Distance DIs 101: Everything to Know About Distance DIs
What is a distance dietetic internship?
Distance DIs are programs in which classroom interactions are mostly online. Distance Dis are a great option for those who would like to stay in their geographic location. The dietetic internship may be based in another location/state from you, but you are still able to do your rotations and the majority of your classwork right in your own location. This is distance learning. The main method of contacting directors and submitting assignments is through the internet. Some distance internships find sites and preceptors for you. Other distance internships will not- so you will need to find your own sites and preceptors.
Why should I consider a distance internship?
1. To stay close to home. You are able to stay in the location that you want and/or willing to stay for the duration of the program.
2. Networking. Since you will be staying close to home, this will also be a chance for you to network during your internship. This way, preceptors are able to vouch for your work ethics and will be more willing to work along side you as a future colleague.
3. Flexibility. You have more control over your rotation schedules, such as the order of your rotations and/or starting and ending dates.
4. They are less competitive. These programs are generally less competitive to get into. It may be due to a variety of factors such as:
(1) Interns having to find some, if not all, of their rotations.
(2) These programs can generally accept more interns per class/cycle.
What are preceptors and rotations?
-Preceptors are professionals in the field who act as mentors to guide interns. Preceptors provide supervision during practice. This may be in the form of providing shadowing experience, opportunities for different experiences, homework, etc.
-Rotations are supervised practiced sites in which you learn and interact with people in a specific field.
What rotations will I need?
Each internship will have at least 4 rotations. These are what generally make up rotations:
1. Clinical: This is where you learn about MNT.
2. Food Service Management: This is where you learn how the kitchen is managed.
3. Community: This is where you learn how RDs function in a community setting such as counseling, public policy, disease prevention, etc.
4. Emphasis: Depending on the internship, the emphasis may be either up to your choice or what the concentration of the program is in. If you get to choose your own emphasis, you may pick an area that interests you such as: sports nutrition, eating disorders, mental health, business, wellness, diabetes management, dialysis treatment, etc.
Which sites would be appropriate for each rotation?
MEMBERS ONLY: Click on the button below to view the possible sites/facilities for each rotation.
- Other Tips -
- Traits that are successful for interns in distance dietetic internships: Leadership skills, organizational skills, communication skills, discipline, and self-motivation. These traits are essential because you have to manage your own schedule and make sure that you turn in all your assignments on time.
- It is a pretty difficult process to find your own rotations. The acute care facility is the hardest to find, and that is mostly due to the fact that many hospitals have affiliation agreements with other internships. However, once you find an acute care preceptor, you are golden.
MEMBERS ONLY: Click on the button below to view resources and tips on how or where to find potential preceptors
