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Frequently Asked Questions Site Navigation
1. I heard it is extremely difficult to get into this internship. Should I apply? Yes! The MVAHCS dietetic internship is no more difficult to get accepted into than other dietetic internships. Any U.S citizen with a Master's Degree (for standalone DI) or Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics and a DPD verification statement (for M.P.S/DI or M.S./DI) who is interested in a comprehensive supervised practice experience with dedicated and engaged preceptors and director who work with you one-on-one, strong clinical and specialized experience, assistance in finding employment, and an allocation, paid bi-weekly, should apply. See Application tab for more specifics. 2. Which track should I apply for? MPS/DIIf you are a Bachelor's Student with a DPD verification statement, apply for the MPS/DI track.Step 1) Apply for the early application (deadline of 12/1) MPS/DI, through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.Step 2) Once you receive your acceptance letter, apply for the MVAHCS MPS/DI program through DICAS and include your acceptance letter in your application packet Step 3) Interview Step 4) Participate in the DND Digital match process and select program code 1056 Step 5) Get selected and have both your graduate class and your internship spot reserved! (If you applied spring of 2024, you would start graduate coursework in the fall of 2024 and your internship in the fall of 2025, to graduate in 2026). DI OnlyIf you are a Master's Student with a DPD verification statement, apply for the DI Only track.Step 1) Go to the MVAHCS DICAS page and apply to the DI Only, also known as the Stand-alone DI, track by 2/15/23. Include your MS and BS transcripts in your application.Step 2) Interview Step 3) Participate in the DND Digital match process and select program code 256. Step 4) Get selected and start your DI in the fall! (If you applied spring of 2024, you would start your internship program in the fall of 2024, to graduate in 2025). All interns in the MVAHCS program have the same rotations and experiences that are all entirely coordinated by the internship director. We have found that having the opportunity to practice the Nutrition Care Process in a variety of clinical settings both inside and outside the VA prepares our graduates extremely well for entry-level practice in any setting, as well as the RD exam, and is one of the strengths of our program. You do not have to find any of your own supervised practice sites. 4. How does this program help me become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? The steps for becoming a RDN include:
Graduates of our program are eligible to sit for the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians, the third step required for becoming a RDN. 5. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I still apply for your program? All applicants to the MVAHCS must be U.S. citizens at the time of application. Currently, the policy of the MVAHCS is that any VHA employee (including Health Professions Trainees, i.e. Dietetic Interns) or volunteer who works in VHA facilities, visits VHA facilities, or provides direct care to those we serve is required to be fully vaccinated (inital vaccination series plus at least one booster). Minneapolis/St. Paul are two cities for the price of one! The metro area is a vibrant "big city small town" with warm, welcoming people. There is a great sense of community here and there is always something going on, even in the winter time. The downtown of each city is easily accessible. Minnesotans love their festivals and events, from the State Fair (gotta try the pickle pizza), to Winter Carnival, to all the sports (basketball, ice hockey, football, baseball, Ultimate, esports, and soccer). All four seasons are beautiful and unique in their own way. There is a lot of racial diversity here as well, with a strong Native American community, and the largest populations of Somalis and Hmong in the United States. This racial diversity fuels the food and shopping scenes, with James Beard award-winning restaurants like Owamni, and local favorites like Afro Deli, Karmel Mall, or Midtown Global Market. The theater and arts communities are bustling as well, with opera, local and international music acts, musicals, and plays. |
