Internships & Practicum Programs |
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What is a Dietetic Internship Program
Dietetic Internship is a formalized learning program in which academic knowledge gained in a university program is applied in practice-based settings. Settings include hospitals, Long Term Care facilities, Health Units, and food industry. Dietetic internships/practicum programs are accredited by Dietitians of Canada. Program length varies but is usually 40 to 45 full-time weeks.
Programs are designed to develop the competencies required of an entry-level dietitian by providing practical learning experiences that permit the student to:
- Apply knowledge, in supervised situations, under the guidance of an RD preceptor
- Acquire skills and gain professional experience in a variety of practice settings which complement academic preparation
- Develop self-confidence and expertise in the performance of professional responsibilities
- Participate in professional development and research activities.
A dietetic internship/practicum program can be completed in one of three ways:
- as part of a Dietitians of Canada (DC) accredited undergraduate degree program (integrated/stage/coordinated)
- as post-degree DC accredited dietetic internship program through the internship selection process
- as part of a DC accredited Masters Practicum program.
The graduating intern receives a diploma as tangible evidence of fulfilling the requirements to qualify as a Professional Dietitian. Graduates are then ready to put their skills and experience to work in one of many practice areas. Click here for information on the dietitians' roles in the workplace. The graduate intern is eligible for full membership in DC and is expected to join Dietitians of Canada and must register with the regulatory body (College or Association) in the province where she/he is employed.
Dietitians of Canada Dietetic Internship Selection Process
DC manages an annual selection process on behalf of post-degree DC accredited dietetic internship programs. The application process consists of preparation and submission of an internship package and registration in the computerized selection program.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
- Graduate of DC accredited undergraduate program
- Candidates who wish to apply for a dietetic internship within 3 years of completing a DC accredited undergraduate program do not require academic updating.
- Those interested in applying after 3 years must undergo an assessment prepared by DC or a DC accredited undergraduate program to determine eligibility. The assessment will determine which course(s) must be completed in order to be eligible for an internship program.
Download the Canadian Assessment Information Sheet in PDF format.
- Graduate of Canadian undergraduate program not accredited by DC
- Individuals who have completed a Canadian degree program not accredited by Dietitians of Canada must contact a DC accredited undergraduate program to inquire about the process required to meet academic equivalency to apply for dietetic internship.
How to Apply
1. Internship Application Package
Current information about internship programs and application packages are available at universities offering accredited programs in dietetic education or from Dietitians of Canada. Application packages are available annually the first week of October. Individuals not enrolled in an accreditated program may request a copy at centralinfo@dietitians.ca. A new package must be obtained each year to make application.
The package contains all forms necessary for application for internship, which includes deadlines, the cost of the computerized selection process, the summary of internship programs available, as well instructions for the application process for a Dietetic Internship.
Internship programs produce detailed brochures which are distributed to DC accredited undergraduate programs. If you are a Qualifying Member of Dietitians of Canada, internship selection information and program brochures are available on the DC Members Only web site.
Application may be made to up to three programs.
February 1 is the deadline for completed application packages to reach the Internship Programs.2. Computerized Selection Process
Applicants must remit payment to DC before February 1 to register for the computerized selection process. Detailed information on the online selection process is provided in the internship application package.
The above PDF documents can be viewed and downloaded using Adobe Acrobat Reader. 
Updated April 16, 2010.