Application Process for 2024-2025 Academic Year

How to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Through Andrews University:

To become an RDN through Andrews University, please following these steps:

  • Complete at least a bachelor's degree*, from an accredited college or university recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE), with ACEND accredited coursework and receive a DPD verification statement. 
  • Complete the Andrews University ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship.
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be the minimum degree requirement for those seeking to become eligible for the registration examination for dietitians*. Students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program, or have completed a graduate degree prior to the start of the internship. For those that are accepted into the internship there is a simple application progress to enroll in the Andrews University MS Nutrition and Wellness.
  • Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national examination.
  • In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice as an RDN. For more information about state licensure requirements visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration site.
  • Continue to grow as a professional by obtaining continuing education units (CEUs) and maintain registration. 

The Andrews University Dietetics Internship fulfills the requirement of completing a supervised practice program. 

The Dietetic Internship provides graduate credits which may be used towards the MS Nutrition and Wellness, however, acceptance into the Dietetic Internship Program does NOT guarantee admission to any other AU graduate programs, and does NOT confer a graduate degree. 

*Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree

Students starting the Andrews University Dietetic Internship Fall of 2023 and beyond also need to:

1) Be in the process of completing a graduate degree,

2) Have enrolled in a graduate degree before starting the DI, or

3) Have previously completed a graduate degree in order to start the DI.

For more information regarding becoming an RDN, please visit eatrightpro.org. For more information regarding the CDR exam, please visit cdrnet.org.

Applying to the Andrews University Dietetic Internship 2024-2025 is a 4 step process:

Step #1 - Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) Application

Step #2 - Information & Application Fee For Andrews University D.I.

Step #3 - D&D Digital Computer Matching

Step #4   - Graduate Degree: enroll in a graduate degree, be in the process of completing a Graduate degree, or have previously completed a graduate degree by the time the internship has started

 

Pre-select Opportunity

The Andrews University Dietetic Internship can pre-select up to 7 qualified applicants! The following individuals are eligible to apply through the pre-select process provided they meet specific requirements post acceptance.

  • Current Andrews University Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate students in good standing in the dietetics track or DPD graduates.  A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required. 
  • Andrews University students enrolled and in good standing in the MS Nutrition & Wellness program.
  • Non-Andrews University students who fully apply and submit requirements and are accepted into the MS Nutrition & Wellness program by January 30, 2024. 
  • A DPD verification statement is required for all students prior to starting the dietetic internship.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.3. Preferred GPA is 3.5.

Pre-select Application Process

Submit DICAS application materials no later than January 12, 2024.

For non-Andrews University students, submit the full MS in Nutrition & Wellness application materials by January 19, 2024  in addition to completing the DICAS application process:

Complete the entire MS Nutrition & Wellness graduate application through the Graduate Enrollment.

Current MS Nutrition & Wellness students are eligible to apply as pre-selects to the Dietetic Internship using DICAS application system and do not need to complete a new application to the MS Nutrition & Wellness.

Request and complete the pre-select application and email it to: isaak@andrews.edu.

Prepare for a potential interview. Pre-select applicants may be called by the DI Director for an interview between January 15, 2024 and January 31, 2024. Interviews will be scheduled in advance.

Receive pre-select decision by Feb. 1, 2024. Please note that after acceptance of a pre-select slot, the DI Director will notify D&D Digital and you will be removed from computer matching. If the applicant is not admitted to a pre-select slot, they will still be considered an applicant to the Andrews University Dietetic Internship during the regular match and may also apply to other programs.

 

DICAS APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2024

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for DP and undergraduate courses is required.

  • Students with an overall GPA of 3.2 (or above), who also have some relevant work experience, are given priority.

  • Graduate student applicants are given priority.

STEP #1: DICAS APPLICATION

  • Our program participates in the online DICAS (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System). Please email DICASinfo@DICAS.org with any questions regarding its process. Our application will open July 24, 2023.

  • To access DICAS please visit https://dicas.liaisoncas.com/applicant The online application MUST be completed by 11:59pm Central Time on February 15, 2024. 

  • DICAS Application Fee: $50.00 for the first application submitted, and $25.00 for each additional application.

  • AU Internship Fee: $50.00 (see Step #2 for fee information). Make check or money order out to Andrews University and include your name. 

  • Application: Please be sure you have fully completed your DICAS application.

Reference Letters:

  • When completing the DICAS application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an email address) for all three references*. This will trigger an email message requesting completion of a reference form to be sent to the provided email. The form will be completed online. Please note that there must be at least one reference from a teacher (preferably the applicant's Didactic Program (DP) director) and one from a work supervisor. The third can be another teacher, work supervisor, or an RD.

Personal Statements: 

Applicants through DICAS will be required to submit a personal statement. This statement should include items such as;

  • Goals (short and long term) and how you developed them; experiences, interests, responsibilities and mentors who have guided your development should be mentioned.
  • Strengths developed through expereinces you've had which you can offer the internship as well as areas you would like to improve.
  • Reasons you would like to be part of Andrews University's Dietetic Internship Program specifically.

All applications are screened for completeness and presentation, GPA, work experience, community involvement, references and personal letter.

Applicants are ranked by the Andrews University Dietetic selection committee. The ranking is sent to D&D Digital Systems for computer matching. Many internship sites require a separate interview in order to be accepted at their internship site, however, for the Andrews University Dietetic Internship applicants may be contacted for a phone interview, if needed. If you haven't been contacted for an interview, please email diprogram@andrews.edu.

Transcripts:

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to (or as directed on DICAS website):


DICAS - Transcript Department
PO Box 9118
Watertown, Massachusetts 02472

Verification Statements:

  • All applicants must submit an original signed verification statement from an accredited Didactic Program indicating that all required coursework has been completed.
  • Students currently enrolled in classes must submit a "Declaration of Intent" listing courses in progress, then supply signed verification statements and final transcripts after graduation to AU DI prior to the start of the internship.
  • Graduates from dietetic programs should submit their verification statements only. No "Declaration of Intent" is required.
  • DPD Verification Statement must be within 3 years, preferred, or 5 years if DTR credential has been obtained. We will also consider those that have a DPD verification statement older than 3 years, if the applicant has retaken MNT and MNT lab recently. The DPD Verification Statement must be dated before the date of entrance into the internship.

Courses Included in Calculating GPA:

DP GPA: All Nutrition courses and Management and Organization, Human resources and Marketing courses. 

Science GPA: Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Introduction to Chemistry and Microbiology. 

Resume:

A current summary of your academic, employment and professional experience should be included in your resume. Please include your email address.

Financial Aid: 

Financial Aid is available for interns once they are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Nutrition and Wellness at Andrews University. 

Scholarships and stipends may be available through state dietetic associations and/or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It may be possible for students to obtain loan deferment for student loans while enrolled in the program or monetary support.
 

Step #2 - Information & Application Fee for Andrews University DI Applicants

Our program requires applicants to send additional information.

  • We require a $50.00 application fee (non refundable) that is to be sent to: 

Andrews University
Sherri Isaak MS, RD, CDE, BC-ADM
School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness
Internship Program of Nutrition and Dietetics
8475 University Blvd.
Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0210
(Please make checks payable to Andrews University)
 
*Note: We do our best to work with each intern to place them in a location that is the best fit for them, however, we can't promise to place you in your 1st choice. We ask that you provide 3 choices and you will do our best to place you within those. If you have extenuating circumstances or can only be placed in one location, this needs to be discussed with the program director and indicated on your additinal information form.
 

Step #3 - D&D Digital Computer Matching

  • Each applicant must register for matching with D&D Digital to create/edit/verify their prioritized list of Internship Programs by 11:59 pm Central Time on February 15, 2024.

  • If you completed and were selected via Pre-select, there is no need for computer matching.

Timeline for Internship Applicants for Spring 2024

  • Wednesday, December 1, 2023 - Applicants may begin online matching registration, pay the $65.00 computer matching fee by credit card, and enter their contact information and Dietetic Internship priority choices. Any new or edited Contact Information or Dietetic Internship priorities must be saved before exiting.
  • Questions? Contact D&D Digital at 515-292-0490 or email info@dnddigital.com.

  • Tuesday, February 15, 2024 - Deadline for online matching registration for computer matching is 11:59 pm CST, Tuesday, February 15, 2024. Applicants must register online at www.dnddigital.com, pay the $65.00 computer matching fee by credit card, and enter their Contact Information and Dietetic Internship priority choices. Applicants should only prioritize Dietetic Internships for whom they have submitted all completed application materials prior to the Internship deadline. 

  • March 20-27, 2024 - If desired, applicants may begin reordering online the list of Dietetic Internships prioritized at the deadline for online matching registration. 

  • Monday, March 27, 2024 - Deadline for online reordering is 11:59 pm CDT

  • Monday, March 27, 2024 - Deadline for withdrawing. If you make other arrangements and will not be able to accept a match that may occur, you must notify D&D Digital by email (dnd@sigler.com) of your decision to withdraw from Dietetic Internship matching by Monday, March 28, 2024 - The D&D Digital $55 fee will not be refunded if an applicant withdraws from the matching process. 

  • Sunday, April 7, 2024 (Notification Day) - Beginning 6:00 pm CDT, applicants will find their matching result on www.dnddigital.com through April 8, 2024 (Appointment Day) - This is the ONLY source of notification for applicants. Each applicant will receive either ONE MATCH or NO MATCH after log in.

All applicants who receive ONE MATCH will find the matched DI Program name and contact information to accept the appointment. The MATCHED DI Program is planning that the MATCH will be accepted. Matched applicants must contact the DI program on Notification or Appointment Day to confirm the acceptance of the MATCH. No arrangements should be made with any other DI programs.

Applicants who received NO MATCH will be given other instructions.

  •  April 7, 2024 (Appointment Day) - Matched applicants must contact the Dietetic Internship program by telephone, FAX or email on or before 6:00 pm (time zone of the program) April 2024 (Final date TBD) to confirm the acceptance of the MATCH. After this time, the program is under no obligation to hold the opening for the matched applicant.
  • April 8, 2024 - Beginning at 6:00 am CDT All Dietetic Internship Directors with openings may contact unmatched applicants who were originally on their prioritized list of applicants and offer an appointment. If contacted, appointments must be confirmed by 8:00 pm CDT,  April 8, 2024. 
  • April 2024 (Final date TBD) - Beginning at 11:00 am CDT the names of Dietetic Internship programs that did not fill their class and authorized the release of their name will appear on www.dnddigital.com. 
  • June 2024 (Final date TBD) - End of Applicant access to online information.

DO NOT FORGET 

  • The LAST DAY to reorder your internship site rankings is March 27, 2024. No changes may be made to your rankings after 11:59 pm Central Time March 27, 2024. 

  • The LAST DAY to withdraw from matching is March 27, 2024.  You must notify D&D Digital of your intent to withdraw in writing no later than March 27, 2024.

  • Please visit www.dnddigital.com to register for the matching process.

D&D Digital Systems
3805 Mathews Rd
Ames, Iowa 50014
Phone: (515) 292-0490 or info@dnddigital.com

Step 4

Students must be in the process of completing a graduate degree, enrolled in a graduate degree or have previously completed a graduate degree by the time the internship has started. For those that are accepted into the internship there is a simple application progress to enroll in the Andrews University MS Nutrition and Wellness.  Please email diprogram@andrews.edu for your easy application. 

 

For More Information Please Contact

 
Sherri Isaak Internship Program Director isaak@andrews.edu  or (269)471.3372
  School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness diprogram@andrews.edu or (269)471.3370