So you want to get matched (to a distance DI)...

Questions about distance dietetic internships:

1. Where do I find distance dietetic internships?

2. What is the process for applying to one?

3. How do I find my own rotation sites?

4. What increases my chances of getting matched

5. How do I stay organized when applying to internships?

   1. Program organization?

   2. Program requirements and additional application factors for rotations?

   3. Preceptor/facility organization?

For a fall match (the due date is September 25th), I started getting organized and finding my rotations in July.  If you are in school you may want more time

• Reach out for letters of recommendation, and get those transcripts moving STAT!

• I would start outlining the personal statement soon so that way you don't rush it.

• Start filling out DICAS if this is your first time.  It is a lot of busy work getting the class and grade information in, so don't screw yourself over by rushing through and making a mistake.

1. Decide what program(s) you want to apply to.  This has to happen before finding preceptors because each program will have different requirement and timelines.

   • Use the Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice, EatRightPro.org, and program websites.  You want to make sure you are choosing a program that really fits you, and that you have all the information you need!  The Applicant Guide will show you all of the factors to take into consideration

     • I made an excel sheet Be honest here, this is your career.  I didn't choose the VA because my application did not match what they are looking for.  That's okay!  There are SO many programs, find one that fits you honestly, not that you have to pretend to fit.

       • Factors to take into account here are:

         1. Masters? No Masters? Graduate credits available?

         2. Part time or full time?

         3. Location.  Distance or in person?

         4. Length of program

         5. Which participate in the spring/fall match

         6. GPA requirements and what they rank as more/less important.  (GRE requirements if you are going masters?)

         7. Prices, scholarships, FASFA availability, and stipends.  Don't be shy about this, you are doing this research for you. 

         8. How many interns they take per match, compared with how many applications they receive

         9. Optional-emphasis (clinical versus community versus entrepreneurship)

       • Whatever way you stay organized best, keep it up to date.  I saved my excel sheet every day with the date so I knew which was most current.  It started with 8-10 programs, and I eventually deleted each one that I found was not going to be a good fit. 

1. Once you have your programs, then start looking at their rotation requirements.  Some programs will require XYZ and some will require ABC.

   • I recommend to make folders for each program, print out all their application requirements, and make a checklist for what each programs rotation and application requirements are (8 wk clinical vs 13 wk).

   • I added to the excel sheet, with what each program required for each rotation as well. 

   • Start any additional essays or admission requirements now as well.

1. Okay deep breath! You have the requirements, now its time to find your preceptors/facilities!  Make lists of all the possible rotation sites/hosts in the area you want to do your internship.  What can they offer? How many beds is the hospital? Are they accredited? Maybe they have had interns before and already have an agreement, this is very helpful.

   • Whether or not you apply to Iowa state, check out their webpage with all the programs that their previous interns have made agreements with.  If there is a facility you want and you see it there, that means they are familiar with the distance internship process and may be more willing to take you on. 

   • Reach out to other dietetic students or Facebook groups, see if anyone has completed rotations in the same areas as you, they may be willing to pass along their connections

   • I added onto my excel sheet yet again to help me stay organized with these availabilities (columns = type of facility, names, phone numbers and emails, contact history) (rows = each facility in the area).  This was separated by each rotation.

2. Call preceptors, or set up meetings, be ready-they may/will ask what the requirements are (this is why you decide on your programs first).

   • Have a script ready if you are calling

     • "I wanted to speak with your dietitian/supervisor/food service manager/dietary supervisor to see if you have any availability to take on a dietetic intern for the Spring/Fall of 20xx?"

     • "Do you have spring availability?"

     • "I am applying to distance programs, so I am arranging preceptors ahead of time."

   • Once you have them listening, be ready to tell them about your experiences and why they should agree.

   • Once they agree:

     • "Would you be willing to fill out paperwork?" 

     • "I will have more secure dates once I am matched but I am looking at a range to X to Y weeks."

   • Be clear that you are working with a distance program, and are not affiliated with anyone (yet).

   • Be ready for some people to say yes on the spot! My food service said yes to me on my first phone call with them, and I had no idea what to say!  I think this was a rare case, she didn't even ask about my work experiences or anything, she didn't see my resume until after she agreed! Some RDs really need the help of an intern, so they are very willing-especially in food service and community.

   • Be flexible with dates in order to get them to say yes.  I had to split my clinical rotation in half and complete it in 2 different facilities because of one of the preceptors availability.​

     • This is where the beauty of the distance program really shows itself.  Here is how my obtaining my clinical rotation went:

       • Secured 13 weeks at Facility A​

       • Facility A could only cover weeks 8-13, so I found Facility B

       • Facility B took on weeks 1-7, then Facility A could not complete the legal paperwork in time, so I had to find Facility C to cover weeks 8-13. 

4. Once you have your preceptors, do these things

   1. Find out when they are willing to take you on, get hard dates so you can set up your calendar since most internship programs will want to see that.

   2. Celebrate!

   3. Send a follow up email saying thank you.  Attach your resume if they don't already have it, and let them know that you are organizing the paperwork for them (this way you also have something in writing confirming that they agreed to take you on, not just over the phone).

   4. Set up your rotation calendar and schedule (before you send paperwork so you can give out the dates).

   5. Organize all paperwork, and fill out as much as you can (addresses, phone numbers etc.) so that the process is easy for the preceptor. 

      • "I know you are busy, thank you for taking the time to fill this out.  I am hoping to submit my application by ABC , if you could return the paperwork to me by XYZ it would be most helpful"

   6. Start working on the rest of the application!

Your chances of a match are increased greatly with a complete and accurate application.  Don't send 8,000 emails to your preceptors or to the program. Make sure you start early, so you do not miss easy aspects of the application or rush through any aspect.  Make sure your schedule is as complete as you can make it before submission.  Do the leg work now so that you don't have to do as much later.

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Keep this in mind as well, your rotations may change.  Preceptors may change their schedules, or cancel completely if an affiliation agreement cannot be made.  Don’t burn bridges or say no until you are 110% set!

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I cannot say this enough-stay organized.  Don't try and be the person to keep this all organized in your head, find the way in which it makes sense to you and stick with it.  Keep track of phone or email conversations so you don't ask repeat questions or call twice in one day on accident.

Here are some other thoughts and tips from my colleagues that  have also been matched recently, there is some repetitive information here, I left it so you can see the key things to think about!

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Sal: (Oakwood University) Do everything in a timely manner.  Tailor the personal statement to the program, and fill out DICAS to the best of your ability. Apply to the places that take the most people if your grades are lower (this increase your chances).  Study the programs you apply to and be ready to have tailored answers on paper or in person.

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Kylie: (Pomona) DICAS is repetitive, make sure you are consistent and get it 100%.  Have someone else check it just in case.  Personalize the statements for the program, order transcripts in advance and send hard copies/money on time.  Write any and all volunteer experience-the more the better.  I added that I was a team captain in college and taught swim lessons because it shows leadership capabilities and that I am able to teach.   Link the appropriate statements and references in DICAS to the appropriate program.  As far as distance, make sure your sites are all set before hand, you don't want to get stuck with leftover rotations, or none because the spots were taken. You get what you put into it, so if you want a certain experience, create it! Check the website to see if programs need extra factors.  Search scenario questions if you have an interview.  Large amount of volunteer work and high grades helped.  Anything you can add post graduation is good,to set yourself apart from other fresh graduates.

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Erika (currently getting her rotations for spring match): Think outside the box.  If you've exhausted all your options in your town, then look in another town where a family member may live and stay with them.  Plan ahead and start volunteering in the facility you want to intern at so they already know your face and work ethic. Schedule time in for the DTR/GRE if you

want that before hand. 

If you are a visual learner, I am happy to share my excel that I used to stay organized!