Program Overview

Introduction to the Dietetic Internship Program

The Dietetic Internship Program is designed for individuals who have already completed their graduate degree. This program allows students to complete their Dietetic Internship as non-degree-seeking students (Graduate Special) and receive a Verification Statement upon completion of supervised practice.

About Option 2: Graduate Prepared

This option is specifically for individuals who have already obtained their graduate degree. As part of this program, students will complete their Dietetic Internship through the university as non-degree-seeking students. The program requires students to complete supervised practice to receive a Verification Statement from the Dietetic Internship Program.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Dietetic Internship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement
• Transcript confirming conferral of graduate degree
• A cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75

Application Process

Applicants are admitted to the Dietetic Internship Program on a competitive basis. The application process involves submitting an application through the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS).

Complete Application Includes:

1. Statement of Purpose: Include in the DICAS application, addressing the following questions (in 1,000 words or less):
   1. Why do you want to gain admission to the University's Dietetic Internship Program, and why is this program a good fit for you?
   2. What experiences (e.g., academic, co-curricular, employment) have helped you to prepare for this program?
   3. What are your short- and long-term academic and professional goals?
   4. What are your strengths and areas for improvement?
2. Three Letters of Reference: Enter the contact information for three references on the DICAS application. They will be contacted through DICAS to address the following questions:
   1. Summarize your relationship with the applicant applying to the University's Dietetic Internship Program. Please discuss the duration and nature of your relationship with the applicant.
   2. Describe and provide relevant example(s) of the applicant's analytical and problem-solving skills.
   3. Describe and provide example(s) of the applicant's communication skills and abilities to work effectively in a team environment.
   4. How would you quantitatively or qualitatively rank this applicant's readiness to succeed in the University's Dietetic Internship Program relative to other peers/employees?
3. Official Transcripts: From every institution attended. Request official transcripts to be sent directly to DICAS.

Important Dates

Fall 2025 Important Dates

• Deadline to apply to DICAS: October 10, 2025
• Interview: Variable time frame
• Notification date (accepted, waitlisted, rejected) - Letter sent by email: November 1, 2025
• Decision date: November 15, 2025
• Supervised practice dates: January 20 - July 10, 2026

Completion Requirements

Graduate Prepared interns will receive a Dietetic Internship Program Verification Statement after successfully completing a minimum of 1,000 hours of documented supervised practice experiences necessary to acquire the ACEND 2022 Core Competencies for the Registered Dietitian.

Cost and Financial Aid

Program Fees

• Application fee for graduate school (domestic): $60.00
• Registration for NUTR 727 ($353.50 / credit x 3 credits): $1,060.50
• Internship flat fee: $5,000
• Tech fee ($18 / credit x 3 credits): $54

Internship-Specific Costs for All Internship Options

• Pre-internship requirements: Medical exam, immunizations, titers, and TB testing: $100 - $200
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: $30
• Food Handler Exam or ServSafe Manager Exam: $15 - $36
• Scrubs (if required): $25 - $50
• Liability coverage: $32 - $50
• Books, general supplies: $100
• Average monthly one-bedroom apartment rental in Reno or Las Vegas: $1,045
• Transportation costs (will vary): $200 - $300

Options for Financial Aid

Student interns may apply for private student loans. Prospective students should contact the University's Financial Aid Office for all financial aid information, including the amount of collegiate loan certification. Student interns are encouraged to apply for scholarships from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.