Dietetic Internship: Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

The following are the minimum admission requirements and do not guarantee acceptance into the program:

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university

• Verification Statement from an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics

• Total Grade Point Average (GPA) ≥2.7

• Combined Science/Math GPA ≥2.0

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores

Selection Process

The following are considered by a selection committee when reviewing applicants for the program:

• Academic performance (GPA and GRE scores)

• Applicant's personal statement

• Resume

• Three letters of recommendation

• Work experience

• Extracurricular activities

The selection committee reviews all applications that meet admission requirements.  Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability status as a criterion in deciding against any individual in matters of admission, placement, transfer, hiring, dismissal, compensation, fringe benefits, training, tuition assistance, and other personnel or educationally-related actions.

Application Process

There are 3 components to the application process: 1) establish an account with the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) at http://portal.dicas.org and submit required items, 2) mail required items to the College of Health Professions (CHP) at UAMS as outlined in the 'CHP' section below, and 3) register and complete the required steps for computer matching with D & D Digital at www.dnddigital.com. 

DICAS: This online application process requires submission of the following: 1) official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, 2) contact information, including e-mail addresses, for the three individuals writing letters of reference, 3) Verification Statement or Intent to Complete Statement completed by applicant's Didactic Program Director, 4) resume, and 5) personal statement.  The personal statement is limited to 1000 words and should address the following: 1) why you want to enter the dietetics profession, 2) experiences that have helped prepare you for the internship and your  career, 3) short-term and long-term goals, and 4) strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement.  There is a $40 initial application fee and a $20 fee for each additional application submitted to DICAS. 

CHP: In addition to the online DICAS process, applicants must submit the following materials postmarked no later than February 14, 2013:  1) Supplemental Application Form (for a printable supplemental application form, click  here), 2) $40.00 non-refundable application fee (make check payable to UAMS), and 3) official GRE Score Report taken within the past 5 academic years sent directly from ETS to CHP Office of Student Affairs, institutional code number 6146. 

Applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent resident aliens or those for whom English is not their native language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  A total score of at least 570 on the TOEFL or the equivalent score of 230 on the computer version, with no less than 55 on the paper version or 20 on the computer version in each of the three subtest scores (listening, structure/writing, and reading) that comprise the total score must be earned for the applicant to be eligible for consideration for admission.  An official report of these scores must be received by the College of Health Professions prior to the date on which admission decisions are made for the program to which the applicant has applied.  To obtain the Bulletin of Information to register to take the TOEFL, write directly to:  The Education Testing Service, PO Box 6155, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6155.  The applicant should indicate on his/her application for the examination that results should be sent to institution code number #R6901-3.  A student may petition for waiver of the TOEFL requirement if he/she has completed all primary, secondary, and higher education in the United States or one of its English-speaking protectorates. For more information on the TOEFL visit the web site at www.toefl.org.

Mail Required CHP Items to:
 

Office of Student Affairs

College of Health Professions

Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

4301 West Markham Street, #619

Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-7199

D & D Digital: Computer matching through D & D Digital is mandatory. To participate in computer matching, applicants must complete the online registration and select dietetic internship priority choices.  Online registration may be completed through D&D Digital at www.dnddigital.com. It is the applicant's responsibility to request information regarding computer matching from an undergraduate dietetic advisor or directly from D&D Digital, Inc., 304 Main Street, Suite 301, Ames, IA  50010-6140; Telephone:  (515) 292-0490; email (dnd@sigler.com). Web site: www.dnddigital.com.  There is a $50.00 fee for this process. 

Application Checklist. For a printable Application Checklist, click here.

Application Deadline: The due date for all application materials is February 14, 2013.  DICAS and D & D Digital materials must be posted on-line no later than 11:59 PM Central Standard Time on the due date.   Items mailed to CHP must be postmarked on or before the due date.  It is recommended that applicants begin the application process well in advance of the deadline so that all materials are received by the due date.  Deadlines cannot be extended. 

PHYSICAL EXAM

It is a requirement in the Internship that prior to their first semester's registration, dietetic interns admitted must submit proof of a physical examination using the UAMS Physical Examination Form.  This examination is used by the Student and Employee Health Service to verify required immunizations and to establish a baseline for treating illnesses occurring after admission.

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