Frequently Asked Questions about the Dietetic Internship

How do I become a registered dietitian (RD)?

Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website link for "Frequently Asked Questions about Careers in Dietetics". This site has helpful information, requirements and procedures to become a RD.

How do I improve my chances for matching to BWH dietetic internship?

Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website for general information. Our candidates meet, if not exceed, the minimum requirements listed on our webpage, plus have extensive nutrition work and/or volunteer experiences, well written personal statements addressing why BWH is a “good fit” for them and their professional goals, as well as outstanding references. It is difficult to say one or two aspects that make “an ideal candidate.” We look for professionalism, maturity, flexibility as well as strong academics.

Do you accept international students?

Yes. Please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website for specific information for international students.

What kind of references do you want for the application?

References should speak to your academic ability and professionalism. While there is no set recommendation, ideally one should be from a work supervisor; the other two can be from academic advisors, volunteer supervisors, and/or supervisors of nutrition related experiences. These references should be able to assess your skills and knowledge, therefore should probably know you for at least one year in an academic or working environment.

What do you want in a personal statement for the application?

Strengths, weakness, short and long-term nutrition career goals, as well as why you think BWH would be a “good fit” for you. Your personal statement should be as concise as possible and have no spelling or grammatical errors.

Do you provide any benefits to dietetic interns?

Yes. Discounted transportation via public transit, $300 per month meal card allowance, one week of vacation, 9 hospital holidays, and five days that do not need to be made up (illness, personal).

Do you require weekend work?

Yes. Our interns are expected to work one weekend during their senior staff experience rotation.

What is the pass rate for the RD exam?

100% over the past five years per the CDR report.

Do you hire your dietetic interns?

Yes, if there are open entry-level opportunities.

What types of jobs do interns receive after completing the internship?

Our interns successfully seek employment in a variety of settings after graduation. Over the past few years, our graduates have worked in clinical dietetics (inpatient and outpatient), private practice, research, long term care, WIC, corporate wellness, community nutrition, and industry / trade associations.

Do you provide documentation/assistance to defer educational loans?

Yes. We can provide a letter or complete the appropriate documentation, based upon your investigation of what your specific loan deferment needs are.

Will I be able to work during the internship to supplement my income?

The internship is a full-time job+ and is very demanding. Highly flexible evening/weekend work is usually the best fit.

When are the tours and how long are they?

Tours are held July to January and generally last 1.5 hours. This allows enough time to meet with the Associate Director and/or Director to discuss the internship and answer questions, plus meet with current dietetic intern. Tours will be held both in person and virtually via Zoom. Please email Mary Ellen Kelly at mkelly1@bwh.harvard.edu with questions or to sign up for a tour.

Do you require GREs?

No.

Do you have to have a master’s degree to apply?

Yes. As of 2024, a master’s degree is required to sit for the RD exam.

Do you offer the option to earn my master’s degree while I’m in the internship?

You must have a completed master’s degree prior to beginning the internship.

Do you require clinical experience to apply to the internship?

No, but it can help with a smoother transition into our clinically focused internship.

Do I have to apply twice in DICAS given the two start dates?

No. Only one DICAS application is needed for our internship.

How are the start dates decided?

On a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have been accepted in the fall and agree to join our class you can request your start date at that time. If you have been accepted in the spring you will be placed where there is an opening.

How recent does my education need to be to apply?

DPD requirements completed within three years of applying. However, if greater than three years, relevant work experience and a recent MNT course will be considered. Each application will be evaluated on an individual basis and a decision will be based upon all information provided by candidate.

Do you require/conduct interviews?

Yes, we do conduct brief interviews via Zoom or phone.

Our ideal candidate has a strong academic background in science and nutrition courses, consistent work experience (preferably in nutrition), nutrition related volunteer experience, leadership roles, good writing and oral skills, and is able to demonstrate they can manage multiple responsibilities in a high pressure environment. Interns who are professional, mature, self-aware of strengths and areas of improvements typically perform well and have an excellent experience in our internship.

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