Program Overview
College of Natural and Health Sciences
Coordinator: Emily Boldrin, Ph.D., R.D.N.
Email: Emily.Boldrin@unco.edu
Location: Gunter 2590
Telephone: 970-351-1712
Website: www.unco.edu/nhs/nutrition-dietetics/
The UNC DI is a 20-credit hour online, post-baccalaureate supervised practice experience, non-degree, non-certificate program designed to prepare students for entry-level practice and successful completion of the Registered Dietitian Examination. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). While all coursework is completed online, supervised practice/internship hours are completed in person at approved sites located where the student resides, within the U.S., its territories, or U.S. military bases.
The DI has three primary practice areas: clinical, community and food service and are required of all interns in the program. In addition, there are three concentration areas to select from: ICU, Management in Dietetics, and Nutrition Education and Counseling in Dietetics. The UNC Stand-alone DI program starts in June and can accept up to 30 students a year and offers two timeline options.
- Part Time - can be completed in up to 14 months. Part-time interns rotate between 20 and 31 hours per week, starting in late June and ending by the second week of the following July.
- Full Time - can be completed in 8 to 10 months. Full-time interns rotate between 32 and 40 hours per week starting in late June and ending by the second week in April
Students have 3 years to complete the Stand-Alone Dietetic Internship program requirements. Students who successfully complete the DI and have their graduate degree, earn a Dietetic Internship Verification Statement which establishes eligibility to sit for the national standardized exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Successful completion of the CDR RDN exam results in the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and eligibility to apply for state licensure in those states that provide licensure for dietitians. At the state level, Colorado does not require licensure.
Admission
Location: All coursework is completed online, supervised practice/internship hours are completed in person at approved sites located where the student resides, within the U.S., its territories, or U.S. military bases.
Start Term: Summer
Admission Deadline
General admission:
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Applications due in DICAS by Feb. 1*
- Notification Date: March 1
- Applicant Decision Day: March 15
*The program reserves the right to extend the DICAS application deadline, and any such extension will be communicated to applicants actively in the process of applying through DICAS. However, an extension is not anticipated, and applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials by the February 1 deadline.
UNC DI Early Admission (Available to UNC students and alumni)
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Early admission allows qualified applicants to bypass the DICAS system and receive their acceptance notification earlier than our general admission candidates. Please email dietetic.internship@unco.edu for instructions on how to apply for early admission. Applications must be sent to dietetic.internship@unco.edu by 5 p.m. Mountain time on Dec. 15.
- Early Admission Applicants will be notified of admission decision by mid-January. Applicants are required to notify the program via email of their decision to accept or deny their position by March 15.
Acceptances are contingent upon final transcripts with DPD grades, DPD Verification Statement, confirmed graduate degree or confirmation of enrollment in a graduate program in good standing and with no more than 2 semesters remaining.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of an approved/accredited undergraduate program resulting in a Baccalaureate degree from a U.S. Institutionally Accredited college / university or a foreign degree equivalent to at least a U.S. baccalaureate degree.
- Verification of Completion form or Intent to Complete form signed by DPD Program Director of college/university where dietetics courses were taken.
- 3.0 on a 4.0 scale Grade Point Average (GPA) for all Undergraduate and Graduate courses combined. Exceptions may be considered by the review committee.
- *Mandatory essay question if GPA is equal to or below a 3.0 - in fewer than 300 words write an explanation of factors that contributed to the GPA and how you changed the way you approached your courses or the resources you utilized.
- Completion of a graduate degree in any field OR be in the process of completing a graduate degree. Confirmation of enrollment must be provided through an official transcript from the graduate program, along with a letter from the applicant’s graduate advisor confirming that the student is in good academic standing and has no more than two semesters remaining to complete the degree.
- Submission of completed Rotation Summary Form.
To be admitted to the UNC Dietetic Internship, the prospective intern, sponsoring facility and the preceptors must all meet certain requirements. TOGETHER they are evaluated for potential success. Please see handbook for requirements for preceptors/facilities.
Complete instructions on applying to the Stand-Alone DI through DICAS.
Technology Requirements:
- E-mail address that is active throughout the program, as well as reliable internet access, reliable computer, and webcam with video and microphone.
- A quiet, private place to participate in remote student hours and learning activities.
- Please see Tech Requirements for a complete list.
Application Process:
To apply, all applicants, except early admission applicants, must complete an online application through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (DICAS) portal. Applicants submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, a personal statement and 3 letters of reference, directly to DICAS.
The program reviews applications on a rolling basis. Only complete applications will be reviewed. After review, applicants will either be invited for a virtual interview or notified of denial. Applicants who submit their materials prior to the February 1 deadline may receive a decision at any time before the deadline.
Students have 3 years to complete the Stand-Alone Dietetic Internship program requirements.