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Before you officially become a registered dietetic nutritionist, you will be required to complete an internship. This training opportunity will provide you with valuable first-hand experiences through supervised practices. There are many types of dietetic internships, ranging from working in a hospital setting or engaging directly with patients in rehabilitation facilities.
If you are currently looking for internship programs to advance your career, you have come to the right place.
To help you get started—and simplify your quest—we have compiled the most comprehensive list of dietetic internships. This list only includes programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), so you know you are only getting the real deal!
Without further ado, check this out.
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dietetic Internship
Tuition: Free
Financial Aid: Available
Stipend: Not available
The program is provided by the NIH, the country’s medical research agency primarily responsible for studies on public health, especially biomedics. A clinical dietetic internship, the NIH Dietetic Internship runs for 45 weeks from August or September to June or July. This internship is open every year, with at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice available.
You will have the opportunity to learn both the theory and application of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) through this program. The interesting part is that NIH also delivers research-related methodologies in classes and conferences to prepare you as a knowledgeable nutritionist.
Completion of a Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited by ACEND and possession of a bachelor’s degree is mandatory to apply. If you are pressed for funds, this will make a great option as the NIH Dietetic Internship is one of the few free dietetic internships you can find.
To learn more about the NIH Dietetic Internship, click here.
2. Ohio State University (OSU) Dietetic Internship
Tuition: $9,700
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not available
The Ohio State University, through their College of Education and Human Ecology, encourages future dietetic nutritionists to apply to their accredited internships. You can opt to enroll as either a full- or part-time intern. It is also available as a remote internship which offers the convenience of selecting your own schedule and site.
The program lasts 9 months for full-time interns or 15 months for part-time ones. It usually starts in mid-August with each intern required to commit at least 1,050 hours. This internship emphasizes the learning and application of theories related to personal nutrition and counseling.
To apply, you will need to have or plan to have a master’s degree. In addition, an original Didactic Program in Dietetics verification statement recognized by ACEND is necessary.
To learn more about the OSU Dietetic Internship, click here.
3. Aramark Dietetic Internship Program
Tuition: $10,5000
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not available
Aramark, an American company specializing in food services, facilities, and uniforms, has been organizing internships for future dietitians since the early 90s. It is available twice annually: The Spring and Fall periods. You will need to log at least 1,000 practical hours to qualify.
The design of the program will allow you to learn various aspects of the field through clinical and management rotations. You can apply with a master’s degree, either one already obtained or in progress.
To learn more about the Aramark Dietetic Internship Program, click here.
4. Texas A&M University (TAMU) Dietetic Internship Program
Tuition: $9,665 $20,726
Financial Aid: Available
Stipend: Not available
The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Dietetic Internship Program is an accredited dietetic internship program that has welcomed dietetic interns since 1982. Considering its extensive history, there is no denying that it is one of the best dietetic internships in Texas.
The program has evolved from what was originally just an internship to a Master’s of Clinical Nutrition (MCN) program. You will be required to undergo 22 weeks (1,000 hours) of training that includes courses and practical work in nutrition.
To apply, the dietetic internship requirements include an original verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program, an undergraduate degree, and a GPA of at least 3.25. International applicants are also required to submit TOEFL test scores.
To learn more about the TAMU Dietetic Internship Program, click here.
5. City University of New York (CUNY) Nutrition and Dietetic Internship
Tuition: $7,440 $12,060
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not available
Those who crave internship experiences in diverse urban communities will love this program. Offered by the City University of New York (CUNY), this internship provides interdisciplinary practices and didactic experiences. Interestingly, it also accommodates remote interns.
Application qualifications for this program include completion of a DPD accredited by ACEND, submission of an original verification statement, and possession of a master’s degree. Then, you will need to commit at least 1,180 hours to your rotation.
To learn more about the CUNY Nutrition and Dietetic Internship, click here.
6. Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Internship Program in Dietetic and Nutrition
Tuition: Available upon request
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not available
As a program that has been opening its doors to interns since 1992, this internship by Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a great choice if you are looking for a distance internship that also offers both Graduate Certificate and Master’s Programs. It lasts for 1,000 hours consisting of theoretical and practical classes that will enhance your experience base in any future work environment.
Specifically, the internship will guide you in areas related to health and prevention that you can implement to deliver food and nutrition services. Application to this program requires a bachelor’s degree and an original DPD verification statement.
To learn more about the BGSU Dietetic Internship Program, click here.
7. Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) Dietetic Internship
Tuition: $2,500
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not available
First accepting interns in the late 1950s, the Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) Dietetic Internship is one of the oldest in the entire country. It offers two internship tracks: YNHH Clinical Emphasis Dietetic Internship for those with a master’s degree and YNHH Internship in Clinical Nutrition Program for those currently pursuing master’s studies.
The training lasts 9 months at YNHH’s state-of-the-art academic medical center. Applications open every April, with internships starting in January and ending in September. To qualify, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed an ACEND-accredited DPD. In addition, an average GPA of 3.4 would be advantageous.
Students looking for the cheapest dietetic internships in Connecticut are strongly advised to consider this program. To learn more about the YNHH Dietetic Internship, click here.
8. Bastyr University Nutrition Dietetic Internship
Tuition: $13,170
Financial Aid: Available
Stipend: Not available
This 10-month internship program is offered by Bastyr University, a post-secondary institution renowned for its alternative medicine programs. You will undertake at least 1,200 hours of enrichment projects and didactic courses to develop your knowledge and skills in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.
To apply, you must have previously obtained an original verification statement from an ACEND-accredited DPD and a master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or similar program. Bastyr University accepts international internship candidates upon presentation of similar documents as mentioned above.
To learn more about the Bastyr University Nutrition Dietetic Internship, click here.
9. NutraCo Dietetic Internship
Tuition: $11,750
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not available
Looking for an internship program with flexible rotation schedules, diverse concentration options, and job opportunities with a reputable company after graduation? NutraCo has the answer.
In particular, this 9-month full-time internship offers three program concentrations for you to choose from: long-term care, medical nutrition therapy, or wellness promotion.
To apply, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and meet the requirements of ACEND-accredited coursework. Then, to be considered, you must apply to a graduate school program. NutraCo will grant more preference to applicants with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
To learn more about the NutraCo Dietetic Internship, click here.
10. Montclair State University (MSU) Dietetic Internship Program
Tuition: $14,000
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not Available
One of the top post-secondary institutions in New Jersey, Montclair State University offers an internship program with an emphasis on nutritional therapy. It is a program that is suitable for graduates who aspire to immediately jump into the workforce as entry-level dietitians.
An internship at MSU usually lasts 9 months and is full-time in the Spring term. It consists of at least 1,080 hours of practice and education in a classroom setting. Applicants are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree to be considered for the program.
To learn more about the MSU Dietetic Internship Program, click here.
11. University of Michigan (UMich) Dietetic Internship
Tuition: $8,000
Financial Aid: Not available
Stipend: Not Available
This internship program by the University of Michigan (UMich) is a great alternative for those looking for a quick-period internship to obtain certification as an entry-level RDN. It offers 1,080 hours of supervised practice lasting between 6 to 7 months. You will complete rotations at sites within Southeast Michigan.
In order to apply, you must have a DPD verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program and have or be working towards a graduate degree (with graduation prior to the internship start date). Preference will be given to applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
To learn more about the UMich Dietetic Internship, click here.
What’s Next?
We have more than just references on the best dietetic internship programs. Previously, we shared a list of internships that will surely enrich your work experience. Alternatively, these internships with Google will definitely boost your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job with the world’s tech giants.
