Internship Application Procedures

Please note: All the information and materials necessary to apply to the University of Virginia Health System Dietetic Internship are available on this web site. Please scroll down for a copy of our downloadable application form.

  • Application Procedures

    To be eligible to apply for the internship program, students must have a bachelor's degree in nutrition or another related field (i.e.. biology, chemistry, psychology) with completion of ADA's Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements. The application packet must be postmarked by the February deadline (ADA specifies the date each year). In addition, students must complete a "computer matching" application through D&D Digital and pay the necessary fee to this company. The application for D&D can usually be obtained from the student's Didactic Program Director who signs the ADA Verification Statement.

    A. Application Packet

    The completed application packet should contain the following:

  1. Letter of Application: This letter must be typewritten in correct business format on unlined 8-1/2 x 11 white paper. It should reflect your ability to organize your thoughts in a concise and logical manner. The maximum length is two pages single spaced. The following items should be discussed in the letter:

    a. The reason you selected dietetics as a profession.

    b. Why you should be selected for the program.

    c. Why you are applying at the University of Virginia Health System.

    d. Elaborate on your work experience by discussing areas that have helped prepare you for a career in dietetics.

    e. Elaborate on your college activities.

    f. Describe your personal and professional goals.

    g. Provide any other pertinent information that may help us better understand you as a person.

  2. Completed Dietetic Internship Application: This must be typewritten. The application can be downloaded from this web site Additional sheets listing work experiences may be included. You may photocopy this form, but it must have your original signature.
  3. Verification Statement/ Declaration of Intent: A Verification of Completion of the didactic program in dietetics or a Declaration of Intent to complete the degree must be signed by the official Didactic Program Director. Signature must be original. Photocopies will not be accepted.
  4. University Transcripts: Current official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted.
  5. References: Reference forms completed by three professional individuals qualified to give pertinent information as to character, ability, potential professional qualifications and personality of the applicant must be submitted. References should include a supervisor of work experience and two major professors (One must be from nutrition science).
  6. Application Fee: A $35.00 non-refundable application fee to process the application must be included. Make check or money order payable to Morrison Management Specialists.

    Please note that all application packets must have all the necessary information in order to be evaluated.

  7. Please send all applications by February 15, or other February date set by the ADA. Mailing the application by Registered or Certified Mail will inform you of delivery. All application materials become the property of UVA HS Dietetic Internship and will not be returned. Please send all applications to:

    Ana Abad Sinden, MS, RD, CNSD
    Director, Dietetic Internship Program
    Department of Nutrition Services
    Box 800673
    University of Virginia Health System
    Charlottesville, VA 22908

B. Computer Matching

All applicants to dietetic internships, and those preprofessional practice programs listed in the instruction booklet from D & D Digital Systems, must participate in computer matching. Applicants should request instructions and a mark/sense card to prioritize their internship preferences. Applicants should request this material from any ADA approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or from D & D Digital Systems. This request should be made to allow turnaround time for submitting the application by a February 15 postmark deadline. There is no charge for this material. However, there is a $50.00 charge for computer matching that is due with the applicant's prioritized ranking.

Address requests to:

D &D Digital Systems
304 Main Street, Suite 301
Ames, IA 50010-6148

C. Personal Interview

A personal interview is not required as part of the application procedure. However, if you wish to come for an informational interview, visit the hospital and tour the Department of Nutrition Services, we will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements. Visits may be scheduled between July 1 and February 1 by calling the Program Director at (434) 924-2348. The visit will not impact your application to the program.  

Download Application (PDF)

To view this application requires Adobe Acrobat Reader

* If you want additional information, please contact Ana Abad-Sinden,MS, RD, CNSD, at (434) 924-2348 or by electronic mail at ara6t@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

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