Admission Information

Admissions Committee

Dietetic Internship Only Option: Selection for the Dietetic Internship is decided by an Admissions Committee after review of the DICAS application materials. Members of this committee consider grade point average, related work experience, references, and the personal statement, as well as other aspects of the DICAS application. The personal statement should answer all questions on the DICAS application form. Prospective applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are not encouraged to apply to our program. Successful candidates applying to our Dietetic Internship usually have a GPA of at least 3.2.

Masters Plus DI Option: The selection process for the Master’s Plus Dietetic Internship option is the same as indicated above under “Dietetic Internship Only Option.” For this option, a representative of the University of Wisconsin, Madison will serve on the Admissions Committee. After selection to this option, students will be provided with additional guidance for formal admission to the University of Wisconsin, Madison Online Master of Science Clinical Nutrition program. GREs are not a requirement for admission to the program.

Preselect Option: Selection for the Dietetic Internship is decided by an Admissions Committee after review of the application materials as noted by the Drexel University DPD Program Director. Members of this committee consider grade point average, related work experience, references, and the personal statement, as well as other aspects of the submitted application.

Personal interviews are not conducted in any our selection processes. You are welcome to tour the hospital, and meet faculty and current interns, but the fact of your visit is not included in your application credentials. Alternatively, a virtual meeting can be requested (This may be the only option during the COVID-19 pandemic). Requests for a tour or meeting should be e-mailed to: Stephanie Stockslager MS, RD. 

Acceptance of Computer Match

Applicants who have been matched to VCU Health are to call (804) 828-9108  or send e-mail to Stephanie Stockslager MS, RD, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, to accept the computer match on the designated appointment date.

Internship Program Fee + Tuition

There is an $1,800 non-refundable program fee that is due after acceptance to the program for all incoming interns. The Program Director will send fee submission instructions upon acceptance into the program.

Master’s Plus DI Option: Tuition and fees for the University of Wisconsin, Madison-Online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition are separate from the above Internship fee. Please visit the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s website for more information.

Pre-Admission Medical Information, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screening 

Approximately sixty (60) days prior to beginning onsite at VCU Medical Center, Human Resources will complete a background check, and incoming interns will need to complete a pre-employment physical and drug screening. An immunization form will also be sent. This should be completed before coming to Employee Health for the pre-employment physical. You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to meet these requirements prior to the start date.

Effective September 20, 2023, VCU Health System no longer requires COVID vaccination as a condition of employment. VCU Health System strongly encourages all team members (including interns) to receive the vaccine and boosters. Be aware, some rotation sites still require the vaccine and available rotation options may be limited if not vaccinated.

DPD Verification Statement and Official Transcripts

An original DPD Verification Statement and final official transcripts must be received by the Program Director prior to starting the program.  The transcript must indicate the name of the degree and date conferred. The Program Director will provide instructions for mailing these items upon acceptance into the program.

Master’s Plus DI Option: Transcripts for coursework completed in the University of Wisconsin, Madison-Online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program will also need to be submitted to the Internship Program Director prior to Internship program completion. Twenty-two (22) credit hours toward this degree should be completed prior to the Internship start date, while interns will complete eight (8) credit hours, distributed over two (2) consecutive semesters during the Internship.

AND Membership

Dietetic Interns are required to maintain membership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics throughout the program, and must show proof of membership during orientation. As a Dietetic Intern, you are eligible for student membership status.

Insurance Requirements

Dietetic interns are required to maintain personal health/medical insurance of their choosing throughout the internship. Health insurance is not available to dietetic interns through VCU or VCU Health. Proof of insurance will be required during Internship orientation.