supervised practice

  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian

    What is DICAS and How Does it Work

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    DICAS is an online portal used by nutrition students to apply to dietetic internships or RD programs. Learn how to apply and how to get ahead of the game.

    Before taking a deep dive into your dietetic internship (DI) application, there are a few things you should be aware of.

    One of the questions we get asked most often is how to best prepare for the DI application match. We always recommend that students begin their application process as soon as possible, so that they have enough time to confidently submit their application to the best of their ability and avoid stressing over last minute work.

    The Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System, also known as “DICAS,” is the online portal used by dietetics students who are applying to DI. Most, but not all, DI programs use the DICAS match.

    DICAS allows students to complete a single online application. Program directors can access the applications, but can’t see the order in which the applicant ranked his or her programs. Instead, the applicant’s rankings are submitted on D&D Digital. Read more about D&D Digital here. Upon review of the application, the program director and staff submit ranking for applicants in addition to the maximum class size.

    How to Apply to Dietetic Internships:

    DICAS opens a little over two months before the applications are due and the application portal closes. The information applicants fill out on DICAS include:

    • Applicant Information: Contact information, personal information, and background information
    • Match Information: Applicant’s D&D Digital ID
    • Education Information: DPD course list form, colleges attended (majors, certificates/minors, transcript form, and cumulative GPA), session and coursework (all DPD grades including completed, in progress, and transfer DPD grades), and tests (GRE and TOEFL)
    • DPD Program Information: DPD director contact information and confirmed declaration of intent
    • Required Information: Awards, experience, & volunteer activities; personal statements (we recommend making a unique personal statement for each DI program. For personalized help, apply for our Get Matched Coaching program); updated resume; references (at least three references are required); and application certification
    • Program Destinations: The DI programs the applicant is applying to

    How to Get Ahead of the Game

    Even though the application only opens a couple months before the deadline, that doesn’t mean that you must wait to work on your application when it opens.

    If you want to get a head start on your DICAS application, get a coach to help you strategize each step of the application process. After applying, you’ll speak with our enrollment coach to learn more about your career goals and confirm that you’re a good fit for coaching. Click here to apply for Get Matched Coaching.

    With the right strategy and support, you CAN land a spot in a dietetic internship/RD program and become a dietitian. I believe in you. 🙂

    P.S. Have questions about Get Matched Coaching? Email me at jenny@allaccessdietetics.com and I’m happy to help.

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  • How to Become a Dietitian

    How to Become a Registered Dietitian

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    What is the Difference Between a “Registered Dietitian” and a “Nutritionist”

    A common question for anyone interested in studying dietetics is: “What is the difference between a “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” (RDN) and a “Nutritionist.” Many people mistakenly use the terms “Dietitian” and “Nutritionist” interchangeably. These professions are related, but maintain distinctive qualities.

    The nutritionist profession is much less regulated and protected under the law. Some states require nutritionists to obtain an occupational license and others allow nutritionists to practice without education or training. Unlike all nutritionists, all RDNs are required to complete formal education that is at least a baccalaureate degree. This program must include coursework covering:

    • Food service systems management
    • Food and nutrition science
    • Computer science
    • Chemistry
    • Business
    • Microbiology
    • Sociology
    • Biochemistry
    • Physiology
    • Economics

    To maximize the depth, scope, length, and formal education and training, we recommend choosing the path of becoming an RDN.

    How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

    The first step is to enroll in an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics academic program. This is the most common path in which an individual is granted at least a bachelor’s degree. Another option is to enroll in an ACEND accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP),  Future Education Model Graduate Degree Program (FG), or International Dietitian Education Program (IDE). Graduates of the listed programs are eligible to take the CDR’s Registration exam to become credentialed as an RDN. When you’re ready, click here to learn about our exam prep support.

    Note: Starting in January of 2024, a graduate degree will be required to sit for the RD exam.

    After completing a bachelor’s degree in addition to receiving a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program, complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice Dietetic Internship (DI) or Individual Supervised Practice (ISPP). The average match (“acceptance”) rate for dietetic internships/RD programs hovers around 60%. The supervised practice is combined with the CP, FG, and IDE listed above. This is a competitive application process with no guarantee of landing a spot, so we’re here to help!

    The next step is to pass the dietetic registration exam (“RD exam”), gain licensure in your state of practice (if applicable), and maintain your continuing education hours through CDR.

    How to Get Ahead of the Game

    To get a head start on your dietetic internship application, get the support of an expert admissions coach. Get Matched Coaching will give you the roadmap and support you need to create a stand-out application and feel more confident. Click HERE to learn more about our signature program.

    References:

    https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/become-an-rdn-or-dtr/high-school-students/5-steps-to-become-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist

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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian

    What is D&D Digital and How Does It Work

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    D&D Digital internship matching helps future dietitians get matched to a dietetic internship or RD program. Learn how this system works below.

    Why Should I Use D&D Digital?

    D&D Digital internship matching is the website that collects applicants’ Dietetic Internship (DI) program rankings and also helps DI program directors receive applications. To be eligible for a match, you must create a D&D Digital account AND a DICAS account (check out our blog post: What is DICAS and How Does it Work). We recommend that applicants register online with D&D Digital early to prevent any potential ssues.

    Registration

    First, the applicant must register online. Each matching period requires a new application registration. If the applicant is applying to the pre-select admission option, they don’t need to register for D&D Digital. The registration requires an address and billing information. D&D Digital charges application fees to use its system for the match.

    Internship Choices

    After registering, the applicant can enter the internships in his or her priority order by ranking it under “Internship Choices” and saving the choices. There is an opportunity for applicants who have registered for the match by the deadline for completing the DICAS application to reorder their DI priority rankings after the deadline.

    Release and Verification Information

    The applicant has the option to have his or her name released on the list of applicants who were or were not matched under the “Release and Verification Information”.

    Dietetic Internship Matching Process – Matching Results

    The matching process uses both the applicant and the DI program’s ranking to create the final class list. First, the D&D Matching algorithm removes internship rankings of applicants that did not list them and vice versa. D&D looks at the matching window of the applicant’s ranked preferences and matches it to the DI programs.

    After the applicant ranks and saves their internship choices and the D&D matching algorithm matches the applicants and the programs, the applicant will check “Matching Results” on match day to see where he or she got matched.

    How to Get Ahead of the Game

    With the match rate hovering around 60%, the competition is fierce. With Get Matched Coaching, you’ll work one-on-one with an expert coach who will be in your corner to help you through every step of this competitive and confusing application process. Click here to learn more!

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