Dietetic Internship programs select students based on their GPA, work experience in the field of nutrition, dietetics and food service management, leadership activities, letters of recommendation and many other qualifications. If you are interested in a specific program, it is best to contact that program directly (by the end of your junior year) and get information from them. Consult with the Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice Experience to get an idea of what that program looks for in the applicants they select.

The University of Houston Dietetic Internship Program

The University of Houston Dietetic Internship participates in early admissions process for students receiving verification statements from UH DPD. Check the early admissions page  for Spring and Fall deadlines for applications.

Early admission applicants will have to submit the following items for consideration: (1) three letters of recommendations (one of which must be from an instructor), (2) personal statement, (3) resume, and (4) unofficial transcript.

Early Admission page on the UHDI website.

Some considerations while applying to a Dietetic Internship Program

Grade point average
Strive to earn a minimum GPA of 3.5 or greater for your food, nutrition, and food service management courses; aim for a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or higher

Work experience
Paid work experience is preferred and while not required, meaningful work experience (paid or volunteer) in the areas of clinical nutrition, food service management, or community nutrition is encouraged. Work opportunities are announced in nutrition classes and through UH Student Nutrition Association communications as they become available. Work opportunities supply vital experiences which cannot be learned in the classroom and provide a network for future references when you are applying to dietetic internship programs.

Letters of Recommendation
The individuals you select to write your letter of recommendation will be asked to evaluate not only your knowledge, but also on selected personal characteristics (leadership, motivation, and ability to handle stress). A sample evaluation form is included in the paper application packet. Most internship programs use this form or something similar. Before you request that someone write you a letter of recommendation, review this form and ask yourself "Can this person truly evaluate me in these areas?"

Ask individuals for a letter of recommendation at least one month before they are due. Supply the individuals with a resume or a description of your activities to help them write a supportive letter.

Applying for the Dietetic Internships - What to do and When...

1. Begin investigating programs up to 1 year in advance ** of your projected graduation date. Consult with the following resources:
   
   - Academy of Nutrition Dietetics website has an updated and comprehensive list of all supervised practice dietetic internships in the US.
   - Application materials and general information furnished by individual programs.
   
   ** 1 year seems like a long time, but it is very important that you begin investigating these programs early as many programs require work experience or the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for admission consideration.

2. Once you have decided where you want to apply, contact the Program Directors directly for application materials. Programs participate in the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). The program may be accessed at https://dicas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login (e-mail DICASinfo@DICAS.org). The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first application submitted and $25 for each additional application.

   DICAS requires a personal statement, online application, official transcripts and 3 letters of recommendation.

3. Once you have obtained your application materials, meet with your Didactic Program Director to obtain a Declaration of Intent. Provide the Didactic Program Director with a list of courses you are currently enrolled, your projected date of graduation, along with the number of Declaration of Intent forms you will need (one for each application). DICAS requires your Didactic program director to log in and provide an electronic letter of intent/verification letter. Please contact the Didactic Program Director, Dr. Kevin Haubrick for your verification statement.

4. Request for references from faculty/former employers. Out of professional courtesy, please make this request at least one month in advance. Provide a brief summary of your academic and work experiences to assist the individual in writing the reference.

5. Obtain official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Transcripts from the University of Houston may be ordered online by logging on to peoplesoft.

6. Complete each application according to the directions provided. Failure to follow the instructions may prevent your application from being considered.

7. Once your degree has been conferred, contact the Didactic Program Director to obtain signed Verification Statements. Verification requires up to four weeks post-graduation and students need to inform the DPD whether they would prefer to pick them up or have them mailed. Students should provide the appropriate address at the time of request if they would like them mailed. Only students pursuing the BS in Nutrition in the ACEND track are eligible to earn a verification statement after meeting the guidelines above. Students pursing the BS in Nutritional Sciences or Nutrition and Fitness do not meet ACEND requirements and are not eligible for a verification statement.

8. Upon completion of the Dietetic Internship Program you are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/N).

Visit the website of the Dietetic Internship Program at The University of Houston