Dietetics Programs

  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian, Student Life, Uncategorized

    4 Ways to Kickstart Your Journey to Becoming a Registered Dietitian

    The road to becoming a registered dietitian is long but rewarding. 

    The dietetic internship match rate is 70%, meaning only about ⅔ of eligible students who apply are offered a spot in a program. The dietetic internship provides you with the supervised practice experience you need to sit for the RD credentialing exam.

    Unlike traditional didactic programs where students must apply to get matched for a dietetic internship, students in Coordinated Master’s Programs and Future Education Graduate Programs are not faced with this challenge: Their coursework and internship components are combined.

    However, students in Coordinated Master’s Programs often apply during their sophomore, junior, or senior year of their undergraduate degree. Hence, their future depends on their ability to bolster their resume early in their college career.

    In other words, they start early.

    Click here to read “How to Become a Dietitian” to learn more about the different pathways you can take.

    While it may seem premature to start preparing your application materials during your early years as a college student, it will allow you to begin to identify your interests in the field, and ultimately, set you up to be a more competitive candidate. 

     Although having a high GPA is undoubtedly important for your future application, there are other factors you can pursue right now in order to set yourself up for success.

    Here are 4 ways to kickstart your journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian and increase your chances of landing a spot in a dietetics program!

    1. Volunteer for Local Nutrition Programs

    Gaining unpaid dietetics experience early on as a student shows directors that you’re committed to getting experience in the field and will be a great fit for their program/internship. There are endless opportunities close to you which do not require extensive knowledge and are accommodating for your busy student schedule. To get involved, research local food banks, WIC offices, hospital kitchens, farmers markets, meal services like Meals on Wheels, etc. to name a few that you most likely have in your area! In the event that you don’t see volunteer positions listed, reach out or drop off your resume and create your own volunteer experience! Although you may not have the knowledge yet to pursue a paid position, volunteering shows that you are committed and in turn will lead to further opportunities, and a more competitive application overall.

    2. Engage in Extracurricular Activities

    Look to join your school’s nutrition club, sports teams, and other activities where you may hold a leadership position. Even if it may not be directly related to your degree, it will portray you as a well-rounded student who is capable of keeping up with various responsibilities. In addition, dietetic students should look to become a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Many registered dietitians are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, thus, by joining early you are showing that you’re involved in the organization and up-to-date on their statements. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and be involved in Dietetic Practice Groups of your interests, allowing you to network with other specialists in the field.

    3. Pursue your Interests

    This may be often overlooked as many students tend to separate their studies from their interests and hobbies. However, by combining interests, you are demonstrating that you truly enjoy your coursework and will excel in your future specialty. For instance, those who enjoy writing may consider starting a nutrition blog, while others interested in exercise may look into fitness training on campus. Although this may look different for each student according to their interests and the dietetics specialty they hope to pursue, it will ultimately help you find your niche, which you may have the opportunity to showcase in your personal portfolio throughout the application process.

    Click here to see how you can start your own nutrition blog!

    4. Reach out to your Campus or Local Dietitian

    Most schools and universities have a food service dietitian tasked with managing the campus dining menu, assisting students with special allergies, and working closely with the kitchen staff to ensure an excellent dining experience. Likewise, most schools also have a clinical dietitian in their medical center, working directly with students on campus. By simply reaching out and asking to interview or shadow them, you may not only gain valuable experience and knowledge, but you’re also demonstrating your interest and making connections in the dietetics field on campus which may certainly benefit you as you progress through your undergraduate degree.

    Click here to learn how to gain awesome dietetics experience throughout the remainder of your dietetics career!

    These 4 experiences can help to bring your resume to the next level so you stand out in the pile of other applicants. However, simply knowing the types of experiences to seek out as an aspiring dietitian is only the beginning. Get Matched Coaching is our signature one-on-one program to walk you through the entire process  and give you the support you need. 100% of our recent cohort landed a spot in their dietetics program of choice. Click here to learn more.

    How Early Experience can Impact the Rest of Your Career

    Beginning to build your resume as early as your freshman year will allow you to enter your application process as a more confident and competitive applicant. In gaining a variety of experiences in different settings, you will appear as a more prepared candidate for the program or internship in which you wish to be matched, as you have proven that you can handle experiences while simultaneously excelling in the classroom. During the process, you will undoubtedly expand your dietetics skill set and gain valuable contacts in the field. 

    To learn more about the dietetics programs out there, click here to sign up for our FREE Dietetic Internships Toolkit which includes access to our accredited program database.

    Aside from these benefits, gaining early experience on your journey to becoming a registered dietitian will ultimately allow you to have a broader perspective and be more confident in which areas you wish to pursue. For instance, while you initially may have been inclined to study dietetics because of the clinical associations between disease and nutrition, you may have a community, or entrepreneurial experience in which you discover your passion. Remember, it’s never too early to start.

    To help you stay motivated, remember that there are countless career possibilities for registered dietitians. Here’s an excerpt from our “7 Ways to Be an Awesome Dietetics Student” Ebook, which can be found in the free Dietetic Internships Toolkit.

    Keep up the momentum, you can do this! 

    P.S. Applying to internships or combined graduate programs? Work one-on-one with one of our expert admissions coaches to help you create a stand-out application and increase your chances of starting your dream career sooner. Click here to learn more about Get Matched Coaching.

    P.P.S. Special thanks to Julia Stumpf, graduate student at Rowan University and dietetic intern for All Access Dietetics, for contributing to this blog post. Connect with her on Instagram at @julstumpf!

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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian, Uncategorized

    Future Education Model Graduate Programs: Student Interview

    The dietetics field is ever-evolving. This blog post explains more about a new pathway: Future Education Model Graduate Programs.

    In 2024, you’ll need a graduate degree to sit for the RD exam. When there is change there are questions and some confusion.

    One thing that has not changed is the fact you have to complete the dietetics curriculum and 1,000+ supervised practice hours to be eligible to sit for the RD exam. Sometimes this intimidates individuals into pursuing dietetics as a career, especially for those who might be career changers. Before we go any further, check out this blog post to see if dietetics is right for you.

    Within the last year, dietetics programs have been acquiring what is called a Future Education Model (FEM) Graduate Program. This allows individuals to go back to get their registered dietitian credential within two years. This even includes the supervised practice component! The best part about these programs is that you can have any bachelor’s degree: your degree does not have to be nutrition-related. Think of applying to a FEM program like applying to a competitive graduate school: aim to submit an above-average application.

    You might be eligible to apply for a FEM program if...

    – You have a bachelor’s degree in any area and want to change careers to dietetics.
    – You’ve completed your DPD program and want to complete a graduate degree.
    – You’re in a DPD program and already have a bachelor’s degree.
    – You’re in a DPD program and want to do a graduate degree + internship.
    – You’re an international student and completed a degree in dietetics in another country.

    People who are career changers would be required to then go back to school for a minimum of two years to obtain adequate courses. They would still need to apply for a dietetic internship to obtain the required hours. Luckily, the change within the field of dietetics will help those individuals and also, gives those with a dietetics degree another option to obtain these hours.

    Click here to learn more about FEM Programs near you!

    A FEM program can help you finally become a registered dietitian.

    Currently, the Future Education Model is considered a pilot program. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is evaluating new graduate competencies and training for individuals interested in pursuing a career in dietetics.

    To give you firsthand insight, we interviewed Danika Baer, a student from the first cohort of Penn State’s FEM/Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Nutritional Sciences - Leadership Emphasis.

    Do you believe that this model is more accommodating for your future career plans?

    “The program that I completed was a 24-month program. During the first year, students complete graduate coursework online and the supervised practice rotations at one of two geographic locations. During the second year, students complete the remaining graduate courses online. The first year is rigorous due to the nature of completing the coursework and supervised practice at the same time. However, the second year was in part designed to allow for more flexibility. Students can complete the coursework remotely from a location of their choosing and have more flexibility to work or spend time on other commitments. Further, the FEM programs focus on meeting competencies. Therefore, there is an attempt to allow students to spend more time on competencies that they need to improve and less time in those that they have met.”

    What steps did you take to prepare for the application process?

    “The FEM program that I applied to was interested in applicants that had nutrition- or dietetics-related work experience. In order to stand out in this respect, I gained relevant volunteer and work experience while I was completing my undergraduate DPD program. I took opportunities in various areas of nutrition/dietetics to gain a broad range of skills and experience. For example, I volunteered with a local food bank, worked with the USDA Summer Food Service Program, and worked at a hospital in the food service department.

    In addition to experience, I took care in creating a personal statement that really highlighted who I am, why I was interested in the program, and why I thought I was a good fit. I found it very beneficial to share this statement with others who know me well to review. As many of us know, it can be difficult to talk about ourselves sometimes, and those who know us the best or know our goals can often help us to see things in ourselves that are relevant and applicable that we might not see at first.

    Regarding DPD coursework, I asked a lot of questions, asked for help when I needed it, and listened to feedback that I received from professors, peers, and others. I wanted to gain as much as possible from my coursework that I could carry with me into my supervised practice experience and, looking back, I know that my hard work during this time paid off.”

    What was the most valuable experience you gained?

    “Although I could point to many technical components of the program that were extremely valuable in my learning, what stuck out to me was the emphasis on autonomy as a learner. My preceptors and professors were integral in assessing when I met competencies during my experiential learning. However, we were encouraged to utilize and develop our leadership skills. This included taking an active part in and often initiating conversations regarding our skill development and other components of our learning. It also involved learning to advocate for ourselves as students and as developing professionals.”

    Do you feel as though this program prepared you for the RD exam?

    “I do feel that the program prepared me for the RD exam. The FEM program was designed to address competencies deemed necessary by current professionals working in the nutrition and dietetics field. And, the RD exam, in addition to focusing on technical content, has a large focus on utilizing critical thinking skills and real-world application. The supervised practice allowed me to put my coursework into action to solidify technical content. Further, focusing on the competencies allowed me to practice those critical thinking skills in the workplace. These components came together in the exam (in addition to the studying that I did!!) and were very beneficial because I could relate to what I was practicing in “real life.”

    How would you describe your experience as a part of this program to a future student?

    “The experience pushed me to grow as a learner and as a professional. It was demanding in the ways that it should be but allowed flexibility where it made sense. I felt supported but encouraged to be autonomous. On that note, I’d stress that, because of the flexibility and autonomy, this is really a program in which you get out what you put into it. And, because of that, it can be really rewarding to see your progress. I was able to gain experience in several areas of dietetics to gain experience and develop an understanding of the different areas.”

    Overall, Danika stated that she would recommend the PSU FEM program to students looking to pursue a career as registered dietitians.

    FEM programs are up and coming, so if you are deciding if you want to change careers and nutrition has always been at the top of the list, consider this an option for you!

    We’re here to give you the support you need at All Access Dietetics! Sign up with one of our expert coaches who can help you submit an above-average application for your dream FEM program.

    We’re rooting for you!

    PS: To save time and increase your confidence in your FEM program application, work one-on-one with an expert coach! Click here to enroll in FEM Application Coaching to get the support you need.

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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian, Student Life, Uncategorized

    5 Tips To Stay Sane During Your Dietetic Internship

    Being a dietetic intern is stressful. How does one stay sane? Dietetic intern, Stephanie Lewis, shares her top five tips in this post.

    Whether you’re currently going through a dietetic internship, completing your DPD program, or just trying to decide if dietetics is the career path meant for you – it’s essential to know what’s ahead. I will graduate from the Be Well Solutions Distance Dietetic Internship (a 10-month supervised training program) and complete a rotation with All Access Dietetics! I have five tips to share that helped me stay sane throughout this journey.

    If you’re still in your dietetics program and haven’t applied for dietetic internships yet, here are some tips on how to be an excellent dietetics student!

    1. Connect with Peers 

    Connecting with new people can sometimes be scary, but you will not regret it 9 times out of 10. Having individuals on your side who are going through the same experience produces a feeling of safety and comfort. During my internship with Be Well Solutions, we had a daily group chat with 4 of us that helped us stay connected. We all met in dietetic internship orientation and exchanged contact information; this was helpful and encouraging throughout the program!

    2. Move Your Body

    Make time for body movement each day. Prioritizing your health is essential if you want to put your best self forward as a dietetic intern. When you feel your best, you perform your best. Exercising produces feel-good hormones and will make you feel productive. This can be any movement. If you enjoy running, take a quick run on your lunch break. If you enjoy dancing, set time aside to get your moves on! Regardless of what movement means to you, our bodies were created to move. Show your body some love!

    3. Listen & Read

    Turning on your favorite tunes, listening to your favorite podcast, and even reading your favorite book can elevate your mood. When you are stressed or overwhelmed, these can help get your mind off of everything going on in your life. Balancing supervised practice hours alongside homework and work can be stressful: scheduling even one hour for yourself can make all the difference.

    4. Celebrate Accomplishments 

    Celebrate your victories, regardless of how big or small they are. Whether it means getting your nails done after completing each rotation or even taking yourself out to dinner for turning in an assignment you spent hours completing. Celebrating your victories will give you something to look forward to throughout your dietetic internship. One example of a way to celebrate “you” is to pick up this cute pineapple badge holder!

    5. Communication

    Being an effective communicator will serve you well throughout your dietetics career. Generally speaking, communicating openly with your preceptors and asking good questions is expected! Preceptors appreciate regular communication as this allows you to build a strong rapport. Try to show your appreciation for their time and support! Continuing those relationships with your preceptors after your rotation is over helps you begin to build your professional network. Understanding that your preceptors have once been in your position helps to make things a little less intimidating. 🙂 They are here to help you and want you to learn.

    “Focus on what you can control, and don’t waste energy on things you cannot” – Unknown

    There are so many other tips that I did not list that could help someone stay sane, but these top five tips have helped me tremendously over the past year. I have about two weeks left in my internship, so I’ve experienced enough to be able to share what has helped me. I hope you can use these tips to stay sane during your dietetic internship. Good luck!

    P.S. It is never too early to start studying for the RD exam! Check out Pass the Exam Prep, powered by the Study Smarter Method, to help you have a happy Exam Day.

    P.P.S. If you have not applied for dietetic internships yet, the application process is stressful and competitive. We are here to help make it easier for you! Get the support you need to land a dietetic internship and begin your career by working with an expert coach.

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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian

    How to Know If Dietetics is For You

    How do you know if dietetics is the career path meant for you? Dietetic intern, Stephanie Lewis, shares her journey and tips in this post.

    Figuring out what you want to do for a career is a journey in itself. Getting clear on your motivators, desires, and passions will help start the brainstorm, but it takes some exploring to figure out your true calling. To help you get there, you need to immerse yourself in areas of work that interest you. 

    I started as a psychology major solely because I loved my high school psychology teacher. There was no other reason. 🙂 I really could not have told you what a registered dietitian was in high school. In high school, I was always looking up food facts online and searching for different recipes. Research helped me realize that I am fascinated with food and its impact on the body. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in nutrition. After exploring the career possibilities, I was confident that dietetics was the path meant for me all along.

    Here are 3 questions to ask yourself to determine if dietetics is the right fit for you: 

    Do you enjoy learning about food and the science behind how foods affect health?

    If your answer is no, you most likely will not enjoy dietetics classes (but I still encourage you to explore it as it’s a broad field!). Dietetics is a very science-heavy curriculum. Although science courses seemed to be something I wanted to avoid: I am so happy I decided to overcome that fear. Ironically, I ended up enjoying all of my science courses (well, besides general chemistry, but I’m sure I’m not the only one). 

    Are you willing to seek out volunteer and work experience as you balance your schoolwork? 

    Balancing volunteer and dietetics-related work experience throughout your education is important not only for networking but for the dietetic internship application. You need to complete a dietetic internship or Future Education Model Graduate Program to be eligible to sit for the RD exam. The application process is competitive and stressful, so I recommend getting a coach to support you through that process – check out Get Matched Coaching here. Anyway…If you are NOT willing to immerse yourself into the field of dietetics, how can you decide if it’s the right fit? From volunteering at a food bank, shadowing registered dietitians, landing a job in the hospital, working at a skilled nursing facility, and more: there are endless opportunities you can (and should!) experience. 

    Are you willing to complete a dietetic internship or a Future Education Model Graduate Program?

    Regardless of how you get there if you want to be an RD you have to complete supervised practice training from an accredited program. After completing your education, you’ll need to complete a 1,200+ hour training program to sit for the RD Exam (similar to a residency – but it’s unpaid). The financial aspect is a significant piece of the dietetic internship process; the average tuition is around $15,000. The dietetic internship is something you should be very familiar with if you do decide to choose dietetics as a major. It can be difficult to find full-time employment opportunities with just a dietetics degree. There are some options out there, but I want to be sure you know that you can’t become an RD with just your dietetics degree alone. All Access Dietetics has a team of expert admissions coaches to help you land a spot in a dietetic internship or RD program. Click here to learn more about Get Matched Coaching.

    A little background story:

    I graduated from college with a degree in dietetics. My ultimate plan was to go to physical therapy (PT) school! Although PT school was my dream, I had a lot of dietetics-related experience on my resume and wanted to get the best of both worlds. 

    When PT school fell through, there were feelings of doubt, uncertainty, and I felt lost. I was unsure if I wanted to go through the competitive dietetic internship application process or take some time to “feel out” the real world. I decided to hold off on applying and explore my interests.

    In the meantime, I got a job in a hospital where I interacted with RDs each day. This was huge! I also began to save up money as well. I knew if I didn’t have money saved up, I would be stressed throughout my entire internship. Click here for some tips on how to pay for the dietetic internship.

    Along with the job at the hospital, I became a fitness instructor. Movement and fitness have always been a huge part of my life. I was nervous to make the jump to get my certification because I had a fear of public speaking, but I came to find out I am a pretty great instructor and enjoy it. 🙂

    With both jobs, I began to find clarity in what I should do. I pictured myself in many different careers but realized that dietetics is the perfect fit. One year after completing my undergraduate education, I applied for dietetic internships and was matched during the first round to my top choice! 

    Choosing dietetics as a career takes time, commitment, and sacrifice: but if it is the only career you can picture yourself genuinely happy in, then wouldn’t it all be worth it? In the end, listen to your heart and try new things that may scare you. You’ll surprise yourself!

    Finding the career path meant for you requires a lot of self-reflection and confidence to carve your path. I wanted to be sure I was never living below my potential! 

    P.S. Don’t apply for a dietetic internship or RD program without an expert by your side. The application process is competitive. Many programs get 100+ applicants each year! Apply to get a coach with All Access Dietetics.

     

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  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice, How to Become a Dietitian, Student Life

    Jobs for Dietetics Students That Are Helpful in the Field

    The best way to prepare for life in any field of work is to start getting your feet wet early on. Luckily, this can be accomplished in various work roles for the world of dietetics – some don’t even have to be exclusively nutrition-related! There are countless opportunities under the umbrella of dietetics; for an idea of what’s available and how to pave your way to success, check out our resource on 7 Ways to Be an Awesome Dietetics Student.

    While you’re still working on your degree or internship, though, here’s a few examples of positions to help you cultivate valuable skills in the field!

    For those looking for jobs that are directly related to the dietetics field, look for positions as:

    Dietetic Technicians

    As a dietetic technician, you work as an interdisciplinary team to provide ultimate nutrition care for patients. This includes assuring that patient meal selections are appropriate for their diets, notifying the registered dietitian of any new and relevant nutrition concerns, and screening for any instances of malnutrition.

    Food Service Workers

    Whether the position calls for work as dietary hosts or kitchen workers, both provide significant experience in the world of foodservice. Both positions offer extensive experience in understanding the importance of temperature control, while dietary hosts earn the ability to learn more about various diets and their respective restrictions.

    WIC Nutritionists

    As a WIC nutritionist, you work directly with clients eligible for program benefits to help them gauge their supplemental food needs, as well as helping out with nutritional planning and other provisions provided by the program.

    Wellness Coaches

    If clinical settings aren’t for you, but you want to work directly with people, wellness coaching may be for you! This role allows you to use your knowledge of nutrition to provide insight, education, and motivation to various people.

    In these positions, you are likely to work directly with individuals regarding their nutritional status, intake, or behaviors. Since these positions require you to work under the guidance of a registered dietitian or senior nutritionist, you are also allowed to ask them questions about their journey or even shadow them for a day!

    You don’t have to work in a strictly dietetic field to gain relevant experience, though.

    Some other jobs that can be great teaching lessons for dietetics students include:

    • Waitressing/Serving
    • Personal Training
    • Pharmacy Technicians
    • Volunteering at Food Banks or Soup Kitchens

    These positions cover many facets of health that are directly tied to nutrition, food service, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don’t see your job listed above, or do you work in a different field entirely? That’s okay! Most jobs provide experiences that can be transferred over to the dietetics field. Whether it’s paid or unpaid experience, our coaches can help you figure out what skills your experience has provided helpful in dietetics.

    _________________________________

    About the author:

    My name is Tanisha Amaral, a dietetic intern with Wellness Workdays currently completing my community rotation with All Access Dietetics! This list wasn’t just randomly generated through a series of Google searches, but rather through my personal experience working in most of them on my journey to becoming an RD! As a dietetic intern, I am also working as a dietetic technician and restaurant server – the best of both the clinical and foodservice worlds! For more help, feel free to reach out for tips on navigating the RD path!

    PS. Applying to dietetics programs in the future? Check out Dietetics Admissions!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Productivity, Student Life

    4 Tips To Improve Your Dietetics Grades

    Stand out with the best dietetic grades! These effective tips will help land you on the dean’s list and increase your chances of matching to your top dietetic internship.

    It’s Tuesday, and you’ve already taken your fourth exam for the week, have a lab project due in organic chemistry tomorrow, and two presentations on Thursday. I feel you! Nutrition and Dietetics is an intriguing major but challenging one. As a recent graduate and future dietitian, here are a few tips that helped me survive the busy undergraduate workload.

    Organize, Organize, Organize!

    Every dietetics major understands the importance of staying organized during the semester. It is easy to fall behind and feel lost between meeting lab report deadlines, biochemistry exams, and submitting diagrams of micronutrient metabolism pathways. Keeping a planner and updating it is one way to stay on top of deadlines. A simple planner won’t cut it in this major; it will need to be loaded with details, deadlines, and study times.

    In my undergraduate experience, I found it helpful to organize my planner around study times. To prevent over-studying (yes, that’s a thing!) and under-studying, I planned to study in 1-hour increments, sectioning off 45-minute studying blocks using the other 15 minutes to give my brain a break. By scheduling study times and staying organized, I felt that I was ahead of assignments and deadlines, which paid off in the long run.

    Utilize Your Tools

    We buy textbooks, lab books, and nutrition manuals because they are required of us, but what if we utilize them? One of my turning points in undergraduate was when I started using my materials. Simply reading the chapters before class and reviewing questions at the end almost always led to me acing the exam. I noticed professors pull a lot of study questions from the book or use them to form questions. Reviewing the PowerPoints won’t cut it.

    Study Well and Study Often

    How do you learn the material effectively? Did you know that everyone realizes differently? Strategies that work for some don’t work for others. That’s why it is crucial to figure out how YOU retain information. This will be important for the registration exam as well. Be sure to check out Pass the Exam Prep, powered by the Study Smarter Method, to help you ace the board exam when your time comes. Science is not a subject that can be memorized, so it’s essential to comprehend the information thoroughly. Personally, speaking out loud (sometimes to my dog) always helped me learn the material. If you can walk through the steps of a process, like the Krebs cycle, then you have a strong understanding of the concept. If that weren’t effective, I would break out the whiteboard. Yes, I was one of those students! Writing can be an effective way to retain information and rock a nutrition exam.

    As mentioned earlier, over-studying can happen. I found myself constantly over-studying in courses without even realizing it. The frustrating part is that after 45 minutes, the brain retains less information, which may mean you’re wasting time. If you find yourself stuck on a subject, reach out for help. Getting a second perspective can be helpful and make a difference in your grade. I utilized my professors and graduate assistance whenever I felt stuck, and I’m thankful I did. 

    Review, Review, Review!

    Sometimes I got picked on because I would always request to review my exams, even when I made the highest grade. I think we don’t give review sessions the recognition they deserve. The main reason being is it’s so important to see what areas you are strong in and those you are weak in and may need extra practice. One perk of being a dietetics major is having nearly all comprehensive finals *cue the excitement.* Reviewing exams is important because you WILL see the information again on semester finals and possibly the registration exam, so make sure you evaluate your areas of understanding. I know that stinging feeling when you study all month for your macro exam, only to see you did less than average. It can be discouraging! Don’t brush it off. Review the exam, see where you need to improve, invest in a tutor, and better yourself. Your future dietitian self will thank you!

    These tips sound do-able, right? I wouldn’t have been as successful in undergraduate without them. Studying effectively is such an important skill because it determines your GPA, dietetic internship acceptance, and passing the board exam. 

    I hope these tips will be useful and help you succeed as a future dietitian! Let us know if you used any of these tips or have any of your own effective studying strategies.

    P.S. Don’t let a low overall or DPD GPA hold you back from having a happy Match Day. Get one-on-one support throughout the application process and increase your confidence by working with a coach.

    P.P.S. 100% of Get Matched Coaching clients were matched to a dietetic internship in 2021. This can be you, too! Click here to see all that’s included.

    From one future dietitian to another,

    Eden Davis

    Dietetic intern with All Access Dietetics.

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  • Dietetics Programs

    Director Interview: Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship

    What are the top three things applicants can do (besides good grades and getting experience) to stand out?

    In terms of DICAS, we review all aspects of the application to obtain the whole picture of each applicant. Strong applicants tend to have certain qualities:

    • – Passion. It is evident when applicants demonstrate their passion for the dietetics field by illustrating compelling stories in their statement.
    • – Communication skills. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential for success in our program, and we score these qualities in the DICAS application and the interview.
    • – Be organized. We can tell when applicants have been intentional with all aspects of their application and are thinking about being an intern. We require applicants to obtain their rotations, and the rotation schedule is a straightforward tool we use to assess the applicant’s ability to plan and organize their future internship experience.

    In general, applicants may reach out via email (attach a resume!) and attend one of our Virtual Open House events. These avenues allow applicants to get to know our program in more detail and ask any questions they may have.

    What are one or two common mistakes you see applicants make?

    It is clear when an applicant has not had anyone else review their application. If we see typos or another program name listed in the personal statement, we assume the applicant is not serious about our program. More than you would think, we see sections of the DICAS application left empty such as volunteer or work experience and honors and activities. Still, the applicant will have included these experiences on their resume. If an applicant sends an email inquiry and asks an obvious question on our website, it shows they did not research our program ahead of sending the email. Attention to detail like completing all portions of DICAS, reviewing documents for errors, and intentionally planning an email is essential for success in our program.

    What are the benefits of a distance dietetic internship?

    There are many benefits to a distance dietetic internship program! The most tangible benefit is that each intern has the opportunity to create their own educational experience by customizing their rotation schedule to suit their strengths and passions. The distance aspect allows for flexibility in a geographic location of rotations that can be scheduled where the intern has family and support available. By working with dietitians local to their community, interns benefit from creating a network of dietetic professionals early in their careers, leading to multiple connections and future job opportunities.

    What qualities make a successful distance dietetic intern?

    Interns who are most successful in our program are very independent and organized. While our program offers a great support network, we expect our interns to manage their daily schedules with their preceptors and remain on top of our internal curriculum tasks. Interns need to have good communication skills across all mediums. We communicate with our interns often via email, phone calls, and Zoom, expecting interns to communicate effectively. Successful interns are ambitions. It is apparent when interns put forth the effort to produce good work with their preceptor and through our curriculum, and we typically see those interns pass the R.D. exam right away.

    Where are the graduates of your program working today? 

    Everywhere! Based on intern feedback, our program provides graduates with the skills they need to succeed in all practice areas. We have graduates working in corporate wellness, clinical dietetics, school foodservice, community nutrition, private practice, and government programs!

    Can you describe what makes your program different from others?

    Our program has a concentration in Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion. This is enhanced by the wellness rotation and wellness-related didactic learning components of our curriculum. BWS DI offers support to our interns through Faculty Advisors, who mentor interns throughout their program. The 1:5 ratio allows for a high touchpoint between Faculty Advisors and interns, with frequent communication with interns and preceptors throughout rotations. The Lead Faculty foster a strong sense of community among the interns, encouraging communication and collaboration among each cohort. Interns are placed into small groups that meet monthly for online conference meetings and Journal Clubs, fostering connections within the small groups and Faculty Advisors. Our program provides R.D. exam study material and professional development resources to our interns to help them be successful entry-level dietitians. The Lead Faculty are supportive and dedicated to the success of each intern and strive to maintain academic caliber through innovative curriculum development. As a distance program, interns have flexibility and autonomy with their rotation schedule. The emphasis rotation allows interns to have exposure to a specialty area of dietetics that suits their passions. Overall, our program strives to be innovative, forward-thinking, and supportive to our interns as they embark upon their careers as dietitians!

    Is there anything else you want to tell future applicants?

    The field of nutrition and dietetics is changing. While distance programs may require work upfront to secure rotations, it is worth the effort because it creates a network of dietitians to help build a future career. Our distance program can provide the opportunity to become a dietitian with experience in the wellness, and that unique characteristic is appealing and sought after in communities nationwide.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

    Meet the Director

    Katie Bigart, MS, RDN, LD

    Katie completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health Nutrition and completed her dietetic internship at CWRU.  

    Katie began her career as a K-12 school nutrition consultant for a private consulting firm, Pisanick Partners, L.L.C. in Cleveland, OH, and then went on to join the corporate wellness company, Be Well Solutions, as an Account Manager and Wellness Dietitian. Katie eventually transitioned her role at Be Well as the Program Director of the Dietetic Internship. Katie loves having the opportunity to work alongside interns, helping them discover their passions and goals within the field of dietetics, as well as creating an innovative curriculum to educate future dietitians! Katie is also a certified Health Coach through the American College of Exercise and embraces the balance of an active and healthy lifestyle, filled with hiking, weightlifting, cooking, and movies.  She loves spending quality time with her husband, boy/girl twins, and two dogs.

    P.S. Learn more about Be Well Solutions and what other dietetic internship Directors are looking for in the Dietetic Internships Toolkit!

    P.P.S. Click here to learn more about the Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs

    Clinical Preceptor for Dietetic Internships

    Clinical preceptors can be found for your dietetic internship in a few places. One of the most dreaded missions as a distance intern is always finding clinical preceptors. There are a few tips to make the searching process more accessible. ACEND also has a preceptors database for you, which you can check out here

    Seeking Hospital sites

    Clinical dietitians are highly associated with working in hospitals. Give it your best shot to get into one. If you happen to be a DTR working in a hospital setting, this can benefit you when trying to secure a hospital for a clinical rotation. 

    Consider LTC

    Long-term care (LTC) is an excellent option for clinical rotations. Completing clinical hours in an LTC facility is a perfect opportunity to build relationships with patients and their families. Some internships do not accept LTC for clinical, so check your program requirements before reaching out to preceptors.

    Outpatient optional

    Most internships require you to complete your full clinical rotation in LTC or a hospital. Some programs will allow for the outpatient setting to also fulfill the clinical requirement. Splitting clinical hours between two sites is an excellent way to gain clinical nutrition experience in various locations. 

    Clinical dietitians work in more than just hospitals. Look for opportunities to practice clinical nutrition in a setting other than a hospital environment. Remember, it’s never too soon to start looking for preceptors. Check out this blog post on why Everyone Needs to Be Looking For Preceptors. Start making a list and contacting RDs who are working in hospitals, LTC, or outpatient clinics. Some internships require preceptors to be secured before acceptance to their program, so check the program requirements before contacting preceptors. Following little details like this can help you get matched to your top choice.

    PS. Get Matched Coaching can help make a perfect first impression, have accountability throughout the process from start to finish, and increase your matches of having a happy Match Day. 

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs

    How to Write a Resume for the Dietetic Internship

    Your resume can be the FIRST impression to a dietetic internship or RD program director; make it count! Apply these essential tips to your resume before submitting DICAS.

    Formatting

    You want to make your resume look as professional as possible. DI directors have a lot of applications to go through, meaning you need your resume to be organized in a way where your content is concise and easy to read. They only have a few minutes and don’t have time to be searching back and forth to find more information about you.

    Here are our basic tips to format your resume:

    • – 1 page ONLY – nothing more, nothing less
    • – Use a readable font with 10-12 point font size 
    • – Make your margins an appropriate length; we suggest 0.5″ margins 
    • – Use headers and bullet points (no periods in the end!)

    Header

    This includes your full name, address, email, and phone number

    Here is additional information:

    • – Don’t add unnecessary information such as age, height, weight 
    • – Use a professional email. For example, use Jennifer.westerkamp@gmail.com, not jennyloveslife817@hotmail.com
    • – Make sure your voicemail is professional
    • – Use your current address
    • – If you have one, add your online portfolio as well (some internships require you to make one)

    Sections to include

    Education

    • – This section should be at the top of the resume
    • – It’s not mandatory to add in your GPA, but if it’s >3.0, consider adding it
    • – Include the anticipated graduation date

    Experiences

    • – Include experiences that are relevant to the internship, such as dietetics-related volunteer positions and unpaid internships
      • -Work experience such as being a waitress at a restaurant or a cashier at your local grocery store is worth noting, too as customer service is a great skill to have 
    • – Use different action verbs at the beginning of each bullet point
    • – Speak in the past tense in past experiences and present tense in present experiences
    • – Quantify your descriptions when possible
      • For example, I developed and maintained a computerized system for tracking the production of six dietitians in a 550,000/year practice. 
    • – Organize the experiences into chronological order; don’t forget to add dates
    • – Do not add class projects or labs to the resume

    Certification

    • – Add certification or training that is nutrition-related, such as ServSafe Food Handler

    Skills

    • – Remove Microsoft Office skill; this is assumed
    • – Focus on skills that relate to the internship you are applying to
      • Add skills that interns are taught that you have already been exposed to

    Finalizing

    Grammar

    • – No periods at the end of bullet points
    • – Remove abbreviations
    • – None of the following: /, Etc., Ie. 
    • – Spell dietitian correctly 
    • – Don’tcapitalize general titles 
    • – Do not capitalize nutrition or dietetics unless in a program name 

    Editing

    • – Ask someone to look over your resumes such as your peers, professor, or advisor
    • – Use your college resources (look to see if there is an upcoming resume workshop!) 

    Additional resume tools

    Check out our other blogs for more tips:

    Taking Your Resume from Average to AWESOME

    The Resume Checklist You Must Use Before You Submit DICAS

    P.S. Your resume is only one piece of the puzzle for your dietetic internship application. Work with a coach through Get Matched Coaching to make your ENTIRE application MATCH-worthy!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice, How to Become a Dietitian, Student Life

    What is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?

    Curious about a coordinated program in dietetics? Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about coordinated programs for dietetic students!

    Truthfully, finding a program that will allow you to take all of your didactic classes and hopefully help you successfully become placed with a dietetic internship is hard. Not to mention, finding a dietetic internship can be even more challenging, especially if you went to an undergraduate university where nutrition programs are slim to none.

    Now imagine doing all of your didactic coursework AND your internship at the same time! Coordinated Programs offer a unique experience for future dietitians to study and experience a dietetic internship. Here are some frequent questions I get asked about coordinated programs in dietetics.

    What is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?

    Coordinated programs are popping up all over the country. A coordinated program in dietetics enrolls and places students in their didactic coursework and dietetic internship.

    Each program tends to be shorter than the traditional DPD than the DI route. They typically last about two and a half years. Coordinated programs challenge students to complete their coursework and supervised practice simultaneously. Though they are shorter, coordinated programs leave students with the same experience and education as every other program without the stress of applying to a dietetic internship!

    Coordinated Programs are becoming more popular. Their shorter timeframe allows students to start their careers as dietitians sooner than traditional programs. They take away the stress of applying to DICAS and enable students to practice while learning about nutrition and the field of dietetics.

    Coordinated programs can be found both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Since a master’s degree will soon be required for upcoming dietitians in 2024, coordinated programs are an excellent option for students who are currently getting an undergraduate education but will miss the timeframe to sit for the RD exam without a master’s degree. 

    Are There any Prerequisites Required for a Coordinated Program at the Master’s Level?

    Many master’s programs will require students to have taken some coursework before enrolling in their coordinated program. Many of the classes required are biology or chemistry-related that typically are completed in undergraduate didactic studies. Some programs allow students to complete these courses throughout their master’s studies. Be sure to reach out to the director of each program you are looking at to understand better what is required.

    Click here to see the typical prerequisite courses for dietetics programs!

    Can I Work While Enrolled in a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?

    YES! Though these programs tend to be more time-consuming, it is possible to work while getting your degree. 

    Time management skills are critical while enrolled in a coordinated program. If you plan your internship hours, classes, and study times appropriately, it is possible to work, enjoy life, and be enrolled in a coordinated program! 

    Coordinated programs allow you to gain experience and become closer to doing the work that you are passionate about when you start the journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. You can find a list of all schools offering a Coordinated Program here. 

    PS. If you aren’t sure which path to take on your dietetics journey, please do not worry! You will find what works best for you.

     

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, RD2Be Fun, Student Life

    Remaining Motivated For Dietetic Internship and Exam

    From undergrad through the dietetic internship and RD exam, it can be tough to remain motivated and sustain a positive outlook. The road to becoming an RD can feel long, often confusing, and only a little bit (ok, a lot of bits) stressful.

    I’ve worked with dozens of students, interns, and new dietitians throughout my almost seven years as a dietitian, so I’ve 100% been there myself.

    Here are some lessons I wish I had known back when I was an intern and new RD.

    THE INTERNSHIP

    Leave your perfectionism at the door.

    The fear of making a mistake is normal, but it can paralyze you from taking action if you aren’t careful. And taking action (yup, even if it involves an error!) is how you learn and grow. Embrace those mistakes and imperfections because they are going to teach you so much.

    Then there’s that pesky fear of not being ready or good enough (sometimes referred to as “imposter syndrome”), which will knock at your confidence and probably have you overthinking every piece of feedback a preceptor gives you. (Anyone else a chronic overthinker? Yup, me too.) Reject that. Reframe the self-critical thoughts that crop up into positive and productive ones. Repeat.

    Learn how to sit with discomfort without judgment.

    The internship can push the limits of your comfort zone, and you can’t do much about it except learn how to coexist with it. Mindfulness and meditation are indispensable tools for this (though I was convinced meditation would never “work” for me). I teach a lot of my dietitian clients how to embrace uncomfortable feelings using a pseudo-meditative practice called embodiment, and man, if I had known about it during my internship? It would’ve been so helpful!

    THE EXAM

    Permit yourself to fail.

    I know everyone tells you to “think positive thoughts” and keep your eye on the prize. Those are great! But sometimes, they put so much pressure on you to pass on the first try. I’m here to tell you that it does not matter whether it takes you one time to give or 10. Once you are a dietitian, you are a dietitian, and no one will ever ask.

    It’s a lot like how I talk to my nutrition clients about emotional eating. The first step to emotional eating is to have them give themselves full permission to do it. It feels counterintuitive, but it takes the pressure off. It removes the shame and judgment. It changes the narrative from “I’m a failure” to “I’m going to be ok.” And that’s a powerful thing.

    Detach from the outcome.

    We tend to put a lot of weight on outcomes in life, and that’s more pressure piled onto our shoulders. Yes, you want to pass the exam and become a dietitian; that’s what you’ve been working hard for. But when that’s the only important thing, it can be paralyzing. Instead, focus on the process. Put one foot in front of the other.

    Your worth does not hinge on this exam or any other.

    AND BEYOND

    Don’t be afraid to march to the beat of your drum. 

    There is no one “correct” way to be a dietitian. Follow your intuition. Pursue your passions. There’s nothing wrong with taking a less-than-ideal job to get your feet wet and pay the bills, and there’s also nothing wrong with deciding that you don’t want to settle for a job that doesn’t light you up with excitement. This is your life and your career.

    Speaking of…follow your intuition.

    Get so tapped into the core values that you can trust your intuition to guide you. There’s so much chatter out there about what others are doing and what their opinions are; it’s easy to lose touch with yourself. Don’t lose yourself. That’s important.

    Get support and supervision earlier than you think you need.

    I might be biased because this is my job, but as a colleague (and fellow supervisor) recently said to me, “You just don’t know what you don’t know.” Having someone who’s been through it and can offer some outside perspective can help you grow so much faster.

    I use an “intuitive living” framework (think intuitive eating but across all areas of your life) to help dietitians who come to me with one (or several) of three main goals:

    1. Manage stress, overcome perfectionism, build confidence, and reconnect to their purpose and passions to feel connected to their work.
    2. Explore their relationship with food and body image to confidently and peacefully withstand the pressures of society to look or act a certain way.
    3. Understand the nuances of intuitive eating and weight-inclusive care so that they can feel more confident incorporating these principles into their work.

    I had to piecemeal these lessons and skills together with more or less on my own, but you don’t have to. We are so much stronger as a profession when we provide safe spaces for each other to be vulnerable and imperfect and cheer from the sidelines as we find our unique path in this beautiful, full-of-potential profession.

    For more mindset support, no matter what stage of your education or career you’re at, you can connect with me on any of the following platforms:

    PS. We have many great FREE resources to help you feel confident and motivated throughout your dietetics journey; make sure to check them out!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Student Life

    Reach Out to Preceptors For Dietetic Internships

    Dietetic Internships start by having a strategy for finding your preceptors. Creating a strategy is great place to begin before delving into how and who to contact. Figuring out the best way to contact preceptors can feel pretty tricky. Once you have a plan mapped out, creating a contact list will make it easy to keep track of who has already been contacted and who is interested in having you as an intern. Updating the list as you make calls will help you to not contact the same person twice.

    Cold calling

    First impressions are everything and a good first impression can definitely be made by cold calling preceptors. This can give them an idea of your communication skills. Preparation is key to properly articulate what you’re inquiring about.

    1. Have a list of preceptors to call for each rotation. 

    Research and make a list with potential preceptors’ names, phone number and email, categorized by rotation. Calling a minimum of 6 preceptors, 2 per rotation, is a great strategy to reach out to as many people as possible.

    1. Have a script prepared for each rotation. 

    There should be small changes between what you would say to a foodservice preceptor vs what you would say to a clinical preceptor. State your name and that you’re an intern seeking preceptors for “such and such” rotation. 

    1. Be aware of all rotation requirements for your program. 

    Being able to answer questions can demonstrate how you prepare and organize for work. The potential preceptor might have questions for you about the number of hours you’ll be at the site and most importantly what time frame you are looking to start. 

    Emailing

    Emailing preceptors can happen in two ways. After reaching out by phone, a preceptor might not have time to discuss the opportunity over the phone and will ask you to email information to them instead. The second way is making initial contact via email, where structuring the email succinctly will give them an idea of your ability to construct a professional email. 

    1. Create an email template. 

    Doing this will make it easy to send emails to multiple preceptors for the same rotation without taking time to individualize each email. 

    1. Give a minimum 2 days response time. 

    After no response for 2 days, try to reach them by phone. If you get to talk to the potential preceptor, kindly inquire about the email and briefly state your reason for getting in touch with them.

    1. Respond to decline emails. 

    This will help build rapport, especially if you think there is a chance you might apply to work as an RD at the facility in the future.

    Check out this post on why everyone needs to be looking for preceptors!

    For even more tips and helpful strategies to catch the eye of program directors check out the Get Matched Course! Click here to check out the course curriculum.

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian, Student Life

    3 Blog Posts To Help You Get Matched To Your Top Choice

    We’ve found that most students have one TOP choice dietetic internship or RD program, one that they REALLY want to be matched to. Here is a round-up of 3 of blog posts to help you get matched to your #1 choice.

    1. “How To Get Dietetics Experience Before Applying To Dietetic Internships”

    Paid or volunteer dietetics-related experience is a way to help you get clear on your strengths and how you can be an asset as a dietetic intern. Click here to learn how to get dietetics experience before you apply.

    2. “Jenny’s Top 5 Tips For Getting Matched”

    There’s a strategy to getting matched. Click here to learn my top 5 tips for creating a match-worthy application.

    3. “Choosing Between the Get Matched Course and Get Matched Coaching”

    We’ve helped over 1,800 dietetics students get matched through our Get Matched Course and Get Matched Coaching program. Click here to determine the best solution for you.

    P.S. 100% of Get Matched Coaching clients landed a spot in a dietetic internship or RD program in 2021! Receive individualized advice every step of the way and feel more confident submitting your application with the support of an expert coach. Click here to learn more.

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs

    Dietetic Internship Match Rate Statistics

    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.

    match statistics

    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!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs

    Steps for Applying to a Dietetic Internship Program

    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.

    1. Create a DICAS account

    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:

    1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
    2. Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for a career in dietetics.
    3. Explain your short-term and long-term goals?
    4. What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
    5. 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: 

    1. A professor who is familiar with your academic work
    2. An employer from a time you worked in a dietetics related job 
    3. 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. 

    For more information on D&D Digital, go to our blog on  D&D Digital- How it Works. 

    Computer Matching

    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.

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  • Dietetics Programs

    How to Find Remote Nutrition Experience

    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!

    Check out our Get Matched course to find out more ways to build your DICAS application

    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!

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  • Dietetics Programs

    Dietetic Internships & RD Graduate Programs Our Clients Have Matched To Since 2020

    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!

    via GIPHY

    Do any of these programs interest you? With an annual match rate hovering around 65%, it is difficult to land a spot. We have a proven track record of success. Click here to learn more and apply for Get Matched Coaching.

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    Taking Your Resume from Average to AWESOME

    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!

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  • Dietetics Programs

    How to Study For the RD Exam

    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:

    1. -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.
    2. -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.
    3. -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.
    4. -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.

    Avoid Common Mistakes

    We’ve spoken with hundreds of future dietitians that have not passed the exam, and found there are very common mistakes students make when studying. Join Pass Class – the RD exam prep program designed to help prevent the common study mistakes!

    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.

    Want to learn more about Pass Class as well as tutoring options? Schedule a call with a member of our team 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

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  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice

    4 Ways To Support Dietetics Students

    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.

    P.S. Please schedule a 15-minute call with me if you would like to brainstorm other ways to help students!

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