Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to find my own sites for my supervised practice before applying?
A: The internship staff will set up your clinical and foodservice management rotations in Sodexo managed accounts. Interns are responsible for finding their own community and concentration sites however, the internship staff is available to help along the way. Past interns typically have had no trouble finding community sites, as most of these organizations value your expertise in the field of nutrition. Concentration hours are sometimes completed in Sodexo managed accounts however, these hours can also be completed with preceptors outside our organization. Again, the internship staff will assist in guiding you through this process. Applicants to our internship are not required to identify preceptors prior to applying.
A: The internship staff will set up your clinical and foodservice management rotations in Sodexo managed accounts. Interns are responsible for finding their own community and concentration sites however, the internship staff is available to help along the way. Past interns typically have had no trouble finding community sites, as most of these organizations value your expertise in the field of nutrition. Concentration hours are sometimes completed in Sodexo managed accounts however, these hours can also be completed with preceptors outside our organization. Again, the internship staff will assist in guiding you through this process. Applicants to our internship are not required to identify preceptors prior to applying.
Is there a Distance Learning Option with our internship?
A: Sodexo has presence in over 1,000 health care accounts throughout the country. With our regional model, opportunities are available to complete your rotations throughout the Continental United States and Hawaii (see Our Locations). Classes will be held online monthly as either lectures and/or group discussions. Interns must attend these required classes. Additional required recordings of classes taught by faculty and preceptors to accompany each rotation are to be reviewed prior to starting each rotation.
Note: We expect that you are willing to go to any of the regions you list on the Sodexo Smartsheet for the length of your clinical rotation and will place you accordingly.
A: Sodexo has presence in over 1,000 health care accounts throughout the country. With our regional model, opportunities are available to complete your rotations throughout the Continental United States and Hawaii (see Our Locations). Classes will be held online monthly as either lectures and/or group discussions. Interns must attend these required classes. Additional required recordings of classes taught by faculty and preceptors to accompany each rotation are to be reviewed prior to starting each rotation.
Note: We expect that you are willing to go to any of the regions you list on the Sodexo Smartsheet for the length of your clinical rotation and will place you accordingly.
Do you give credit for prior learning / work experience?
A: Credit for past work experience may be granted, at the discretion of the internship faculty, only under specific circumstances. There is no guarantee that internship supervised practice hours will be waived.
See policy manual, Credit for Work experience – for more detailed information (find it under Policies and Procedures).
A: Credit for past work experience may be granted, at the discretion of the internship faculty, only under specific circumstances. There is no guarantee that internship supervised practice hours will be waived.
See policy manual, Credit for Work experience – for more detailed information (find it under Policies and Procedures).
Do interns rotate through all the listed locations in their Region?
A: No, interns are assigned to a city or area that they have requested on the Sodexo Smartsheet. Interns will complete their rotations at sites within that geographical location. The intern’s advisor will discuss geographical location of sites for the clinical and food service management rotation with the intern to ensure that the location is convenient for the intern. A primary objective of the Regional Model is to provide internship experiences in locations that are local for the intern.
A: No, interns are assigned to a city or area that they have requested on the Sodexo Smartsheet. Interns will complete their rotations at sites within that geographical location. The intern’s advisor will discuss geographical location of sites for the clinical and food service management rotation with the intern to ensure that the location is convenient for the intern. A primary objective of the Regional Model is to provide internship experiences in locations that are local for the intern.
Do interns ever have to travel all over a specific state to complete the different rotation requirements versus staying within one county?
A: The internship does not require interns to travel all over a state to complete the different rotation requirements. Interns may choose to relocate to complete a rotation in an area that is of interest to them, but this is always initiated by the intern, not the internship.
A: The internship does not require interns to travel all over a state to complete the different rotation requirements. Interns may choose to relocate to complete a rotation in an area that is of interest to them, but this is always initiated by the intern, not the internship.
May I submit a LinkedIn Profile as my E-portfolio?
A: LinkedIn profiles will not be accepted as an e-portfolio. For more information about e-portfolios, see our Application Process page and read through the pdf.
A: LinkedIn profiles will not be accepted as an e-portfolio. For more information about e-portfolios, see our Application Process page and read through the pdf.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
A: No. Your GPA is only one part of the DICAS application. When reviewing your application, we take all parts into consideration including the required electronic portfolio. Keep in mind however, we are a very competitive internship, and most accepted interns have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
A: No. Your GPA is only one part of the DICAS application. When reviewing your application, we take all parts into consideration including the required electronic portfolio. Keep in mind however, we are a very competitive internship, and most accepted interns have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Do you interview every applicant?
A: No. All completed applications will be reviewed and every section of the DICAS application along with the e-portfolio will receive a score. Qualified applicants scoring above our minimum score will receive an invitation to interview either in person or via Microsoft Teams.
A: No. All completed applications will be reviewed and every section of the DICAS application along with the e-portfolio will receive a score. Qualified applicants scoring above our minimum score will receive an invitation to interview either in person or via Microsoft Teams.
How will your internship prepare me for the RD/RDN exam?
A: Throughout your internship, you will have several online quizzes to test your knowledge. Towards the end of your internship, you will complete a mock RD/RDN exam, which will help to identify strengths and weaknesses in the various domains. Closer to graduation, you will receive access to our RD/RDN Exam web site with over 1500 multiple choice questions and countless study guides. This was a website developed solely for Sodexo Dietetic Interns.
A: Throughout your internship, you will have several online quizzes to test your knowledge. Towards the end of your internship, you will complete a mock RD/RDN exam, which will help to identify strengths and weaknesses in the various domains. Closer to graduation, you will receive access to our RD/RDN Exam web site with over 1500 multiple choice questions and countless study guides. This was a website developed solely for Sodexo Dietetic Interns.
What is your RD/RDN exam pass rate?
A: We consistently exceed a 90% average first year pass rate with our program.
A: We consistently exceed a 90% average first year pass rate with our program.
Can I get financial aid while completing my internship with you?
A: Yes and no. If you are enrolled in just the internship, we do not offer financial aid. However, if you plan to enroll in our Masters’ Track with URI, then yes. You can borrow over $40,000 which will cover your internship tuition, MS tuition and some living expenses. Many interns are also successful with deferring their undergraduate loans with the help of the internship staff.
A: Yes and no. If you are enrolled in just the internship, we do not offer financial aid. However, if you plan to enroll in our Masters’ Track with URI, then yes. You can borrow over $40,000 which will cover your internship tuition, MS tuition and some living expenses. Many interns are also successful with deferring their undergraduate loans with the help of the internship staff.
Why do I have to pay tuition for an internship?
A: Unlike other professional internships, dietetic internships are required to offer a formal accredited curriculum to prepare interns for the registration exam. This is equivalent to the clinical training received by nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals while they are pursuing their degree. The internship is evaluated on a periodic basis to ensure that it is compliant with accreditation standards. These activities require a trained credentialed faculty. The tuition is used to pay the salaries of the faculty and related expenses for maintaining an accredited program.
A: Unlike other professional internships, dietetic internships are required to offer a formal accredited curriculum to prepare interns for the registration exam. This is equivalent to the clinical training received by nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals while they are pursuing their degree. The internship is evaluated on a periodic basis to ensure that it is compliant with accreditation standards. These activities require a trained credentialed faculty. The tuition is used to pay the salaries of the faculty and related expenses for maintaining an accredited program.
Can I use a credit card to pay for my tuition?
A: Yes, we accept all major credit cards through our Sodexo Payment Portal, which is also used to pay for the application fee.
A: Yes, we accept all major credit cards through our Sodexo Payment Portal, which is also used to pay for the application fee.
Can the internship be completed part-time?
A: Our program is based on a 32 hours per week schedule. In some cases, an intern might be able to complete 24 hours per week, but that is up to the individual site and a decision regarding a part-time schedule is not possible until after the match. Generally, there is a little more flexibility during the Community and Concentration rotations as these will be scheduled by the intern.
A: Our program is based on a 32 hours per week schedule. In some cases, an intern might be able to complete 24 hours per week, but that is up to the individual site and a decision regarding a part-time schedule is not possible until after the match. Generally, there is a little more flexibility during the Community and Concentration rotations as these will be scheduled by the intern.
Can I complete more than 32 hours a week in Clinical and Foodservice?
A: This will depend on the site(s) you are placed in. 32 Hours is our standard, but if you want to complete the internship faster, your director can inquire after the match. Please review the pdf titled Sample Schedule on our Program Information page.
A: This will depend on the site(s) you are placed in. 32 Hours is our standard, but if you want to complete the internship faster, your director can inquire after the match. Please review the pdf titled Sample Schedule on our Program Information page.
How will I be matched to my concentration?
A: We are excited to offer ten concentrations. Depending on the availability of your choice in the region you applied, your top choice may not be available. We will do our best to match you to your preferred concentration however, ask that you rank your top 3 choices on the Sodexo Smartsheet online document A final decision about your concentration placement is determined after the internship match. Please note that this information is mostly for tracking purposes, and you can change your concentration after the match. This is quite common and will sometimes involve some discussion with your internship director. For more info, visit our Concentrations page.
A: We are excited to offer ten concentrations. Depending on the availability of your choice in the region you applied, your top choice may not be available. We will do our best to match you to your preferred concentration however, ask that you rank your top 3 choices on the Sodexo Smartsheet online document A final decision about your concentration placement is determined after the internship match. Please note that this information is mostly for tracking purposes, and you can change your concentration after the match. This is quite common and will sometimes involve some discussion with your internship director. For more info, visit our Concentrations page.
Are there assignments or other prep work between match day and orientation?
A: In preparation for your internship and your first rotation, you will be required to complete several assignments prior to orientation. Access to these assignments and more information regarding pre-program paperwork, tuition due dates, etc. will be communicated after the match.
A: In preparation for your internship and your first rotation, you will be required to complete several assignments prior to orientation. Access to these assignments and more information regarding pre-program paperwork, tuition due dates, etc. will be communicated after the match.
How much do I have to pay for the application fee if I choose more than 1 region?
A: If you are applying to one region, the application fee is $55.00. If you are applying to two or more regions, your application fee is $80.00. Please be sure to fill in all the required information on the Sodexo Smartsheet and submit your payment though the Sodexo Payment Portal. Refer to the Application Process page for more details.
A: If you are applying to one region, the application fee is $55.00. If you are applying to two or more regions, your application fee is $80.00. Please be sure to fill in all the required information on the Sodexo Smartsheet and submit your payment though the Sodexo Payment Portal. Refer to the Application Process page for more details.
Can I attend an Open House?
A: Yes, see the Open House page to learn about dates, locations and RSVP contacts.
A: Yes, see the Open House page to learn about dates, locations and RSVP contacts.
Do you require COVID vaccination?
A: Yes, we require full vaccination. Requests for exemptions and accommodations will be subject to review and approval by the supervised practice sites.
A: Yes, we require full vaccination. Requests for exemptions and accommodations will be subject to review and approval by the supervised practice sites.
I am not a US citizen. Can I apply to the Sodexo Dietetic Internship? Will the internship provide documentation for my application for a student visa?
A: Non-citizens can participate in the dietetic internship if they have permission to work or study in the US. The dietetic internship does not meet immigration requirements to be considered a school and cannot provide documentation to support an application for a student visa.
A: Non-citizens can participate in the dietetic internship if they have permission to work or study in the US. The dietetic internship does not meet immigration requirements to be considered a school and cannot provide documentation to support an application for a student visa.
Is it possible to hold a job while in the DI?
A: Yes and No. While it is possible to hold a part time job, we discourage you from working more than 10 hours each week so that you can fully embrace your internship experience. The rotations and internship assignments will keep you busy.
A: Yes and No. While it is possible to hold a part time job, we discourage you from working more than 10 hours each week so that you can fully embrace your internship experience. The rotations and internship assignments will keep you busy.
Does the internship have any scholarships available?
A: Once matched to the program, interns receive information about applying to our internships. See our Scholarships page. There is an application process for the scholarships and a scholarship selection committee reviews all scholarship applications that are submitted. The amount of the scholarship is deducted from the final internship tuition payment. Some of our interns have also received other scholarships from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
A: Once matched to the program, interns receive information about applying to our internships. See our Scholarships page. There is an application process for the scholarships and a scholarship selection committee reviews all scholarship applications that are submitted. The amount of the scholarship is deducted from the final internship tuition payment. Some of our interns have also received other scholarships from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
How much time outside of my rotation hours will I need to devote to assignments?
A: Past interns have reported spending anywhere from 8-16 hours each week completing internship assignments. If you are planning to complete our combined MS, plan on spending at least 16 hours each week on assignments/MS classwork.
A: Past interns have reported spending anywhere from 8-16 hours each week completing internship assignments. If you are planning to complete our combined MS, plan on spending at least 16 hours each week on assignments/MS classwork.
Do interns attend an orientation?
A: Yes, all interns are required to attend an Internship Orientation. The Orientation Info page on this site lists the date(s) and location(s) of our upcoming orientation(s).
A: Yes, all interns are required to attend an Internship Orientation. The Orientation Info page on this site lists the date(s) and location(s) of our upcoming orientation(s).
Is health care coverage included or offered?
A: No, interns are required to purchase their own health insurance and to submit a copy of their health insurance card to their director prior to orientation.
A: No, interns are required to purchase their own health insurance and to submit a copy of their health insurance card to their director prior to orientation.
How is intern progress measured?
A: You will receive ongoing feedback during all rotations. In addition, you will receive a documented performance evaluation for the patient services, basic clinical, intermediate clinical, advanced clinical, clinical staff relief, clinical nutrition management, food service management, community, long-term care, and concentration rotations.
A: You will receive ongoing feedback during all rotations. In addition, you will receive a documented performance evaluation for the patient services, basic clinical, intermediate clinical, advanced clinical, clinical staff relief, clinical nutrition management, food service management, community, long-term care, and concentration rotations.
What is a typical day?
A: Depending on which rotation you are in, you will have an opportunity to document MNT for basic-complex patients, educate patients and family members on therapeutic diets, conduct nutrition classes, work all areas of the food service operation, provide nutrition education to community groups and much, much more! We often say to applicants that there is no typical day for an intern, and we encourage you to read through the Internship Blog to get a sense what the internship is like from our interns' point of view.
A: Depending on which rotation you are in, you will have an opportunity to document MNT for basic-complex patients, educate patients and family members on therapeutic diets, conduct nutrition classes, work all areas of the food service operation, provide nutrition education to community groups and much, much more! We often say to applicants that there is no typical day for an intern, and we encourage you to read through the Internship Blog to get a sense what the internship is like from our interns' point of view.
What projects are interns involved in?
A: Some of the highlighted projects include a Professional Research Presentation, Retail Management Event, System’s Analysis Project and a project related to your concentration. To learn more about these projects, we encourage you to attend one of our open houses.
A: Some of the highlighted projects include a Professional Research Presentation, Retail Management Event, System’s Analysis Project and a project related to your concentration. To learn more about these projects, we encourage you to attend one of our open houses.
Do interns receive holiday and/or vacation time?
A: Yes, as an intern you can schedule time off for national and/or religious holidays and in some cases, for vacation. Schedules can be individualized but should be approved by your Regional Director and preceptors.
A: Yes, as an intern you can schedule time off for national and/or religious holidays and in some cases, for vacation. Schedules can be individualized but should be approved by your Regional Director and preceptors.
