Enter your email for free access to video clips featuring expert RD exam tips and practice questions!
Q: What Is a Dietetic Internship?A: The New York Distance Dietetic Internship is an accredited, supervised program designed to bridge academic learning with extensive clinical and community experiences. Our internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and provides the hands-on experience necessary to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam. We strengthen your clinical skills and build competencies in areas like food service, management, and community nutrition.
Q: Is the New York Distance Dietetic Internship (NYDDI) Accredited?A: Yes, NYDDI is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Dietetics (ACEND). Upon graduation, interns receive an official verification statement, certifying they are eligible to sit for the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist.
Q: What is the tuition and how is it paid?A: The tuition is $8,450 paid in two installments. The first payment is due one week after acceptance in the program, the second payment is due one week before the start of orientation.
Q: Can I Work During My Internship?A: Working while completing an internship is a challenge. If you must work during your internship, it is important to plan and communicate a schedule with your preceptor. Frank discussions about your work commitments can help you strike a balance between your professional responsibilities and internship obligations.
Q: Can I Finish My Master’s Degree During the Internship?A: Yes, it is possible to complete your master’s degree during the internship. However, caution is advised—you should avoid overloading your schedule to ensure the primary focus remains on successfully fulfilling the internship requirements within the one-year timeline.
Q: What Do I Need to Do to Receive Prior Learning Credit?A: Prior learning credit can be awarded for experiences in food service, community, or elective rotations if you have completed at least six months of volunteer or paid work experience. Clinical rotation cannot be counted toward prior learning credit. If you have an approved prior learning rotation you can waive one rotation (7 weeks).
It is important to note simple, entry-level tasks like handing out trays or merely circling menus in a diet office do not qualify. Instead, credit is typically granted for more substantive experiences such as conducting nutrition screenings or assessments that mirror the professional level of work expected in the internship.
Q: How Do I Find a Clinical Preceptor?A: Many area hospitals have existing contracts with larger teaching hospitals. Therefore, smaller community hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities are your best option. Frequently their dietitians have quality time to spend with interns which makes it a better experience for you.
Q: How Long is NYDDI?A: Full-Time Track: Typically, around 32 weeks (approximately 8 months) with a 40-hour work week. If you have an approved prior learning rotation you can waive one rotation (7 weeks).
Q: What Does a Typical Day Look Like?A: Due to the diverse rotation settings, no two days are identical. You might find yourself:
Preceptor Role:
Q: What Kind of Assignments and Projects Will I Work On?A: Interns typically complete assignments that might include:
These projects provide tangible evidence of your competencies and help build a body of work that can facilitate your transition to professional practice.
Q: How Is Intern Performance Evaluated?A: Interns are assessed through multiple avenues:
Q: What About Exam Preparation and Success Rates?A: We place significant emphasis on preparing interns for the RDN exam by:
We have a 92% first attempt pass rate.
Q: How Competitive Are These Programs?A: Dietetic internships are competitive due to the high demand for quality training.
Q: What do you look for in an applicant?A: We take a holistic approach toward reviewing your DICAS application. We look to see if you have a DPD, with a minimum of a 2.8 GPA, completed 1/3 or more of a master’s degree in any field.
Q: When do rotations begin?A: After the three-day mandatory orientation could begin your first rotation or if you need more time, you can wait up to 8 weeks before beginning your first rotation.
Q: Do rotations need to be scheduled back-to-back or can I have some space between.A: You can do back-to-back rotations or leave space between rotations. We all need time to recharge. Keep in mind that you have a cushion of time from beginning your first rotation until completing the internship.
Q: What Are Some Examples of Rotations?
