First things first: What is a distance learning (DL) internship and how do I get into a program (or university) that offers just that?
Great question- SO, here I was, a Junior in my DPD program at UNF and it was weeks before the spring semester had ended. My professor asked me, "Which internships have you looked at and where do you see yourself applying?" I said, "Umm, I haven't really thought about other programs other than Mayo Clinic." She looked at me as if I was crazy and needed to begin researching however, I thought "how is a student suppose to know what programs to look for if no one guides them in that direction?" It was that moment when I pursued professionals, such as my professor, who could help me with my quest. I discovered All Access Internships, created by Jenny Westerkamp, and it opened up a world of resources and a tab that listed all the internships across the nation. I also encountered The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics section for students. Through my professor {and these sites} I began to understand the different types of internships that were offered beneficially to dietetic students aspiring to be registered dietitians.
My choices here in Jacksonville, FL were (1) The Mayo Clinic, a very competitive 8-month program that strongly emphasizes in clinical work (NOT my area of preference yet I was going to apply due to it's reputation and location), and (2) UNF's combined MS-DI, a 16-month program that offers a combined MSH with the internship. This would of been the ideal internship for me if I was certain that I wanted a MSH in nutrition.
Thus, I had to decide if I wanted complete my internship in a foreign city or research distance education programs and invest in the work of finding my own preceptors. I discussed my circumstance to my husband Daniel, and we collaboratively agreed on the DL route.
A distance learning (DL) program sets up the student with online modules throughout the length of the program and the student has to complete 1200 hours of supervised practice. The three main components of any program are Clinical, Food Service, and Community. In addition to the 3, each program has an "emphasis" and it is YOUR decision to choose the program which suits YOU best. Please do not apply for a program that has a strong emphasis on clinical if you don't particularly enjoy the sight of blood or have an issue with not being able to have a personable relationship with your client. The program director will be able to detect that through your personal statement.
I admit the DL route was not easy--many, many, MANY hours emailing, calling, (stalking), researching, and networking just to find a handful of preceptors (professionals) that would give their time to train me into becoming an entry-level registered dietitian. Many sounded annoyed that I even asked, others hung up their phone immediately, some never replied (more like 75% of the emails that I sent out never replied), and yet someone from Heaven was looking down on me because I found just the right amount of professionals that were so eager and willing to have me in their facility.
Now, please do not be discouraged-- you may very well live in a town or city that is NOT saturated with dietetic interns. It just so happens that the two DI programs in JAX plus several established DL programs already had contracts with most of the hospitals and surrounding facilities. Hence, it was extremely difficult to contact anyone that wasn't already aiding an intern from a different program.
Why do you think our entry rate into an internship is so low? There are simply not enough professionals and facilities that are willing to help all the students that are joining in to this profession.
My research and quest for preceptors had to be taken outside of Jacksonville. I first wanted to ensure I had a family member or friends to stay with to reduce further costs. I successfully was able to obtain professionals in Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Gainesville, Orlando, and Rockledge, FL and I couldn't be happier!
To complete this post, I will leave you with this advice: Please start searching early, I've given you two websites and I encourage you to talk to your professors and local associations to begin networking. Offer your help and assist with projects--build a rapport! ;)
I hope you have enjoyed this read---Have a healthy week!
