Dietetic Internship
Gain the supervised practice experience necessary for becoming a registered dietitian.
The dietetic internship (DI) at UMass Amherst is an 8-month certification program that provides diverse, enriching supervised practice experiences that form the basis for all careers in dietetics. Our program can accommodate up to 10 students each year as part of our MSDI (Master's of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship) program or in the standalone DI. We offer prior learning credit to qualified students with confirmed experiences in areas of community nutrition or food service management.
Upon successful completion of the MSDI (or DI with prior master’s degree), 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.
Benefits list
Supervised Practice
Supervised practice takes place throughout western Massachusetts and the surrounding area. Required rotations include clinical practice, food service management, community nutrition, and the VA. Additional time may be spent in areas including pedi GI, sports nutrition, supermarket/media, and WIC.
Rotation Sites
During their supervised practice, dietetic students spend over 1,000 hours with community partners including Berkshire Medical Center, Baystate Health Systems, UMass Amherst and local public school districts, Rachel’s Table, WIC, Elder Services, and the VA Medical Center in Leeds.
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.
Featured Faculty
Christy Maxwell
Director, Dietetic Internship Program
Focus on clinical dietetics, nutrition counseling, and nutrition education
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.