The Dietetic Internship (DI) Program allows accepted dietetic interns to discover and strive to achieve their full potential, both personally and professionally in their path to obtaining the Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The DI is a 10- month, full time program where students attend supervised practice rotations in various clinical, food service management, community nutrition (SNAP-Ed), sports nutrition and enrichment sites, supplemented by class days on campus twice monthly. The program accepts up to 16 interns yearly through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application System (DICAS) at https://www.dicas.liaisoncas.com.
Applications can be completed in DICAS any time after the site is open in early August. Applications will be reviewed once complete throughout the year and up to February 15. Due date for applications is February 15 of each academic year with notification of acceptance by March 1 of each year. The supplemental USJ-DI application including $60 fee must be completed by ALL applicants through the DICAS application portal and is also due with application at this link: https://commerce.cashnet.com/sjcsfpay?itemcode=DI . USJ does have an early admission process where students that are already attending USJ, enrolled in the Didactic Program in Dietetics, completing MS courses, or are finishing their DPD Verification Statement requirements at USJ, may apply anytime between August 5 to Jan 2. Early applicants will be reviewed by the DI Selections Committee and after interview, will be notified of acceptance within 2 weeks but no later than 3/1. All accepted applicants, either through early admission or through regular admission, MUST accept or decline their spot by March 15. The details of the application process and admission criteria can be viewed in the DI Handbook here: https://www.usj.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024.2025-DIHandbook.pdf. As of June, 2024, USJ DOES accept international students, please contact admissions@usj.edu for further questions.
Accreditation
The DI Program has received continued accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The program includes 1000 hours of supervised practice experiences with a minimum of 700 hours in professional work settings, and a maximum of 300 hours in alternate supervised practice settings such as simulation, case studies and role play. The ACEND 2022 Core Competencies are the basis on which the program curriculum and learning activities are built upon. The program mission, goals, and objectives can be viewed in the DI Handbook. Program outcomes are available upon request.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 312/899-0040 x 5400
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
URL: www.eatright.org/ACEND
Cost
The program is full time and based on 9 credits per semester, in addition to online MS courses if completing the MSDI combined program. The full 18 credits transfer from the DI toward the Nutrition/Dietetic Internship M.S. if completing the combined program. The student must also be prepared to purchase recommended texts, a lab coat, Academy membership, registration for Castlebranch services for document maintenance, health and auto insurance, required health exams and immunizations, background checks and drug testing. Students are responsible for transportation to facilities, parking, and meals. Details of program cost can be viewed in the DI Handbook. Tuition and financial aid information can be viewed here: https://www.usj.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/ . Scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. More can be viewed regarding credit transfer in the DI Handbook and also on the combined MSDI website.
Application requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition
Verification Statement from undergraduate Didactic Program Director or Intent to Complete
Overall GPA 3.0
Official Transcripts (if submitting MS transcript, may apply for DI only)
Payment to DICAS ($50 first program, $25 each additional program)
Supplemental application and $60 fee to USJ through DICAS
3 reference letters
Personal Statement
Program requirements (18 credits for DI, 33 for combined)
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) mandates that a Master’s degree must be completed prior to an applicant registering for the CDR Exam as of 1/1/2024. If the applicant does not have an MS degree at the time of program start, one must agree to complete the combined MSDI program. Dietetic Interns receive nine credits per semester and 18 credits will transfer to the combined MSDI program for USJ students. Courses are taken in conjunction with the internship, beginning the May before the internship begins and ending the summer session after the DI program is complete. Once graduates receive degree conferred Master’s transcripts and forward to DI Director, the Verification Statement for the Dietetic Internship will be provided and the intern will become eligible to register for the CDR Exam through Pearson Vue. Accepted interns already possessing a Master’s degree may complete the DI only which begins in late August and ends mid-May and will receive both the DI Certificate and the DI Verification Statement in May, which will make the intern eligible to register for the CDR Exam earlier.
Fall Semester NUTR 550 - Dietetic Internship
Spring Semester NUTR 551 - Dietetic Internship
For students completing the combined MSDI, the plan of study is found here Combined Nutrition/Dietetic Internship M.S.
Sample calendar and rotation schedule
| Mid May |
Begin MS progran (only if enrolled in combined MSDI) |
| Late August |
DI Orientation Week on campus |
| September - mid-December |
Long Term Care and Clinical Rotations
|
| Mid January - March |
Orientation, Food Service Management, Sports Nutrition |
| Mid March |
Spring break
|
| March - May |
Community Nutrition and Enrichment Rotations
|
| May |
Dietetic Internship Exit Day (DI certificates provided) |
| Summer |
Complete on-line MS degree if enrolled in MSDI
(DI Verification Statements Provided once MS and DI both complete)
|
