Dietetic Internship Program

Application Information

To be accepted into the program at Viterbo University, students must meet the following requirements: 

• Completion (by July 15, 2013)* of a Bachelor of Science degree and the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Requirements.  NOTE:  For those submitting the Declaration of Intent form, a Verification Statement and an official transcript verifying awarding of a Bachelor's degree must be received by the Internship Director at Viterbo University, postmarked, no later than July 26, 2013. Acceptance of these individuals is conditional upon completion of degree and minimum academic requirements as specified above.  Failure to submit these items by the due date will nullify acceptance status.
• Cumulative (at graduation) undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Strong science background. Transcripts must show at least a grade of C in each of the following undergraduate courses:  Freshman chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology (or separate courses), Biochemistry, Organic chemistry, Experimental foods and/or food science.
• Strong nutrition background. Transcripts must show at least a grade of B in each of the following undergraduate courses:  Normal nutrition, Advanced nutrition, Foodservice systems, Medical nutrition therapy.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to work as a team member.
• The ability to function independently.

Once matched to Viterbo's internship, all dietetic interns must also successfully complete a Background Information Disclosure form and a criminal history check that is in compliance with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law.  Information on this process is sent to interns once they are matched to the internship.  Those whose criminal history check identifies bars to clinical placement or places restrictions on client contact will not be admitted to the program.  Falsifying information on any Criminal History form results in immediate dismissal from the internship program.

 Upon acceptance to the Viterbo Dietetic Internship, a brief online Viterbo application will need to be completed to get the student into the system. Do not fill out this application until you have been matched and accepted into the Viterbo Program and instructed to do so by the Program Director. 

For Internships Participating in Centralized Application System for Spring 2013 Computer Matching Process

• The program is using the on-line centralized internship application, DICAS, which may be accessed at https://portal.dicas.org; e-mail DICASinfo@DICAS.org. The on-line application must be completed for our program by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15, 2013.  The fee to use DICAS is $40 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application.
   
• Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a personal statement in 1,000 words or less.  Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
  - Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  - What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
  - What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  - What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
   
• Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to:   DICAS - Transcript Dept., PO Box 9118, Watertown, Ma 02472
   
• When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed on-line. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
   
• Applicants must also register online for computer matching and select  dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15.  There is a $50.00 computer matching fee.
   
• Applicants will participate in a phone interview with dietetics faculty as part of the selection process.

Jessica Madson, MS, RD, CD
Nutrition and Dietetics Department 
Viterbo University 
 900 Viterbo Dr.
 La Crosse, WI 54601 
 ATTN: Dietetic Internship 
 FAX: (608)796-3668

Viterbo University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. This means that admission into this and all programs at Viterbo does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, age, disability, or sexual orientation.