Dietetic Internship programs select students based on their GPA, work experience in the field of nutrition, dietetics and food service management, leadership activities, GRE score (if applying for graduate school), 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 the pre-select option and in the computer matching option for students receiving verification statements from UH DPD. In the pre-selection process, the program will select up to five students per selection cycle who have met the admission requirements for the DI. Check the pre-select page for Spring and Fall postmark deadlines for applications. The applicant will be notified on or before February 1st for the spring cycle and September 1st for the fall cycle confirming his/her acceptance status in the program.

Pre-selection applicants will have to submit a paper application. They cannot use the online DICAS application.

If pre-selected, the applicant's names are submitted to D&D Digital Systems, Inc. to ensure that the applicant will not participate in the spring or fall computer match. If the applicant is not selected through the pre-select process, he/she may apply to any DI including UHDI through the computer matching process. D&D Digital Systems may be contacted at (515) 292-0490 or lisa.snyder@dnddigital.com

Criteria for Selection of Applicants Includes:

• UH Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Nutrition and Foods (ACEND accredited track) or completion of UH post-baccalaureate program for students holding a bachelor degree from another institution and completing the required DPD coursework at UH.

• Earning a verification statement from UH.

• Completed application form, must be submitted by the stated deadline. Application also requires submission of a resume, Personal statement, three letters of recommendation, handwritten essay and original transcripts. Please visit the UHDI website for application form, checklist and other requirements.

Please contact the Didactic Program Director, Dr. Kevin Haubrick for your verification statement.

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.

Leadership activities
Are you a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics? The cost for students is $58.00 per year and you get a great journal to enhance your education in the field of nutrition as well as an insight as into career opportunities. Also, the Academy provides scholarships each year to deserving students. Students enrolled in the Didactic Program in Dietetics may join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at any time, although the membership year begins June 1 and goes through May 31. See the Didactic Program Director (207 Cameron building) for more information.

Are you a member of the UH Student Nutrition Association? Membership begins in September. Membership in this organization provides students with the opportunity to meet other students in your field, sponsors presentations from outside speakers on various career opportunities and helps students gain valuable information that is helpful when applying for internships. Membership application forms are posted on the UH Student Nutrition Association board on the first floor of the Cameron building. Meetings are held monthly during Fall and Spring semesters; meeting times are posted in the Cameron building approximately one week in advance.

Are you a member of the Southeast Region Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics? Students have opportunities to meet with other dietitians in the Houston area. You will also get the inside track to job and volunteer opportunities (which will help you become more competitive when applying to dietetic internships). The Southeast Region Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics members participate in many community and legislative activities throughout the Houston area. Meeting times are announced through  their newsletter that is sent to all members.

Are you members of any campus or civic organizations? If so, how active are you within those organizations? Have you served on any committees or held offices? Active participation (as opposed to just paying your annual dues) in these organizations will help to enhance your leadership skills.

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. Most programs now 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 $40 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application.

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

3. You must also register with D&D Digital Systems in order to participate in what is termed the nationwide “matching process” used by most internships. The deadline for submitting your internship preferences in rank order (whether you have one choice or twenty) is the same as the deadline for submitting the applications to the schools or programs of your choice as mentioned above. Applicants can obtain the computer matching materials from a Didactic Program Director or from D&D Digital Systems, 304 Main St. Ste. 301, Ames, IA 50010, Phone (515) 292-0490, Fax (515) 663-9427. There is currently a $65.00 charge for the computer matching process, payable to D&D Digital, although this cost is subject to change. Click here to go to the section on the ACEND website for details on Computer Matching Policy and Procedures.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

8. Check your match results on the D&D Digital website. Applicants who receive a computer match to an internship program are responsible for accepting or rejecting their appointment by certified letter to be received by the program director on or before the appointment date.

9. 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.

10. 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