Minneapolis VA Healthcare System
|
Applications
Our program participates in the Spring DICAS application for both tracks and requires no additional fees beyond what DICAS requires. Our application period begins August 5th, 2025. Applications must be received and complete in DICAS by January 15th, 2026 at 11:59pm (Central Time).
For the MPS/DI track, you will need 2 applications:
1) by the early deadline of Dec 1st. to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
2) to our MPS/DI Track in DICAS.
For the MS Online/DI track, you will need 2 applications:
1) by Dec 15th. to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
2) to our MS Online/DI Track in DICAS.
Notification and Appointment Procedures
- Applicants will receive notification of their application status on or before March 1st, 2026, at 12 pm (Central Time). Applicants may receive an acceptance, waitlist status or declination notification.
- Applicants accepted to the program must notify the Dietetic Internship Director via email (preferred) or by telephone at 612-467-2566 to confirm acceptance of their offer by March 15th, 2026, at 4 pm (Central Time). After this time, the DI Program has no commitment to hold offers to applicants.
- For applicants on waitlist status, they will be notified of their acceptance should positions become available.
- A letter will be sent to appointees confirming the dietetic internship appointment. This letter is considered tentative until the appointee has successfully completed all hiring and onboarding requirements of the VA including but not limited to a background check with fingerprints, physical examination, and demonstrating satisfactory immunization/vaccination status.
Who should apply?
Any dietetic student who meets the below application requirements and is looking for:
- securement of a high-quality internship (early if MS/DI), ensuring peace of mind and a seamless progression into your career steps post-graduation
- comprehensive supervised practice with dedicated and engaged preceptors and director who work with you one-on-one
- extensive clinical and specialized experience in all hospital areas including renal, TBI/polytrauma, and spinal cord injury
- assistance in finding post-graduation employment
- an allocation (stipend), paid bi-weekly
The MVAHCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection of interns will be made without discrimination as to age, gender, race, color, religion, handicap, or national origin.
Click here for more on how to decide which track to apply for.
Application Requirements:
- US citizen
- A Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or declaration of intent to complete DPD program
- minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
- Males must have registered for selective service or be exempt (will be required to provide verification of status through Selective Service Online Registration Search)
- Cover letter/personal statement: in 1000 words or less, please explain why you are interested in our internship program specifically, how the program aligns with your career goals, and what you can contribute to our hospital system and team
- Resume: include all extracurricular activities, transferable skills and any leadership opportunities
- 3 References: two professors (including the DPD director) and one work supervisor (you may use alternate references with approval from the MVAHCS DI Director. Please email with questions.)
- Interview (you will be contacted individually)
- If DPD was obtained greater than 5 years ago, a transcript which includes six or more recent credit hours from Advanced Level Nutrition or Medical Nutrition therapy classes
- No credit is given for assessment of prior learning
- Master's Degree (must be completed before entering the program)
- Your acceptance letter to the program if you have received the letter in time for your application. If not available, please submit a note to the application committee that you have applied to the program and are awaiting a final decision.
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Dietetic Internship is accredited for 8 interns each year. Upon appointment to the internship, interns must submit proof of health insurance and provide documentation of an employment physical examination by their personal health care provider. Drug testing is not done at this time for dietetic interns; however, background checks and fingerprinting will be done prior to starting the internship and is paid for by the VA. Please feel free to email the Internship Director at with any questions about the program.
*Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites. The link will open in a new window.
