NutritionJobs.com Interviews Nancy R. Hudson, M.S., R.D., Assistant Program Director, Dietetics, at the University of California, Davis

May 2009

The Dietetic Internship application and matching process is becoming fiercely competitive. And here's why; each year, more students are entering approved didactic dietetic programs and then applying for a Dietetic Internship program but, unfortunately, the number of available Internship programs has remained relatively constant. Approximately 53% of all nationwide applicants received a match for a Dietetic Internship this year. Where does that leave the rest of us? What insights can we get from the experts to increases our chances of receiving a match?

Nancy R. Hudson, M.S., R.D., Assistant Program Director, Dietetics, at the University of California, Davis, has observed that of those who got matched this year, significant numbers already had a Master's degree entering into the program, or graduate coursework, or significant paid work experience in a dietetics-related field. Ms. Hudson recommends that students make themselves more competitive by taking the process seriously, maintaining a competitive GPA and gaining work experience in the field. Since programs in Boston, California, and those that pay a substantial stipend are very competitive, applying to programs in other parts of the country and those that do not offer a stipend often increases the chance of getting a match.

Ms. Hudson also recommends for those students who do not get matched to get a few years of work experience, enroll in a Master's program, take the Dietetic Technician, Registered exam, or develop unique job skills, such as a second language. She also suggests sitting for the Certified Dietary Managers certification exam, which can open up job opportunities in nursing homes and food service.

Resources

American Dietetic Association - Dietetic Internships
All Access Internships
NutritionJobs.com - Internships Info
Spring 2009 Participating Dietetic Internship Programs With Openings
Sodexo Dietetic Internship Programs
Tufts Intership Info
WIC Dietetic Internships
WIC Internships How To Be The Best Applicant
Oakwood University Dietetic Internship Program