A signed “Verification Statement of Completion” showing completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) curriculum with original signature must be provided before the internship begins. A “Declaration of Intent to Complete” may be uploaded into DICAS during the application process. A final transcript with completed bachelor’s degree must be provided before the internship begins.
Students selected for the dietetic internship must have completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Academic coursework must have been completed within three years before the date of entrance to the internship. If coursework is older, the applicant must complete an upper division course in physiology and clinical nutrition prior to entrance into the internship.
Applicants will need to have completed or be in the process of completing:
- An accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics as specified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- A signed “Verification Statement” or “Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Approved Minimum Academic Requirements form also called the DPD Course List form must be completed by DPD Director and included in the application packet
- The DPD Program Director at your school provides this form and it must have the program director’s
original signature
The intern will provide a signed “Verification Statement” with original signature by the start date of the internship.
Effective 2024, the UC San Diego Health Dietetic Internship will require a graduate degree (MS or MPH) to be eligible for admission.
Proof of F-1 Visa status for non-U.S. citizens: Non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of appropriate visa status. Non-U.S. citizens must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for Optional Practice Training (ODT) to complete a dietetic internship. The intern must maintain valid visa status for the duration of the 43 week internship. UC San Diego Health is unable to sponsor visas.
Selection Criteria
The intern selection criteria is based upon the factors listed below. Our goal is to select the best students from the applicant pool who have strong academic backgrounds, effective communication skills, and success in cooperative work with others. The Selection Committee uses the following criteria when reviewing applications:
- Academics
- Work Experience
- Extra Curricular Activities
- College and Work References
- Personal Statement Essays
- Phone Interview
- Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination
Academics
Applicants will have a minimum overall cumulative and DPD GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Work Experience
Work experience related to nutrition or food service is a benefit. We value employment that demonstrates responsibility, dependability, time management, cooperation, and leadership.
Extra Curricular Activities
We will consider involvement in activities that demonstrate an ability to problem solve and collaborate with others.
College and Work References
References should include
two faculty members and one employer. These include important qualities such as:
- Leadership
- Academics
- Self motivation
- Time management
- Communication
- Cooperation skills
Personal Statement Essays
The personal statement essays will address applicants' professional goals, independence, ability to collaborate, leadership skills, organizational planning and writing ability.
FaceTime or Skype Interview
Top ranked applicants will participate in a FaceTime or Skype interview with the Selection Committee. Applicants will be notified mid-March for an interview date.
Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination
The UC San Diego Health Dietetic Internship does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or age in any of our policies, procedures, or practices; nor do we discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.
International Students
Proof of visa status for non US citizens: Non U.S. citizens must provide proof of appropriate visa status. A non U.S. citizen must be approved by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services for Optional Practice Training (OPT) to complete a dietetic internship. It is the student's responsibility to coordinate the OPT application with his/her DPD school
International students wishing to apply must follow procedures set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for international students (“International Fact Sheet” for additional information).
Application Procedure