ACEND-accredited Supervised Practice Programs, also known as Dietetic Internships, are post baccalaureate programs that provide applied experiences in various aspects of the professional field of dietetics. Programs typically run for 7 to 24 months. Stand-alone DIs require DPD completion along with a master’s degree and typically run 7 to 12 months. Combined programs include MS/DI programs, Coordinated Graduate Programs, and Graduate Programs and typically run 16 to 24 months. Completion of these programs makes the student eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Students will apply to programs during fall or winter of their senior year or upon completion of their educational program.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) requires completion of four steps:
- Completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework.
- A minimum of a master’s degree
- A supervised practice program (dietetic internship).
- The Registration Examination, a national exam to assure competence of practicing dietitians.
DPD graduates can complete a combined MS/DI program, a Coordinated Graduate Program, a Graduate Program, or a stand-alone master’s followed by a Dietetic Internship to be eligible to sit for the Registration Examination.
Non-DPD graduates, with a science degree, can complete a Coordinated Graduate Program or Graduate Program that includes the didactic coursework along with supervised practice to be eligible to sit for the Registration Examination.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics maintains a Program Directory of supervised practice programs. There are two application times each year: in October and in March for programs beginning July – August. The student must have completed all DPD requirements, have been awarded at least a Bachelor’s degree, and obtained a Verification Statement by the time the graduate program begins.
Competition for the internships is keen. Successful applicants typically have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, volunteer or paid work experience in dietetics, demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership, and strong recommendations from faculty and employers. Students should plan ahead so that they can build a strong resume and portfolio during their undergraduate career. In order to maximize chances of successfully being accepted to dietetic internships, students should choose wisely and apply to programs that are a good match for their strengths and qualifications.
The UC Davis DPD program provides assistance in the decision-making process and application process. Information workshops are held twice a year, in fall and spring. A Fall Senior Seminar is provided to assist with the Supervised Practice application process. The DPD program director and faculty strongly encourage individual meetings with students during this time. The advising office facilitates completion of recommendation letters and various official Academy forms for the applicant. There are several internal Nutrition Department forms that must be used for this process, as well as the official Academy Supervised Practice Application, which is available on the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) website. Supervised Practice Program applicants typically apply to 5-7 programs. For more information on the application process, please visit ACEND’s Application Process for Students page.
Upon passing the Registration Examination for Dietitians, the RD can practice in California without obtaining state licensure.