Types of Supervised Practice
What are the different types of programs I can apply to?
(a graduate degree is required to sit for the Registration Exam)
Dietetic
Internships
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To apply to SP programs, individuals must complete at least a bachelor's degree and ACEND-accredited coursework requirements (Didactic Program in Nutrition & Dietetics). Currently all DIs must provide at least 1000 hours of supervised practice. This is usually completed in 6-24 months depending on the requirement of a graduate degree. Individuals completing the program, who are verified by the program director, are eligible to take the RDN Exam.
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Stand-Alone DIs: are typically 6-12 months and can be at a university medical center, a university with contracts with local hospitals and sites, or a business with contracts with local hospitals and sites. You must already have a master's degree or be enrolled in a master's program to apply to these programs.
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Combined DI & Master's Degree: are typically 18-24 months and graduate courses are taken along with supervised practice. Applicants need to have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics and received a verification statement.
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Distance DIs: can be any of the above but interns typically complete their supervised practice in their own area with the DI being based elsewhere. Most programs require applicants to find their own preceptors. A few programs place interns in their own sites. Programs may be stand-alone or aligned with a graduate program.
Appointments to DIs are awarded on a competitive basis.
Prospective applicants should review program websites for the most up-to-date information, including application deadline dates.
Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
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CPs must provide the required dietetics coursework and at least 1000 hours of supervised practice within an academic program leading to a graduate degree.
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Successful graduates of Coordinated Programs, who are verified by the program director, are eligible to take the RDN exam.
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Prospective applicants should review program websites for the most up-to-date information, including application deadline dates.
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Who should consider a CP?
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Applicants who don't have an undergraduate degree from an accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition & Dietetics (DPD verification)
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Applicants who desire a graduate degree
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Most CPs accept DPD graduates
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Future Education Model Graduate Programs (GPs)
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All FEMGPs are offered at the graduate level and provide the required nutrition and dietetics coursework and supervised experiential learning to meet the competency requirements to be eligible to become a RDN. Programs are typically 18-24 months. Individuals completing the program, who are verified by the program director, are eligible to take the RDN Exam.