Internship Application Process
Students are encouraged to start considering dietetic internship options
a year prior to completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework.
Then, students can focus on submitting internship applications to the
programs of most interest to them at the beginning of the last semester
of academic coursework. Suggested steps to take in applying for dietetic
internship programs are given below, and the internship application
process is also discussed within the FS HN 340, Introduction to Dietetics,
course.
Steps for Applying
ADA Internship Application Form
Computer Matching
Evaluation of Applicants
Tips and Examples
Steps for Applying
Select several dietetic internship programs that interest you from
the current list of available programs. This list is updated on the
American
Dietetic Association (ADA) website, and more detailed information
within the Applicant Guide.
The Applicant Guide contains information such as the site locations
for clinical, management, community, and specialty rotations; estimated
program costs; admissions requirements; and criteria for evaluation
of applicants (GPA, GRE, work experience, references, etc.). A copy
of the guide is available in the 220 MacKay department office (8 a.m.-5
p.m.), E105 Lagomarcino college office (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), and 209 MacKay
student resource area (limited hours). Please do not remove the guides from
these areas, so all students have access to the information.
- To begin the application process, you must request and complete
the application materials for each internship program of interest.
Many programs have information available on-line from a web link
on the ADA website and in the applicant guide. Applicants can also
e-mail or write to the internship program director to request descriptive
materials and application forms. Presenting yourself professionally
in all written and verbal communications is important, and business
letter format should be used for written letters.
- Start preparing application materials as directed by each specific
internship program at least several months in advance. You may
apply for as many internship programs as you wish. Most applicants
find that five or six programs are the maximum they have time
to prepare materials for since preparing and organizing application
materials can take a great deal of time.
- Follow application procedures carefully. Each program has its
own application procedure defined. An application package that is
neat, well-organized, and follows directions explicitly is very important.
Application deadlines are mid-February and mid-September
each year.
- Decide early on the persons you wish to write references for you.
Most applications will usually require: one or two references from
faculty member(s); a reference from a work supervisor; and possibly
a reference from your academic adviser. Ask the individuals you select
for references if they are willing to write a favorable reference
for you before giving them the reference forms. Most programs require
reference persons to complete the ADA
Recommendation Form. Provide
your reference persons with information about the internship program
to which you will apply, a hard copy and electronic copy of the recommendation
form(s), and an updated copy of your resume and/or any other appropriate
supportive materials.
- Order transcripts in advance. You will need an official transcript
from ALL colleges/universities you have attended
for EACH internship to which you apply. Order
transcripts now if you have transferred from or taken courses
at one or more colleges in addition to Iowa State University.
- Most applications require a letter or personal statement from you.
The instructions from the program will indicate whether to handwrite
or type the letter. The content and form of the letter are very important;
business letter format may be required. It is highly recommended
that you ask your advisor or one of the faculty members to review
a final draft.
- GRE scores may be required for internship programs that also grant
graduate credit or a Masters degree. Check with the Student
Counseling Service's Testing Office (515-294-5058) in the Student
Services Building if you need further information concerning taking
the GRE. Do consider taking the GRE,
to give yourself more flexibility in applying to programs.
- Fill out a Declaration
of Intent to Complete form for each program
to which you are applying. Email the form
to Anne Oldham for the DPD Director signature after you have registered
for your last semester of coursework; indicate the number of copies
you need. Courses that are currently in progress need to be typed
onto this form, and the form must have original signatures by you
and the DPD Director.
- Computer matching occurs using the applicant’s prioritized
list and the programs’ prioritized lists, and internship appointments
are announced on the Wednesday nearest April 20 and November
15 (see computer matching information below). If you are interested
in a program that begins in January or later in winter or early
spring, please note that some have November appointment dates
and others have April appointment dates.
- After you have graduated, the DPD Director will check your
Iowa State University transcript to ensure that you have completed
all of the courses required for the dietetics program. If the
courses have been completed, six copies of a certificate called
a Verification Statement will be sent to you. It is important
that you keep this document in a safe place. Be sure that the
department office has your address for mailing these documents
to you before you leave campus. You must submit a copy of the
Verification Statement to ADA when you apply for membership and/or
registration. Note: The treasurer's office will bill you $30
for the Verification Statement during your last semester of study
at Iowa State University.
Several people in the Food and Nutrition department are available
to answer questions and advise you, as needed, concerning the application
procedure. If you need assistance, contact Anne Oldham (DPD Director)
at (515) 294-6414 or aoldham@iastate.edu, or your academic advisor
for an appointment.
ADA Internship Application Forms
Many dietetic internship programs require applicants to submit the:
And require reference persons to complete the:
Check program websites for specific application requirements for each
internship program, and/or contact the internship program director(s)
for additional information about the application process. The updated
list of dietetic internship programs is available on the American
Dietetic Association (ADA) website.
Computer Matching
All applicants must complete computer matching paperwork to be considered
for placement. Computer matching occurs using the applicant’s
prioritized list and the programs’ prioritized lists.
- A mark/sense preference and release sheet must be submitted to
D&D Digital Systems prior to the postmark date (February and
September each year), and computer matching occurs in April and November
each year. There is a fee for computer matching that must be submitted
at the time you submit your computer matching materials to D&D
Digital Systems\
- D&D Digital Systems can provide information about the computer
matching process. Visit their Web site at http:
www.dnddigital.com/,
call 515-292-049-, or email dnd@netins.net. The
required mark/sense preference and release sheet can be printed from
the D&D website.
- Applicants find out personal results for matching from the
D&D Digital Systems website. If you have been matched with
a program, you must follow the procedures outlined by that program
to accept or decline the appointment by the appointment date.
To review frequently asked questions about the computer matching process,
link to
Evaluation of Applicants
Students with high academic ability, work experience, strong letters
of recommendation, and high professional potential are most likely
to be matched with an internship placement. An application package
that follows directions explicitly, and is neat and organized is also
very important. Although each internship program has its own evaluation
procedure, the following are important for all programs:
- G.P.A. - For many programs, this is the most
important evaluation criterion. Thus, it is important to maintain
a relatively high G.P.A. in preparation for an internship
- Experience - Work experience related to dietetics
is a very important criterion.
- References - Letters of recommendation will be
evaluated to indicate your preparation for an internship program.
NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO FILE COMPLAINTS
WITH THE COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION FOR DIETETICS EDUCATION
The Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education will
review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation/approval
standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and
continued improvement of dietetics education programs but does not
intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for
individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal
of faculty, staff or students.
A copy of the accreditation/approval standards and/or the Commission's policy
and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the
Education staff at The American Dietetic Association [www.eatright.org] at 216
West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by calling 1-800-877-1600
extension 4872.
Adopted: July 1994
COE Division of Education Accreditation
Tips and Examples
The following tips and examples may be used as you complete your dietetic
internship applications.
- This is from the American
Dietetic Association and provides information
on application, computer matching and appointment procedures.
- This article is from the Associate News: For ADA Members (volume
12, number 1, April 2000) and provides suggestions to increase the
likelihood that you will attain an internship match.
Article
Page 1, Article Page 2
- As you complete your internship application, use action verbs and
phrases to describe your work and volunteer experiences. The action
verbs shown here are from the Iowa State University Human Resource
department. The portion of the application shown here provides good
examples of action verbs and phrases for a variety of jobs and positions.
Action Verbs, Application Example
- Tips for using CADE Online Directory of Dietetics Internships
