Dietetic Internship
Gain the supervised practice experience necessary for becoming a registered dietitian.
The dietetic internship at UMass Amherst is a 10-month (*on average) certification program that provides diverse, enriching supervised experiences that form the basis for all careers in dietetics. Accommodating up to 10 students each year, our program has two start dates. The fall program runs Sept-May; spring program runs Feb-Nov. *Program length may vary depending on prior learning credit, student’s progress, and/or desired experiences.
Upon successful completion of the internship, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Commission on Dietetics Registration exam to become a credentialed Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN). Graduates also meet the experience portion required to apply for state licensure in MA and other states. For more information visit “Pathway to RD/RDN and Licensure.” Use the links to the right to explore our program further.
The UMass Amherst Dietetic Internship (DI) program is accredited by ACEND, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetic, of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND is located at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
Benefits list
Virtual Open House
Want to learn more about the program? Watch this recording of our virtual open house and learn more.
ACEND Accreditation
The UMass Amherst Dietetic Internship (DI) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend, (reaccreditation cycle 2022-2029). Visit our website for more information on ACEND or our accreditation status.
Individualized Attention
Dietetic interns spend most of their time at field sites, where a one-to-one intern:preceptor ratio enables individualized attention. Many affiliated sites offer a wide selection, including a 64-hour specialty rotation (two 4-day weeks) working in an area of personal interest.
Three Rotations
Interns complete three rotations in one facility: clinical, food service/management, and community. All interns spend two weeks at the VA Medical Center in Northampton/Leeds to focus on outpatient counseling. A one-week rotation in long-term care helps meet clinical competencies.
Featured faculty
Christy Maxwell
Director, Dietetic Internship Program
Focus on dietetics, nutrition counseling, and inclusive teaching practice
Claire Norton
Undergraduate Program Director, Nutrition
Didactic Program in Dietetics Director, Nutrition
Focus on dietetics and eating disorders
Nutrition
Offering an interdisciplinary approach to the study and application of the relationship between diet, foods, and health.
Accreditation
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst Dietetic Internship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312.899.5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend. Graduates who successfully complete the DI program at UMass Amherst are eligible to take the CDR credentialing examination to become a credentialed Registered Dietitian (RD)or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Additionally, successful completion of the UMass Amherst DI program entitles graduates in good standing the eligibility to apply for state licensure in Massachusetts as well as many other states. However, please be advised that completion of any ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not provide an individual with licensure, nor does it automatically credential the graduate as a Registered Dietitian (see CDR exam). Interested individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice hours and examinations required to become a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist and/or credentialed Registered Dietitian. More information about state licensure and certification can be found on our website or by visiting this link: State Licensure.