Content Comparison

Director:
Nancy Rindfuss, M.A., R.D.N., C.D.N.
554 White Hall
(315) 443-2269
napaul@syr.edu

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RE=Required Element by ACEND                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

N.S.D. Faculty, Adjuncts and Staff 

View an online listing of Faculty, Professional and Administrative Staff

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A portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that exhibits the student’s efforts, progress, and achievement in one or more areas. It is a crucial part of the internship or job selection process. It may not only get you may not only get you an interview, but it also may clinch an internship spot or secure a job offer. It is important for you to have an effective way to show your work. A portfolio should demonstrate self-awareness, understanding of the field, creative ability, technical proficiency, and an abundance of ideas. It should be a systematic package of your visual solutions to real or practice assignments. The overall appearance and content of your portfolio leaves a lasting impression about your unique style, talent, and expertise.

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More and more students are turning to technology to showcase their work on C.D., laptops or through the W.W.W. As access to the W.W.W. becomes commonplace and designers are developing solid Web design skills, creating . Creating a site that showcases your work is yet another option. As with any portfolio, only include work on your site that you would want an employer to see. It is wise to check to see what an employer's preference and capabilities are in terms of viewing an interactive version of your portfolio. Weebly or Wix are sample formats.

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Courses that are taught online require access to technology so that students can reliably attend class and engage in course activities.   Visit our Online Success Toolkit and ITS New Student and Welcome web pages for more information.

Blackboard is the Supported Learning Management System at Syracuse University. Online testing is completed using Blackboard which includes Microsoft two-factor authentication. Digital identities at Syracuse University begin with the application process. The process includes the creation of a unique Syracuse University computing and network system identifier (NetID). The NetID and password enable a student to access our systems, such as the learning management system. Access to the University's computing network and online services are controlled through the NetID username and a password. Information about the Net ID and Password process can be found at: Net ID and Password.

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The dietetic internship provides a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice. Internships follow completion of at least a bachelor's degree and ACEND coursework requirements. The program is usually completed in 6-24 months depending on the availability of a part-time schedule or requirement of graduate credit. An individual completing the program who is verified by the program director.  Beginning 1/1/24, you must then now complete a dietetic internship and graduate degree in order to take the credentialing exam to receive the RDN credential.  The internship and graduate degree can be completed in one program or separately.

Appointments to most dietetic internships are awarded on a competitive basis through a computer matching process. Refer to the appendix for a list of resources for success. Prospective applicants may contact program directors for current information, including application deadline dates. Programs will provide application forms and detailed information on program requirements, tuition, and financial aid upon request. A list of all Dietetic Internships can be found online. The website also contains the link to all the programs.

The A list of all Dietetic Internships can be found online. The website contains the link to each specific program. Check each program for details regarding their application process. The application process is done similarly to graduate school where you apply to multiple programs and then choose where you would like to attend based on acceptance. The Applicants Guide to Supervised Practice includes information on many ACEND-accredited dietetic internships. This is available in print for your use in the N.S.D. office.

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• Part time or full time

• Length of the program

• If grant a master’s degree, earn graduate credit, or offer no graduate credit at all

• Number of students accepted

• EmphasisPrograms focus (if any): general, clinical, community/public health, or food management etc.

• Location of country

• Setting of program: Health care institution, community agency, University or College setting

• Cost

• Housing options

Beginning the search process

Start your search by reviewing the handbook entitled “Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice Programs”. It is available for your use in the N.S.D. department. This handbook identifies the type of program, program focus, program cost/benefits, admission requirements, and applicant evaluation. There are about 250 programs, so it helps to narrow down your choices by first considering location and cost.

Write or e-mail a number of different programs that interest you. If you are able, attend the open house or visitation sessions (typically scheduled Nov. through Jan.) made available by the supervised practice programs with which you are interested. Summer is an excellent time to get a jump-start on the internship research process and may allow you time to visit.

After reviewing the information, write down any questions you might have regarding the program. Follow-up with an email or telephone call to the director of the program. Plan to apply to several programs that interest you. There is an application fee. Students should apply to several programs due to the competitiveness.

Completing the application process

• Pay attention to directions! There may be some D.I.s that request a paper application; most do not.

• Refer to this site to access the D.I.C.A.S. (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System) Application. There are fees for each program you apply to.

• Make sure you complete each program’s requirements and application forms according to the directions (i.e., some programs require G.R.E.’s and you also have to apply to their graduate program).

• If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, i.e., grade point average, your chances of being accepted are greatly diminished.

• You will need three letters of recommendation. It is suggested that one be from your D.P.D. program director. Since most students apply at about the same time - ask your references early. Provide a resume and information about the programs you are applying to.

• The “Intent to Complete” is initiated by you and completed by the D.P.D. Program Director.

• Most supervised practice programs use a computerized matching system to select their class. You register with D & D Digital to complete this process. You rank order your preference for the programs to which you are applying. The cost for the computer matching process is ~$55.00. Be sure to follow the D & D Digital timeline for the annual match dates. The deadline for the Spring match is typically February 15th of each year. There is a fee for each program you apply to in D.I.C.A.S. and a separate fee that is paid directly to the dietetic internship.

• Remember, there are two opportunities to “match”, April and November. If you find the D.I. Program on the Academy website, it will tell which match process they participate with. The most popular is spring.

• Upon program completion, with the Falk College Recorder confirming your degree, a D.P.D. Verification is issued by the D.P.D. Director and mailed to you. This typically takes a few weeks after graduation. You should receive your Verification Statement by the end of July. You submit this to your D.I. director upon starting your program. You also will need to provide them with an official transcript that shows you were awarded a bachelor’s degree.

Interviewing

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Once you have applied, your application is reviewed and:

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If you meet the program’s requirements, an interview might be scheduled. If at all possible, visit the program in person. If this is not possible, ask if a telephone interview can be arranged.

The interview provides the program the opportunity to meet you and judge how well you would “fit” into the program. It also provides you with an opportunity to see if the program “fits” your needs.

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You might want to consider the following while reviewing the various programs:

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How flexible is the program?

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With what type of learning environment do you best learn? Do you need structure or do you learn better independently?

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What are your long-term goals? How will the program help you achieve them?

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What percentage of the students have successfully taken the registration exam?

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Does the program help you with career placement?

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Completing the application process

Review each program’s website for directions to apply. You will learn all about the application process to these programs in NSD 476 during your senior year. A DPD Verification Statement is helpful to have when applying to programs but not necessary. Reference letters and transcripts will also be required as part of the application process. GRE scores may or may not be required. There will be fees as part of the application process too. D.I.C.A.S is a platform that can be used to apply to some programs. Upon program completion, with the Falk College Recorder confirming your degree, a D.P.D. Verification is issued by the D.P.D. Director and mailed to you. This typically takes a few weeks after graduation. You should receive your Verification Statement by the end of July. You submit this to your D.I. director upon starting your program. You also will need to provide them with an official transcript that shows you were awarded a bachelor’s degree.

Interviews

Some programs may require an interview as part of their selection process. Learning the interview process is essential for programs that you have applied to or for any future jobs.

• An interview provides the program or future employer the opportunity to meet you and judge how well you would “fit”. It also provides you with an opportunity to see if the program or job “fits” your needs.

• If you are granted an interview, be prepared by:

  • Finding out if you are being interviewed by one person, a panel, or rotating through a series of interviews.

  • Ask how long the interview lasts.

  • Are there sample questions to help you prepare?

  • Will you have the opportunity to tour the facility?

  • Will you have the opportunity to meet current students?

• On the day of the interview:

  • Arrive early.

  • Wear conservative professional attire.

  • Bring your a portfolio if able.

• The actual interview provides you with the opportunity to “sell” yourself.

  • Be clear as to why you want this particular program.

  • Explain any low academic grades.

  • Describe work or volunteer experience and how the skills you learned will enhance your performance in the supervised practice.

  • Show your portfolio.

  • Some programs test the academic knowledge of the students before accepting the student.

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2020: 100%; 2021: 100%; 2022: 100%; 2023: 100%; 2024 of S.U. D.P.D. students (undergraduate and graduate combined) matched with a dietetic internship. The national average is 66%.

Some resources you can find at the ACEND website include

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F.A.Q.: Top 10 Questions about Computer Matching for Dietetic Internships (D.I.s)

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Availability of Dietetic Internship Positions

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Suggestions to Improve Your Chances at Getting a Dietetic-Internship Position

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Computer Matching: Applicant Responsibilities

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How to Apply for a Dietetic Internship

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Computer Matching Timelines

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The ACEND website includes helpful resources: ACEND Student Resources

Registration Exam

Once you have successfully completed a Dietetic Internship and graduate degree (see below), you will be verified as eligible to take the Registration Exam for Dietitians. The exam is computerized. We highly encourage you to take your R.D. exam as soon as you are eligible because the longer you wait, the likelihood of obtaining a lower or failing score increases. The overall 3-year average pass rate in the country for test takers who passed within one year of their first attempt is 89%; The current 3-year average (2020-2022) R.D.N. pass rate for S.U. graduates taking the R.D. Exam for the first time= 93%.

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Sophomore

Junior

Senior

D.P.D./Nutrition Undergraduate Course Sequence - Fall 2024

Freshmen

Fall

Spring

Sophomore

Fall

Spring

Junior

Fall

Spring

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