Chapter 6
The Supervised
Practice Experience

Trying Your Wings
• Critical time to try out the application of
theory in the “real world.”
• See what dietetics professionals do in a
variety of settings, challenges, decisions
made, and the “politics” of the workplace.
• Preceptors typically are not paid – genuinely
want to help the next generation of
professionals.

Competencies for the Supervised
Practice Component
• Core Competency Statements from ACEND.
• Supervised practice programs must provide a
minimum of:
– 450 hours: Students pursuing DTR credential
– 1,200 hours: Students pursing RD credential
• ACEND does not mandate the division of
supervised practice hours among the
different competencies.

When Does Supervised
Practice Occur?
• After a student graduates from an
ACEND-accredited DPD and is admitted
to a post-baccalaureate DI
– DIs may last anywhere from 6 months to 1 or
2 years, depending on the type of program.
– Some may combine a master’s degree with
the supervised practice.

When Does Supervised
Practice Occur?
• Students in a CP or ICP complete supervised
practice concurrently with their didactic
coursework.
– 21 CPs/ICPs provide an opportunity for students
to combine graduate coursework with supervised
practice, culminating in a master’s degree.
• Dietetic Technician programs complete
supervised practice concurrently with didactic
coursework.

Coordinated Program Versus
Dietetic Internship
• Important to weigh the pros and cons of either
decision.
• Wise students do their homework and learn about
each program’s strengths and weaknesses, talk to
faculty and students, and learn about the
“personality” of the program.
• Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice: Published
by the Academy’s Nutrition and Dietetic Educators
and Preceptors organization; can be purchased
through the Academy’s online catalog.

Coordinated Program Versus
Dietetic Internship
• Attend DI open houses (on-site or virtual
ones online).
• Participate in the student recruitment fair
and other student activities at the annual
Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo
(FNCE) of the Academy.
• Visit the Student Center section of the
Academy website (www.eatright.org).

Distance Internships
• 17 internships offer distance education
options.
• An applicant must find appropriate facilities in
the location where he or she lives and work
with the internship and the facilities to design
a personalized internship experience.
• Every program has its own policies and
procedures.

Applying for the
Supervised Practice
• Try to gain a variety of dietetics-related work experience.
• Investigate multiple supervised practice programs – don’t
put all your eggs on one basket.
• Craft your “personal statement” as to why you are
applying to each particular program.
• If applying for a DI, follow all requirements of the online
Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System
(DICAS).
• If applying for a CP, follow all application directions for
the program.
• Start early to obtain required letters of reference or
recommendation forms
• Submit official transcripts from all institutions

The Interview as Part of the
Application Process
• Programs may conduct face-to-face or
telephone interviews.
• Prepare for this interview as you would a job
interview.
• Check the Career and Employment Services
group on your campus for more assistance.
• If your interview is on the telephone, remember
to smile and be enthusiastic and upbeat. It
shows in your voice!
• Use a “land-line” for a telephone interview, not a
cell phone where the call may get dropped.

Computer Matching for
Dietetic Internships
• DIs participate in national computer matching for
internship placement.
• Computer matching uses the student’s
prioritized list of programs to which he or she
applied to match with the internship’s prioritized
list of preferred applicants.
• $50 charge to participate in the process.
• Register and prioritize your choices online at the
D & D Digital website (www.dnddigital.com).

Match Day for Dietetic
Internships Placement
• Dates for Match Day are announced by the Academy and
D & D Digital Systems each year.
– Students applying for a DI starting in the fall are notified of
acceptance in April.
– Students applying for a DI starting in spring are notified of
acceptance in November.
• If you are not matched, you may participate in a secondary
match for any unfilled internship slots. Or, you may elect to
wait until the next round of computer matching 6 months later
and reapply.
• The DPD Verification Statement for individuals who have
been matched to an internship must be signed by the DPD
director and sent to the internship director after all academic
requirements have been met.

Being Successful in the Supervised
Practice Experience
• Some things to keep in mind during your
supervised practice experience include:
– Establish a cordial and working relationship with your
preceptor(s) and share your interests and
professional goals.
– Come to your experience ready to take advantage of
this wonderful opportunity you have been given.
– Remember the big picture and use systems thinking.
– Plan your time wisely and accomplish as much as you
can.
– Be flexible, positive, enthusiastic, and polite.
– Demonstrate initiative, but remember there are limits
to your authority.

When Supervised Practice
Is Completed
• After successful completion of the
supervised practice, you will be issued a
Verification Statement.
• This indicates eligibility to take the national
Registration Examination for Dietitians
or Registration Examination for Dietetic
Technicians.