your dream business. Yes, a plan B, or “safety net,” may be a way to protect us from the pain of the failure and tough challenges that lie ahead, but they can also take away our focus and determination toward what we want to achieve. If you give yourself too many options of what to do when things don’t work out, things will NOT work out. Write that down! However, if you don’t give yourself a plan B and C, you give yourself no other option than to succeed. When I started my entrepreneurial journey years ago, I quit my job and never looked back. It was the D.O. or DIE mentality that forced me to succeed.
Most people fail because they quit and because they gave themselves too many other options to fall back on. Be confident in yourself and stick to your ONE plan/business. When times get tough (because they will), don’t back down. Fight through those challenges, and success will come to you.
#4: Make Time For YOU
ALWAYS make sure you are making time for the things that make you happy.
As an R.D., I went through what you are going through. I remember those long days of studying for exams and working on assignments. Dietetics is not an easy degree! If you decide to start your own nutrition coaching business while in school, know that your workload is about to double! It’s 100% doable, but you need to be organized and ready to take the bull by the horns.
Make sure you’re blocking time off in your week for something you enjoy! Maybe it’s an hour blocked off for the gym every day; perhaps it’s family movie night on Saturdays or date night on Fridays with your significant other.
Taking time for yourself allows your brain to “reboot” while improving your focus, motivation, and concentration. You may not feel like you need time away from studying and working on your business, but you 100% do! Do not neglect your family, health, and other priorities in the process.
#5: Trust The Process
Building your own nutrition coaching business is TOUGH. It will most likely keep you up at night, stress you out, and probably make you miss out on some fun activities. HOWEVER, creating your own business brings so much fulfillment and impact that it’s worth the complex and stressful days it brings.
It took me YEARS to get to the point where I am at now, and it will take some time for you too. Building a successful nutrition coaching business can not be done in a day, so if this is what you’re expecting, this is probably not the right path for you, and that’s okay! Entrepreneurship is not for everyone.
You will 100% have demanding and stressful days, maybe even weeks, but the critical thing to remember here is that you need to FIGHT through the difficult times because success is on the other side. Struggle teaches us how to be stronger individuals and business owners.
Remember….
If you are not an R.D., you CAN NOT give out medical nutrition therapy. You can only help individuals by providing general nutrition knowledge.
Follow me on my social media accounts, where you can learn more about me and the I Believe Mastermind!
Matching to a dietetic internship or RD graduate program is NOT easy. Get Matched Coaching is our famous dietetics admissions coaching program. We’re proud of the 100+ programs where our clients have been matched to!
It’s an honor to help future dietitians from across the nation land spots in some of the most competitive training programs. Check out where our graduates of the Get Matched Coaching program matched since 2020:
Andrews University
Appalachian State University
Ball State University
Baylor University Medical Center
Bayview Medical Center
Be Well Solutions
Boston University
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
California State Long Beach
California State University, Chico
Cedar Crest College
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Central Michigan University
Chicago Medicine
City University of New York
Columbia University
Cox College
Delicious Living Nutrition
Emory Healthcare
Florida State University
Garden to Table
Georgia Southern University
Golden Gate
Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Gulf Coast
Harper College
Hunter College
Illinois State University
Iowa State University
James A. Haley Tampa VA Hospital
James J. Peters VA Medical Center
Johns Hopkins
Keene State College
Keith & Associates
Komplete Business
Lagniappe Wellness
Larkin
Lehman College
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Life University
Long Island University
Loyola University
Maricopa County
Marshall University
Massachusetts General Hospital
Medical City Healthcare
Medical Science Campus
Meredith College
Metropolitan State University Denver
Michael E. DeBakey Houston VA Medical Center
Montclair State University
Morrison Healthcare
MSU Denver
Napa State Hospital
National HealthCare Corporation
New York Distance
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
North Carolina Central University
North Oaks Health System
Nutrition Ink
Oakwood University
Oklahoma University
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
Pepperdine University
Prairie View A&M
Priority Nutrition Care
Queens College
Rush University
Sacramento State
Saint Elizabeth University
Simmons University
Sodexo
Stephen F. Austin University
Stony Brook University
Syracuse University
Texas Presbyterian Health
Texas Tech
Texas Woman’s University
The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
The Medical University of South Carolina
The University of Buffalo at SUNY
The University of Minnesota – Eating Disorders Concentration
UCSF
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University California, Davis
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, San Francisco
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Houston
University of Nevada Las Vegas
University of Nevada, Reno
University of New Mexico
University of Northern Colorado
University of Saint Joseph
University of Southern California
University of Texas Medical Branch
UT Southwestern
Utah State University
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Virginia Tech
Viterbo University
Wellness Workdays
Western Kentucky University
Congratulations to all of the #RD2BE’s who matched to a dietetic internship. We know you will make an amazing RD! If you’re applying for dietetic internships or Future Education Model Graduate Programs in the future, get the support you need with Get Matched Coaching.
Additionally, you can click here to check out our Amazon shop to purchase all the essential items you will need for the dietetic internship! Now go celebrate all #RD2BE!
Look no further and check out these 16 ways to Make Money as a dietetics student! These jobs can fit into your lifestyle and give you dietetics experience.
1. Grow your Instagram and social media
Do you run an Instagram that you’re passionate about expanding but not quite sure how? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about starting a new foodie blog but have no clue where to begin. Learn how to attract your target audience, beat the algorithm, and increase engagement using these tips. Once your Instagram is up and running, your next step is to check out everything you need to know to create a successful online business. Instagram is a great way to Make Money as a dietetics student!
2. Create a blog and learn how to sell on your website
You are looking for a way to make Money that gives you flexibility and room to put your creativity into action? A blog is a great way to share your knowledge and passion with others and great for making new connections. The Unconventional R.D. teaches nutrition professionals ways to earn passive and alternative income that they may not have even known existed. This blog offers tons of tips and resources, from google analytics to connect with brands that fit your M.O. Use your blog to help establish yourself in the field and build your professional network while making Money in your pajamas.
3. Get sponsored posts
Expand your blog, Instagram, or Youtube channel with sponsored posts! Click here for tips on defining your brand, reaching your audience, improving your engagement, and more!
4. Tik Tok
Yes, you read that right. Tik Tok is currently one of the fastest-growing platforms out there, and no, you don’t have to be the next Charlie Dimelio to grow your following. Tik Tok is an excellent outlet for entrepreneurs to increase their engagement and follow quickly. But how do I use Tik Tok? What kind of content should I post? Use this article Tik Tok for Entrepreneurs to guide making videos, increasing your following, and creating content that stands out.
5. Start a Business
If you’re interested in the entrepreneurial side of dietetics, I strongly urge you to get an online business coach like Tony Stephan. Tony Stephan is a successful Registered Dietitian who built his own online nutrition coaching business from the ground up. Check out his blog and read Tony’s article, Starting a Nutrition Business as a Dietetics Student, to learn more! Libby Rothschild is another excellent Registered Dietitian and expert in social media and marketing! Please read about how she went from working in a hospital to running her own company here. But wait, there’s more. The founder of All Access Dietetics, Jenny Westerkamp’s story of how she started her own business in dietetics all while still being a dietetic student is a worthwhile read here. Lastly, if you want to learn about marketing and creating a business or expanding your current one, consider enrolling in The R.D. University.
6. Wellness coaching
If you love nutrition counseling and search for a platform to expand your services, check out the website healthie. This virtual care platform is excellent for managing your practice, communicating with your clients, and building relationships!
7. Do social media for a dietitian
Maybe you follow an R.D.’s blog or Instagram that has always been your inspiration, and you’ve been dying to get involved. Reach out to them and see if they need help with their social media content! Use the tool Canva to help you create new and innovative content! It offers hundreds of free templates to help develop graphics, posters, logos, presentations, and more. You can also check out the article The 6 Best Free Design Tools to Create Social Media Graphics to learn how to make your content stand out and capture your audience’s attention.
8. Uber or Lyft
Love listening to tunes and getting to know people? Driving for Uber or Lyft may be the right fit for you. For all, you need to know about driving with Uber and making Money when and where you want, click here. Want to do the same with Lyft? Click here for more information on getting started.
9. Waiter or waitress
Work part-time as a waiter or waitress to earn some extra money! If your classes or internship aren’t the typical 9-5 hours, waitressing is a convenient way to fill in those gaps or weekends. If you want to stay active, improve your customer service skills, and learn how to work under pressure, consider getting a job at a restaurant.
10. Front desk at a gym
Another job that’s not your usual 9-5 is working at the front desk of a gym or yoga studio. This kind of environment offers flexible hours and early or late shifts outside of normal business hours. Some places may even offer you a discounted or free gym membership. Pop into your local gym or visit their website to apply.
11. VIPKID (teach kids virtual English)
Have a passion for teaching and working with kids? Teach English online with VIPKID. Set your schedule, teach one-on-one lessons, and get to experience the rewarding feeling of educating young minds, all while getting paid.
12. Babysitting
Babysitting is an easy way to earn extra money as a dietetics student. Use indeed, care.com, or your local community Facebook pages to find babysitting jobs in your area!
13. Catering department at a hospital or long-term care facility
Apply to work in a hospital as a patient dining associate in the Food and Nutrition Department. In this setting, you will be on your feet, interacting with patients, helping with their menu selections, and much more. This environment can help you familiarize yourself with working in a hospital setting and allow you to interact with patients and brighten their day! Most positions have weekend or evening events, or you can inquire about working per diem!
If you’re outgoing and are seeking a flexible schedule, look into becoming a brand ambassador! Start with the products you already love and enjoy, and check out their company website for ambassador opportunities. Stop into your local grocery store or reach out to a company to inquire!
16. Use Social Media to Make Money
Looking to grow your social media following, stand out as an expert online, and learn how to develop a profitable online business? Join Rise to the Top, a self-paced virtual business course for dietitians and dietitians-to-be who want to learn how to carve your path in the world of food, nutrition, and recipes to grow a brand and business! Led by Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, and Mary Ellen Phipps, MS, RDN, Rise to the Top takes you through everything from growing your Instagram following, pitching yourself to brands, doing your taxes as an entrepreneur, and so much more! Learn more about the course here! (affiliate link)
PS. Our resources can help you better manage your time and work during your dietetics journey!
Are you struggling trying to develop a resume? Does your resume need a makeover to make you a stronger applicant for a DI? Check out our webinar below!
The approach:
Your resume should not look like one you find online or in a career center. You are applying to a Dietetic Internship, this resume is completely different than the standard one.
Dietetics Experience
Paid AND un-paid experience should be in one section. When a director looks at your resume they will see a large portion of the section relating to dietetics. Whereas the typical approach of separating paid and volunteer experience makes it harder for the director to read
One page rule
You want to add as much relevant experience as possible. As long it is relevant, it is okay for it to be two pages. If you do need two pages, make sure the second page is at least half way full! But, do not add fluff to do so!
This is your highlight reel
You are trying to present your case as to why you are prepared for the dietetic internship. This is where you sell yourself in the best way possible.
Do have bullet points, don’t have simple bullet points
Example: “Delivered food trays” This does not represent what you did or how you did it. Most people applying for dietetic internships have similar experiences. You want to make yourself standout not blend in!
Say it in a way no one else can. Utilize buzz words and action words! Take it back to grade school, who? what? where? when? why? how? Check out this link for examples of key action words you can use! Click here!
Remember this is the part of the application where you are illustrating why you will be a great candidate for a dietetic internship. Be sure to show what you did that others did not. How did you make yourself standout? You want to impress the directors and make them think, WOW this candidate is AWESOME!
Work with one of our coaches to help take your resume from average to AWESOME. At All Access Dietetics we know how to make-over your resume specifically for a Dietetic Internship! Click here to learn more!
Do you feel overwhelmed and need guidance on preparing for the RD Exam? We’re breaking down the basics!
The RD Exam is a beast, it covers topics you have learned in your DPD program and while in the internship. It requires serious critical thinking skills and in-depth knowledge. Due to the amount of material on the exam, we recommended a solid 2-4 months of preparation before taking the exam. If you can, it is best to study in the last few months of your internship, and then really go HARD for about a month after you complete your internship.
RD Exam Basics
The RD exam updates every 5 years, and was last updated in January 2022. Hence, the next update will be in 2027.
It is an online multiple choice, linear exam – you cannot flag questions to come back. There is a minimum of 125 questions and a maximum of 145 questions, with 25 of the questions being piloted. Basically, this means that they don’t count towards your score, but you don’t know which questions those are.
The exam is based on a scale of 1-50, and a 25 is passing. However, this does not mean you only have to get a 50% to pass, each question is weighted differently. Since the exam is online, you will find out immediately if you passed.
If you do not pass on the first time, you are eligible to take the exam again after 45 days of the original test date.Please refer to the CDR website for additional details regarding the exam format.
The exam is broken down into 4 domains
Principles of Dietetics (21%)
Food, Nutrition, and Supporting Sciences
Education, Communication, and Technology
Research Applications
Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (45%)
Screening and Assessment
Diagnosis
Planning and Intervention
Monitoring and Evaluation
Management (21%)
Functions of Management
Human Resources Management
Financial Management
Marketing and Public Relations
Quality Management and Regulatory Compliance
Foodservice Systems (13%)
Menu Development
Procurement, Production, Distribution, and Service
Sanitation and Safety
Equipment and Facility Planning
Preparing for the RD Exam
You absolutely need a study guide to prepare for the RD Exam. Although it may be possible to prepare utilizing your notes from your DPD courses and internship, it is not recommended. Our Pass Class program (used by 2000+ RD2BEs!) includes an extensive 650+ page study guide, review session recordings, and tutor-led community that will help you study smarter so you can pass the exam! Click here for more details regarding Pass Class!
Once you have Pass Class, RD exam prep program, you’ll want to begin by creating a study calendar.
Steps to creating a solid study calendar:
-Print out a monthly calendar online or utilize a planner and fill in your work schedule, class schedule, or any other activities you do throughout the day.
-Now, figure out when you can schedule in studying time based on the available time left in the day. You may only have time to study in the mornings or evenings, and that is OKAY. No one expects you to study 8 hours a day, this is why we recommend 3-4 months to prepare for the exam.
-Now you have your study schedule set, but what should your study sessions actually consist of? With our Study Smarter Method, we recommend to study utilizing practice questions. After all, practice makes perfect, right? It helps you to understand the “why” behind each question. Also, by answering practice questions you’ll get used to the types of questions on exam.
-Once you get used to answering practice questions, figure out the material you are really struggling with. You’ll want to create focus sheets or topic sheets and draw diagrams to ensure you really understand the material. Refer to Pass Class study guide for in-depth explanations!
While mastering a 650+ page study guide and answering practice questions may seem like a lot, when you put into perspective, it is not. (And once you learn the Study Smarter Method, you will realize you are NOT trying to memorize this whole binder!) Think about it, you have been studying this material for years. You just went through a 1200+ hour supervised practice implementing all the skills and knowledge you have acquired thus far. Some concepts will be easier for you grasp and master while others will be more difficult and take a little bit of time. You have to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You may know MNT really well but struggle with the research concepts. Or you may know Food Service really well but struggle with MNT. Remember, this is just one more stepping stone to achieving your dream.
Key Reminders When Studying
Learning is broken down in 3 phases.
Exposure – Identifying the material
Processing – Learning the material
Feedback – Assessing how well you’ve learned the material
Utilize active learning strategies
Draw a diagram – draw the Kreb’s cycle, identify the different types of vitamins and minerals need for glycolysis to occur
Make a worksheet – write out a list of the vitamins, their function, sources, deficiencies; write out the nutrition-drug interactions
Quiz yourself – what are the lab values associated with metabolic syndrome? what are the deficiencies of adrenal hormones? make sure you know and understand the why behind each concept
Talk it out – talk through concepts with friends and family members, teach them what you are learning
Summarize it – rephrase what you are learning into your own words
Lastly, there are essentially 4 parts to the exam
Actually learning the content
Managing stress
Developing a positive attitude around studying
Problem solving
Remember when you are practicing questions to really read through the question. Think about what the question is really asking you. Immediately, you should be able to eliminate two choices, as critical thinking is imperative in this setting. If you can’t figure out a question, don’t panic. Stop, take a deep breath and think. Use your clinical judgement. You are more than capable of passing this exam. We are our own biggest critic. You are competent, you are smart and you can do this! You have to believe in yourself, mindset is everything. Truly visualize yourself passing the exam, remaining positive and optimistic can do wonders!
Disclaimer: Bailey DeBarmore, creator of the Study Smarter Method suggests not relying too much on your performance on practice exams. She has tutored many students who failed the real exam, but “passed” multiple practice tests.
Ready to dive into studying? Join Pass Class to make this time the LAST time you take the RD exam:
Pass Class – The first time RD exam pass rates are about 65%, which means there needs to be a NEW way to study for the exam! That’s why we created Pass Class, which addresses all the common reasons why students fail the RD exam. Learn more about Pass Class here.
PS. Before you leave, join over 6,000 RD2BEs that used the FREE Exam Toolkit (including samples from Pass Class!) to prepare them for the RD exam —> Sign up here
Are you interested in starting a career in sports nutrition or entrepreneurship? Jenny describes how you can make your dreams a reality in the webinar below!
Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD is the founder of All Access Dietetics and Chicago Bulls Nutritionist. Jenny started All Access Internships in 2008 with Katie Proctor, MBA, RD. They developed the idea as way to provide as much info as possible in a way that was easy for other people interested in dietetics to use. They were both completing the Dietetic Internship full time and working for All Access Internships in their spare time. Katie then moved on to be a coach after about 2 years and Jenny managed All Access Internships. In 2019, Jenny changed the name to All Access Dietetics to incorporate all stages of the dietetics journey, including excelling in your dietetics program, getting a dietetic internship, passing the RD exam, getting hired, and starting your own business.
Jenny got exposure to sports nutrition the summer of her senior year of college by interning with Chicago Blackhawks dietitian Julie Burns, MS, RD, CCN. She emailed her with the subject “I want your life” and she sold her skills to Julie. Jenny has also worked for the Chicago Cubs and now works with the Chicago Bulls.
Key takeaways to make your dreams a reality:
Create and cultivate relationships. Figure out how you can get your foot in the door. Always think about who you can reach out to and how to create a positive relationship. How can you make opportunities for yourself? Keep looking for the right people to connect with.
Sell yourself. Be a go-giver instead of go-getter. Think about what you can give instead of what you can receive. She strongly believes that what you give you will get back in return. It is a constant flow.
Mindset is everything. Positively reframe your thoughts. As an entrepreneur you constantly need have a good attitude.
Ready. Fire. Aim. Explore, try new things, and adjust your interests accordingly.
Jump in and figure out how to fly on the way down. We tend to limit ourselves. We need to go for it and not withhold our gifts.
Find your joy! Make a list of what you want and what you do not want. Adjust accordingly.
Define your own version of success. Success is not a straight line up. It involves highs and lows. You have to know what you want to get what you want. Figure out why you are striving for this success.
Most importantly get out there and go make your dreams come true! The possibilities are endless!
We’re often asked dietitians and dietetic interns how they can give back and help a dietetics student, but they aren’t sure how. Here are four ways to give back!
1. Be a Preceptor
Distance dietetic internships are growing in popularity, but there’s a shortage of available preceptors for students. Give back by being a preceptor and be eligible for CEUs for doing so! If you’re interested in adding your name to our preceptor contact list, a resource shared with our Get Matched Coaching clients, please email jenny@allaccessdietetics.com.
2. Do An Instagram Takeover
RD2BEs love career inspiration! Share your journey on our Instagram page and the day in the life of an R.D. Would you please email jenny@allaccessdietetics.com to apply?
3. Hire a Student For a Paid Internship or Contract Position
No one knows dietetics better than dietetics students, dietetic interns, and RDs! Hire a student to join your team for an internship or contract position, such as social media management or admin assistance with your private practice. Dietetics students often have additional skillsets or may even be transitioning from a previous corporate career. If you currently have a paid opening, we’ve partnered with Dietitian Recruiting to help you find your perfect fit.
4. Connect with Online DPD Schools
Dietetics students completing an online program often need to independently seek out their own experiences and preceptors to meet program requirements. Reach out to online DPD schools, like the University of Alabama or Kansas State University, to see how you can help them virtually.
Provides you your D&D digital number where you rank your programs
Educational Information
DPD course list form: You will receive this form from director and or advisor and enter the information exactly as it appears. ONLY DPD COURSES IN THIS SECTION
Colleges attended: You will enter EVERY college you attended, both DPD college and any other college (community college, if you transferred, etc.)
Session and coursework: Be sure to enter in this information carefully, it needs to match your transcript EXACTLY
Tests: GRE scores
Remember you have to send a transcript for every college you have attended. A pdf form will be populated, information of college, DICAS number. You will take this form and give it to your college registrar and they will mail it to DICAS. Requests your transcripts ASAP.
DPD Program Information
DPD contact info: If you are still in enrolled in program your director will send in a declaration of intent to complete the DPD program. If you already completed a DPD program your director will send in a verification statement.
Required Information
Awards, experiences & volunteer activities: Utilize complete sentences in this section, you are explaining your experiences.
Personal statement: You will be adding multiple personal statements. You will be adding one for each program you are applying to. Copy and paste your personal statement into the text box and name it according to the program. 1000 word limit. It should be tailored to each program.
Resume: The resume will be uploaded, it works best and keeps your formatting best if you upload it in a pdf.
References: Three references are need, you will enter in the contact information of your references and DICAS will send them forms to fill out.
Application
Certification: Review and sign
Program designations
You will enter in all the programs you are applying to. A pop-up will appear and this will be where you attach your personal statement to each program you are applying to. You will do the same thing with references.
Depending on the program you may have to enter a supplemental form.
Does this whole process still seem confusing and overwhelming? Schedule a free coaching call with us and we can create a game-plan together. Click here!
Did you apply to a dietetic internship and not match? Don’t give up, there is still second round matching! We have a video explaining the details!
Timeline if you were not matched:
Typically the first Sunday in April you are notified through D&D digital if you’ve been matched
The Monday after match day you are required to email the director of the program you’ve been matched to and accept your spot.
The Tuesday after match day internship directors with openings may contact unmatched applicants who were originally on their prioritized list of applicants. What this means is essentially it is a free for all. Internship directors can contact any unmatched applicants and offer them a spot.
On Thursday after match day, programs that did not fill their class size release their name to D&D digital. Applicants are able to apply to these programs.
The applications for second round matching are open until June or the spots are filled.
The strategy for second round matching:
Reach out to directors immediately, let them you are applying and ask a GOOD question or two.
Apply as early as you can since programs fill spots as they review applicants. We know this is already a stressful time but you really need to be aggressive and show your interest!
If you’ll be applying through DICAS again, change your personal statement.
You can add new references as well.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with this process, schedule a free coaching call with us and we can create a game-plan! Click here!
Other options:
ISPP – typically, you will set up your own rotations
Graduate school = will enhance your knowledge and expertise
DTR = gain real experience, makes you more competitive as an applicant
Retake classes = boost your GPA
Apply again! DICAS is open in both the fall and spring!
For additional resources regarding the computer matching for dietetic internships click here!
If you were not matched don’t let this deter you, this is just one small obstacle. Keep going, perseverance is worth its weight in gold!
You’ve matched to a dietetic internship, now how do you survive? We’re breaking down the basics of each rotation and providing you with essential tips!
Congratulations! All your hard work has FINALLY paid off and you have matched to a dietetic internship! The end is near! But first, you have to complete the internship. The thought of beginning the dietetic internship can be overwhelming. What should I expect? What should I bring? Wait, do we have to touch the patient? Don’t worry #RB2BE, we’re highlighting the key components of each rotation so you can plan accordingly! We not only want you to survive the dietetic internship, we want you to thrive!
First things first, depending on your program you will have assignments to complete before each rotation so you can brush up on your skill set. Assignments can vary but for clinical they can include case studies, similar to the ones you completed in your undergrad MNT class.
Next, you will have orientation, the length will vary depending on your program and whether it’s a DI, or DI + MS (or a Future Education Model program!). Orientation will provide you with a glimpse of each rotation and what to expect throughout the internship.
Now it’s go time! The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.
Oh clinical, I think we can all agree the clinical rotation is the most terrifying rotation to begin. Gaining clinical experience before the DI is hard, so this may be your first time in the hospital setting. In other words, your anxiety may be through the roof! But don’t worry, the thought of beginning clinical is more intimidating than actually starting clinical.
Your preceptor is not going to throw you to wolves and expect you to see patients by yourself on day one. You are going to be their shadow for the first few days, where they go, you go. Once you get a solid grasp of ADIME and the charting system, your preceptor will assign you patients to see YOURSELF. I know, I know SCARY. The first few times they will hold your hand (figuratively, but you may need a literal hand hold). They will go in to the patients room with you to make sure you are comfortable completing assessments yourself. Honestly, having them in the room made it even more intimidating. But just remember they are there to GUIDE you through the process, they are not expecting you to be perfect. Once you’re comfortable it is time to fly coop, the training wheels are off and it is showtime!
Tips for surviving clinical:
It is okay if you forget to ask a patient something during your initial assessment. You can go back and speak with them again. When I first started I had to go back into a patients room three times! It’s a learning experience, the more you do it the better you’ll become.
Be familiar with the Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE). If you have not had prior training for the NFPE ask your preceptor to train you! It’s a great tool to have under your belt and unfortunately malnutrition can be quite prevalent at some hospitals.
Do ask questions if you need clarification about anything and everything. Ask for help if you need it!
Do attend the interdisciplinary rounds and ask questions! Contribute your knowledge.
Make yourself known! Talk to the Physicians and Pharmacists, show them your value and that you are essential. Hey, they may even call the office and ask for YOUR recommendation for a patient! (BEST FEELING)
Let’s talk about the staff relief rotation. Staff relief may be the most unnerving part of clinical but trust me it is not. Since it is at the end of your rotation you will have gained SO much knowledge by this time that it should be smooth sailing. Your preceptor will still be there for you if you have questions or a complicated patient. But trust yourself, you are more than competent and capable of thriving! Having confidence is key! Remember, you are the captain of your ship.
Pop quiz! How many times can you stir muffin batter before a tough and dry crumb results? Just kidding, we don’t know either.
Seriously though, if you enjoy management and all things food then food service is the rotation for you! Be prepared to put on a hair net every day and be put to work. There will be many days when the kitchen is short staffed and you have to jump on tray line, and deliver meal carts. Depending on whether your hospital is room service or not you may have to work a few shifts in the dietary call office taking orders. Which big shout out to them because there are so many different buttons and options to press and patients spew there orders out so fast. Talk about STRESS. But after a few times of trial and error you will get the hang of it!
It is so important to remain positive throughout this rotation. You can easily go down the rabbit hole of this is a waste of time, it’s not utilizing my skill-set. BUT, IT IS! You are learning how to manage a team and part of being a GREAT manager involves stepping in when your team needs you! If there’s a fire you don’t just let the place burn, you get in there and you extinguish it!
Tips for surviving the food service rotation:
Get a planner and plan out your weeks and what assignments you will accomplish. The food service rotation usually consists of many projects and competencies you need to complete. You can easily get bogged down and stressed out if you are not organized.
Do something EVERYDAY. The last thing you want is to be at the end of the rotation and still have A LOT of projects to complete.
Contribute what you know and develop ways to improve their food service system.
Look over the menu’s, offer suggestions and improvements. Conduct in-services! Be creative!
Most importantly, have a positive attitude even if food service is not your niche.
Assessment. Goals. Plan. Manage. Funding. Support. Implement. And again. Assessment. Goals. Plan. Manage. Funding. Support. Implement. These are the steps for completing a community nutrition program. Engrave this into your brain, tattoo it onto your arm, whatever you need to do to remember it. It will come up everywhere in community and you NEED to know it for the RD Exam.
Community is less fast paced and not as high demand as clinical and food service. However, this doesn’t mean its a walk in the park. There are still projects and assignments you need to complete so stay ORGANIZED.
All of the rotations are fun if you let them be but community is especially fun because you get to focus on providing nutrition education to groups and individuals! You get to express your creativity and knowledge. Depending on your program you will have to complete a variety of nutrition education presentations and develop marketing materials. Canva is the ABSOLUTE BEST site to create anything and everything. And its free to sign up, bonus!
Tips for surviving the community rotation:
Assessing the needs of the community is key when providing a nutrition education program. You may want to do a presentation on the benefits of a plant-based diet but during your assessment you may find that it is not the best fit!
Have fun with your presentations. Engage the audience throughout it. If you mess up, roll with it. Remember you are the expert!
If you get to choose your own community sites choose ones that interest you, not ones you think will look good on a resume!
If there’s an RD you are really interested in working with but they are not in your area see if you can do an online rotation!
Now lets talk about the essential items you need to survive the dietetic internship:
Nutrition Focused Physical Exam Pocket Guide for all your malnutrition needs. Get it here.
Lab Coat – Check with your preceptor before purchasing a lab coat, the hospital may provide you with one or your site may wear scrubs! Get it here.
A clipboard with storage is SO vital. It’s a great and convenient way to to store notes, charts, and reference books. Get it here.
A clipboard with calculations, tube feeding formulations, malnutrition scores, and more. Get it here.
Meal-prepping will save you some much needed time during the week. They are glass so be careful and don’t drop it and lose your lunch for the day. RIP. Get it here.
Practice what you preach and stay hydrated throughout the day! Get it here.
For even more essential items for the internship check out our amazon store!
To survive the dietetic internship remember to be positive, open-minded, respectful and remain engaged. You’ve worked so hard to get this point, give this internship your all. This is the FINAL step before you are eligible to sit for the CDR exam and become an RD. You can do this! We believe in you!
Disclosure: The amazon links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase this blog will earn a commission. Please keep in mind these products are linked because they have been purchased and deemed essential by previous dietetic interns.
PS. Check out one of our FREE toolkits to help you feel confident and prepared during your rotations.
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