Dietetic Internship Program

Dear Potential Dietitian! The world – domestic and international – needs your passion for food and nutrition science to emerge through your talents! The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) plays an integral role in the pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Essentially, that path consists of three components: (1) Didactic, (2) Supervised Practice, and (3) a National Board Examination for Registration. Please see below for a description about each of these components. (Also visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ website for more information: www.eatright.org.)

Didactic

Didactic refers to the coursework where one learns the knowledge and skills requisite to become an RDN. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) governs the knowledge and skills that are needed through a comprehensive set of competency standards that must comprise a Didactic Program’s curriculum. These competencies to be achieved are categorized into three fundamental content areas: Clinical, Food Service Management, and Community Nutrition. A student is awarded a “Didactic Verification Statement” after completing an ACEND accredited Didactic Program.”  

Supervised Practice

Once one earns a “Didactic Verification Statement,” he or she is eligible to proceed into the Supervised Practice component, the second step in becoming an RDN. Supervised Practice is more commonly known as the “Dietetic Internship” or DI, which consists of a minimum number of hours under the supervision of appropriately qualified professionals (e.g. RDNs) in the three fundamental settings (i.e. Clinical, Food Service Management, and Community Nutrition.).

Like the Didactic component, the DI is founded upon ACEND competencies, which must be achieved in order to earn a “Supervised Practice Verification Statement.” This verification statement is needed to sit for the National Board Exam for Dietetic Registration. (See #3 below.)

National Board Examination for Registration

The final step in becoming an RDN is passing the National Board Exam for Registration. Similar to other professions (e.g., Pharmacists, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, and Nurses), RDNs must pass a National Board Exam in order to be officially credentialed (i.e. “Registered”). This exam is a computer-based exam that assesses knowledge of the three major areas of dietetics: Clinical, Food Service Management, and Community Nutrition. The registration examination is updated every five years to reflect the competency that entry-level dietitians must exhibit after completing the DI.

KHSS Mission

The University of Indianapolis Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies (KHSS) Department provides a framework that develops future professionals and engages our communities through effective programs of experiential learning, service, and research in health, physical activity and sport.

KHSS Vision

To be nationally recognized for programs in health, physical activity and sport that develop highly regarded professionals and enhance our communities.

DIP Mission

To consistently prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who meet the ACEND-required competencies through a high-quality network of clinical, food service, and community nutrition preceptors and learning experiences.

• Learn more about the College of Health and Sciences
• Learn more about the University of Indianapolis, including our mission and vision

To be eligible to apply to the UIndy Dietetic Internship Program (DIP), applicants must:

• Have successfully completed (or scheduled to complete) an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, AND
• Earned a Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited Didactic program or have a Declaration of Intent to Complete Statement.

Important Notes:

• In order to be accepted into UIndy’s DIP, applicants must hold a Verification statement for completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program. Those who earn a master’s degree from the University of Indianapolis will receive preferential acceptance into the DIP.
• The UIndy DI program does not accept prior learning or experiences, such as coursework or supervised practice hours for credit.
• If there are positions available after current qualified applicants with a UIndy Masters degree admission are admitted, the program will accept applicants with earned other Masters degrees through DICAS.
• Successful graduates of the UIndy DIP are eligible to take the Registration Exam for Dietitians.
• This is an accelerated program; there is a considerable amount of time needed to spend on required projects, assignments, etc. after rotations and during traditional academic breaks.
• Prior to admission, one must have special, written permission from the Program Coordinator to have a job/work during the DIP, which averages 40-50 hours a week on site, with additional time required for rotation related projects and assignments. Under no circumstances will students be permitted to work full-time.

• *Receive endorsement of Competent from Clinical rotation supervisor (i.e. in ACEND competencies).
• *Receive endorsement of Competent from Food Service rotation supervisor (i.e. in ACEND competencies).
• *Receive endorsement of Competent from Community Nutrition rotation supervisor (i.e. in ACEND competencies).
• Demonstrate professional and ethical disposition and behaviors throughout the program OR successfully complete all requirements of a “Disposition Remediation Plan” per instructions and timeline (i.e. within 13.5 months of beginning program.)

* A minimum 80% average on achievement of all CRDNs

In order to be considered for admission to the University of Indianapolis Dietetic Internship Program (UIndy DIP), students may follow one of the following pathways: 

• Pathway #1: Direct entry through University of Indianapolis application system
  • 3.0 Cumulative GPA (Bachelors), (3.3 in Graduate)
  • Official Academic Transcripts from ALL institutions attended
  • Verification Statement of Completion or Declaration of Intent to Complete Statement from an ACEND- accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics
  • Personal statement that speaks to professional goals including how the DIP Mission aligns to these professional goals. Given the Program’s concentration focus in sport nutrition, one should include one related goal
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a previous Dietetics professor)
• Pathway #2: Masters Path - Requirements include:
  • 3.0 Cumulative GPA (Bachelors), (3.3 in Graduate)
  • Official Academic Transcripts from ALL institutions attended
  • Verification Statement of Completion or Declaration of Intent to Complete Statement from an ACEND- accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics
  • Personal statement that speaks to professional goals including how the DIP Mission aligns to these professional goals. Given the Program’s concentration focus in sport nutrition, one should include one related goal
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a previous Dietetics professor)
  •  Preferred:
    • UIndy MEXS Graduate or an alternate UIndy graduate degree
    • Evidence of nutrition related volunteer leadership/extracurricular activities

• Pathway #3: Apply to a UIndy Graduate Program in the College of Health Science, to start in the Fall.
  • When the student is 1 year away from graduation, they will submit their application for the DIP.
  • Students matriculating from a UIndy graduate program will be provided a higher ranking than external candidates.

Important Note:

The program is a non-degree granting Dietetic Internship, sponsored by a university with graduate programs and wishes to grant early admission to students already enrolled in the graduate programs. (e.g. UIndy MEXS graduates will be given preferential enrollment in the DIP.) Remaining positions will be filled through computer matching (i.e. D&D Digital)

Once students are accepted into the program and have paid their $500 deposit, student interns will receive additional information from the university including the program start date and schedule details in the late spring.

Criminal Background Check

In order to meet professional licensure requirements as well as protect future patients/clients and clinical sites, admitted interns are required to have criminal background checks prior to matriculation into the program. A criminal history may affect internship placement and/or licensure, and in some cases, disqualify a student from admission.

Required Health Documentation

Students in the UIndy Dietetics Internship Program must comply with all health requirements. Health requirements are tracked throughout the program in order to ensure students remain in compliance with Program and Clinical requirements.  Proof of immunity and/or vaccinations are required. Additionally, students are required to have a physical exam completed by a primary health provider, as well as, proof of health insurance prior to matriculation.

Students in the UIndy DIP program must comply with all program and site requirements. This may include health requirements and trainings. Students will receive information about these requirements and submission instructions via student portal after admission.

DIP technology requirements