Once you have completed your DPD program and received a DPD verification statement, what are your next steps?

• You need to complete a supervised practice program, such as UNCG’s Dietetic Internship Program (DI) program.
• You must have a graduate degree (such as an M.S., M.A., M.Ed., or Ph.D.) to take the national registration exam.

UNCG offers a combined master’s degree with supervised practice (M.S./DI). We also offer a stand alone supervised practice (PBC/DI) program for students who already have a graduate degree.

Final semester of DPD program

• Apply for placement in a supervised practice program, such as UNCG’s DI program.
• Unless you already have a master’s degree, you should apply to programs where you can complete a supervised practice and earn a graduate degree at the same time
• UNCG DPD Students are eligible to apply for a pre-selected spot in the the combined Dietetic Internship program: M.S./.D.I. or the stand alone PBC/DI.
• Supervised practice programs can be found nationwide. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) maintains an accredited program directory of supervised practice programs with details about the cost, length, and type of program.
• Admission to supervised practice programs is competitive. A strong academic record, volunteer or paid relevant work experience, and strong recommendations from faculty and employers will increase the likelihood that a student will be admitted to a program. 
• The DPD program director will assist UNCG DPD students as well as alumni in applying to supervised practice programs.  

DICAS

All supervised practice programs have the option to participate in the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS). This portal allows applicants to apply to multiple supervised practice programs with a single application.

• Note that not all programs use DICAS, so read individual program websites carefully for application instructions.  

Matching Process with D & D Digital

Dietetic Internships programs require their students to go through D & D Digital: an online matching process that automatically matches the preferences of applicants with the preferences of the Dietetic Internship Program Directors.

Applicants are matched with one dietetic internship. These matches occur in April and November. The UNCG Dietetic Internship participates in the April match which is known as the Spring Match.  

Students should be aware and plan for the incurred costs of applying to various supervised practice experiences. These costs vary and may include the DICAS application fee, D & D Digital fee, individual program fee, and/or graduate school admission fee.

UNCG’s pre-selected students are not required to go through DICAS and D & Digital, or pay additional fees to apply to our DI program.

Overview of all Requirements To become an RDN