Dietetic Internship Application Process

Applicants must meet the following requirements for entrance into this internship:

  • A minimum total GPA in both DPD coursework and graduate program of a 3.0
  • Completion of Baccalaureate degree of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) with a signed “Verification Statement”
  • Completion of or current enrollment in a student identified Master's Program prior to the start date of the internship

2024 Commission on Dietetic Registration Mandate

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). Those applying for the University of Kentucky Hospital Dietetic Internship in Spring 2023, or after, will be required to have completed or currently be enrolled in a master’s degree program as a requirement for admission to this program.

Admissions will also be based on the application submitted through DICAS, personal statement, transcripts/grades, letters of recommendation and work/volunteer experience.

All applicants meeting the academic requirements and technical standards shall be considered equally for admission to the program, regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, social or economic status, or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with university policy concerning smoking.

How to Apply

Prospective students wanting to apply to the program should complete the following steps: 

  1. This program uses the online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS), which can be found on the DICAS portal. The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application. DICAS requires the following components: 
    • General Application
    • Personal Statement: The personal statement should be submitted through DICAS. The personal statement should tell us about the person, not just list courses or accomplishments that we can find elsewhere in the application. It is a time to tell us why you think our program is a good match for your goals as well as a time to address any “hiccups” in the application.
    • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to DICAS following the process outlined on the DICAS portal.  Applicants who are accepted will be required to submit a final official transcript illustrating achievement and conferral date of at least a Baccalaureate degree before the internship program starts.
    • Declaration of Intent form or Verification Statement: Your didactic program director must review your declaration of intent or verification statement using the process outlined on the DICAS portal. Applicants who submit a Declaration of Intent form and are accepted will be required to submit a Verification Statement before the internship program starts.
    • Resume
    • References (a.k.a. Recommendations): Three letters of recommendation are required. We do not specify who these letters need to come from, but they should best illustrate your capabilities as a future dietetic intern.
  2. UKH internship program does not require a separate application fee.

University of Kentucky Hospital Dietetic Internship Specific Application Timeline

Application Open Date

The application portal through DICAS will open on October 7th for our program.

Application Due Date

We are requesting applications to be submitted by February 1.

Program Decision Date

Once an application has been received and reviewed by the selection committee, the Internship Coordinator will schedule a virtual interview with preferred candidates. You will be notified of an acceptance, wait list spot, or rejection no later than March 1.

Applicant Decision Date

You will have until March 15 to accept or decline our program's offer.

*Our program complies with the Dietetics Applicant and Program Code of Conduct and Traffic Rules and expects our applicants to do the same.

Applicant Responsibilities

Please consult the Academy/ACEND website to review Applicant Responsibilities for the Application and Appointment Procedures.

Background Check & Drug Test

Applicants accepted to the program will be required to undergo a background check and drug screen prior to starting the program. Please consider your own circumstances before applying to the program.