Dietetic Internship Application Process
The only way to be eligible to take the RD exam is to successfully be accepted into and complete a Dietetic Internship (DI), which is also called a Supervised Practice.
The dietetic internship (DI) is a post-baccalaureate supervised practice program. An ACEND-accredited DI is typically a full-time and non-paid commitment for the duration of six to twelve months. Upon completion of a DI, students are eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
The selection process for DI applicants is very competitive. Students should plan ahead in order to build an effective career portfolio during their undergraduate experience. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements for a DI, individuals must complete the ACEND-accredited DPD coursework and earn their bachelor's degree.
In addition, strong applicants usually have a grade point average at or above 3.2; paid and volunteer work experiences in dietetics; demonstrated effective leadership, professional, and communication skills; shown commitment to community service and the practice of dietetics; and received strong recommendations from faculty and employers. The student must have met the minimum requirements and obtained a Verification Statement by the time the DI begins.
There are two application times each year. For programs beginning in January-February, applications are to be completed in September. For programs beginning in July-September, applications will be completed in February. Applying to programs that complement your qualifications and skills will increase your chances of being accepted to a DI. DPD students are encouraged to apply to a DI anywhere in the nation. They are advised to find a DI that fits their financial, academic and geographic needs.
To better assist students, the DPD program at Cal Poly Pomona provides information workshops twice a year to discuss the DI application and decision-making processes. The department also offers a one-unit course every fall (NTR 4310 – Dietetic Internship Exploration) to provide students with the information needed to successfully pursue a DI. Students are also strongly encouraged to meet individually with the DPD program director and faculty to help them assess their potential to obtain a DI.
How to Apply for Supervised Practice
Many supervised practice programs use the online dietetic internship centralized application process (DICAS) in addition to specific requirements for each dietetic internship. Please refer to the dietetic internship’s website for any additional instructions regarding the application
Here is an instructional video that gives a DICAS application overview:
The DICAS Centralized Application opens on Aug. 5 each year. Application due dates vary by program, but occur with cycles in the spring and fall.
Fall cycle due dates are between August and early October, with applicants being notified of acceptance no later than Nov. 1. For the spring cycle, applications are typically due between November and Feb. 15, with most due by mid-January. Applicants will be notified of admission by each program no later than March 1.
More programs participate in the spring cycle, which follows a more traditional school year. March 1 admits would start the supervised practice program in August of that year. Students are eligible to apply during their last semester at Cal Poly Pomona in the dietetics option. For more information, please visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/application-process-for-students and review this document.
For questions about the centralized application, please contact DICAS customer support at 617-612-2855 or dicasinfo@dicas.org.
DICAS/Supervised Practice Application Resources
DPD Course Lists
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2024-25 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2023-24 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2022-23 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2021-22 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2020-21 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2019-20 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2018-19 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2017-18 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2016-17 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2015-16 (PDF)
CPP DPD Course List Form for 2014-15 (PDF)
Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) Workshop
Department of Nutrition and Food Science faculty held a workshop on the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System. Here are the materials from that workshop, which was held on Zoom and recorded:
Links to Application Resources
Program Graduates
Students who successfully complete the DPD coursework at Cal Poly Pomona, and have earned a bachelor's degree, are eligible to take the DTR examination. If you're interested in becoming a Registered Dietetic Technician, see below.
DTR Exam process:
- Please order and have a set of official transcripts* emailed to dpd@cpp.edu OR a sealed official transcript mailed directly from the Cal Poly Pomona Registrar's Office to my address listed below.
*Note: The date that your bachelor's degree was conferred must appear at the top of the first page of the official transcripts.
Emily Kiresich, PhD, RD
Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
Department of Nutrition and Food Science
Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
- Pay the $25 nonrefundable DTR exam processing fee via E-Market https://commerce.cashnet.com/Nutrition_Food
- Upon receipt of the transcript and the payment, I will email you to schedule an appointment to complete the additional required paperwork via Zoom