Being a Dietetics Student and Preparing for the Dietetic Internship

Being a dietetics student at Bluffton University means taking a challenging curriculum in which you'll learn the scientific foundation knowledge and skills that prepare you for a dietetic internship.  There are approximately 280 Dietetic Internships (also known as supervised practice programs) across the United States, offered in a variety of settings, but are typically based at a hospital or a university that has an affiliated hospital.  All dietetic internships are required to follow requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association and provide a foundation of experiences in clinical dietetics, community dietetics, and food service management.  Internships may also offer additional experiences in an “emphasis area”.  A listing of all Dietetic Internships is available on the website of the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org) or from the Dietetics Program Director. 

 

In the senior year, students begin the application process to obtain a Dietetic Internship.  Internship placement is highly competitive and individual guidance can be obtained from the Dietetics Program Director.  Dietetic Internships are independent from any undergraduate educational program.  Each has its own standards and guidelines.  Thus, criteria for acceptance into a program may vary.  Be advised that no dietetics program can guarantee that you will be accepted into an internship. However, to increase one’s chances for acceptance, the student is advised to pay attention to the following, beginning with their first college year.

 

     Earn good grades.  An undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 GPA is probably needed to be competitive.  Some internship’s may require even higher grades, especially in the dietetics courses.  The higher the GPA, the better chance a student may have of gaining entrance into an internship.

 

     Gain relevant work experience.  Paid work as dietary aids or assistants in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities provide valuable experience.  Other experiences in the food service industry such as cooks and cooks assistants, servers, cashiers, cleaning, and general workers can be beneficial. 

 

     Gain dietetic-related volunteer experiences, as available.  Examples include assisting with health-related events at a local hospital, or assisting with events sponsored by the health department.  At Bluffton University dietetics students have volunteered at a number of organizations or for specific events. 

 

     Get involved in extracurricular activities.  Participation in the Bluffton University Family & Consumer Sciences Association is a good way to start.  This student-run organization combines students from all FCS majors.  Gaining leadership experience in your extracurricular activities can increase your interpersonal skills.

 

     Manage your time and prioritize.  The Dietetics Program has a very full curriculum, with challenging and exciting courses.  Be advised to seek help and/or assistance when needed. 

 

     Be a respectful, conscientious student and employee.  When applying to supervised practice programs, you will need to ask others for letters of recommendation, usually from work supervisors and professors.  Work to your abilities, both on the job and in the classroom.  Have a positive attitude.

 

The more specific “Guide to the Dietetic Internship Application Process”  is a detailed description of the application process .  Beginning in September of the last academic year, the Dietetics Program Director will meet with all students anticipating graduation and application to internships.  The student is strongly encouraged to follow the process and timeline outlined in this handbook.  The program director will meet occasionally with all students, although personal advising and contact is highly recommended.