Application and Admission

There is a two-step application process when applying to the NHC Dietetic Internship Program:

Step One: Dietetic Internship Centralized Services (DICAS) online application

Step Two: Once accepted into NHC’s program, you may apply to MTSU, the University of Alabama, or Texas Tech University

**If you will complete a graduate degree by August 2026, you do not need to apply to a graduate program.

Step One: Centralized Application: DICAS

NHC will participate in two application periods this year, depending on internship position availability after the fall application period. The online application will be available in DICAS August 5, 2025, and MUST be completed by October 1, 2025, for the fall application period. Virtual interviews will be held between October 10-25, 2025. Students will be notified of acceptance on November 1, 2025, and must accept or reject the internship offer by November 15, 2025. If the six positions are not filled in the fall application period, the DICAS application will remain open and MUST be completed by February 1, 2026, for the spring application period. Virtual interviews for these dates will be held between February 10-25, 2026. Students will be notified of acceptance on March 1, 2026, and must accept or reject the internship offer by March 15, 2026. Confirm this deadline on the DICAS website. Email DICASinfo@DICAS.org for more information or questions.
The fee to DICAS is $50.00 for the first application and $25.00 for each additional application.
On the DICAS application, applicants will be asked to complete a personal statement in 1,000 words or less. Information to be addressed includes:

Why do you want to become a dietitian?
What are some experiences that have helped you prepare for your career?
Short and long-term goals.
Strengths and areas needing improvement.
Why are you applying for the NHC program?
If you are interested in the supervised practice option only (Graduate degree completed).

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to:
DICAS-Transcript Dept.
PO Box 9118
Watertown, MA 02472

When completing the application form, you must list three references and include the names and contact information (email address) for each. This will trigger an email message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed online. At least one recommendation from your advisor or a professor in your major field and a work recommendation are preferred.
Work experience, especially in a nutrition or food service-related field, is recommended. Leadership roles, length of employment, number of hours worked, and volunteer experience will also be considered.
Recency of Education: At the discretion of the Dietetic Internship Director, additional courses in nutrition or dietetics related area are required to update a degree which was completed five or more years prior to application to the NHC Dietetic Internship program. Courses must be taken at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university and require a grade of B or better. An official transcript of these courses must be provided. If your degree was completed 5 to 10 years ago, at least six semester hours is required. If your degree was completed within the past 0 to 5 years, no updated courses are required.

The program director seeks a diversified class, and care is taken during recruitment and selection, as well as actual administration, to protect student civil rights. Strategies to promote this effort include the opportunity to participate in virtual open houses, the concealment of applicant race, ethnicity, and age from the selection committee, and institutional provision of financial support to all interns. The program and sponsoring organization both adhere to policies regarding the selection, hiring and promotion based on ability regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), age, national origin, disability, and genetic information. Student privacy is respected during the program. Grades and evaluation outcomes are handled on an individual basis, and space is provided in the internship director’s office for private counseling as needed.

Step Two: If applicable, apply to at least one of the three available graduate programs or submit evidence of graduate degree conferral

Once accepted into NHC’s DI program, if you do not have a graduate degree, submit application with the application fee.

See each program’s application process and requirements at the sites below: