To be accepted into the program at Viterbo University for 2025-26 academic year, students must meet the following requirements:

• Completion (by Aug. 15, 2025) of a Bachelor of Science degree and the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Requirements. NOTE: For those submitting the Declaration of Intent form, an official transcript verifying awarding of a bachelor's degree must be received by the internship director at Viterbo University, postmarked, no later than Aug. 25, 2025. Acceptance of these individuals is conditional upon completion of degree and minimum academic requirements as specified above. Failure to submit these items by the due date will nullify acceptance status.
• Cumulative (at graduation) undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Strong science background. Transcripts must show at least a grade of B in each of the following undergraduate courses: freshman chemistry, anatomy and physiology (or separate courses), biochemistry, organic chemistry, experimental foods and/or food science.
• Strong nutrition background. Transcripts must show at least a grade of B in each of the following undergraduate courses: normal nutrition, advanced nutrition, foodservice systems, medical nutrition therapy.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to work as a team member.
• The ability to function independently.

Priority Application Process

Viterbo University will be accepting applications directly through their website OR through DICAS for the spring application timeline. 

Applications should include:

• A written statement of purpose (Essay).  In 500 words or less, address the following question:
  • How will this program help you to reach your professional goals? Discuss your strengths and potential challenges. Please also note which TRACK you are interested in completing in your personal statement.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities 
• A resume
• One letter of reference

All application materials should be online no later than 11:59 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10.  

• The program is also using the online centralized internship application, DICAS, which may be accessed at https://portal.dicas.org/; email DICASinfo@DICAS.org. The online application must be completed for our program by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 10, 2025. The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application.
• Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a personal statement in 1,000 words or less.  Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:       
  • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  • What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  • Please also note which TRACK you are interested in completing in your personal statement
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to: DICAS - Transcript Dept., P.O. Box 9118, Watertown, MA 02472
• When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an email address) for each reference. This will trigger an email message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed on-line. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
• Applicants will participate in a Zoom interview with dietetics faculty as part of the selection process.

Once accepted to Viterbo's internship, all dietetic interns will be asked to submit certain immunization information and submit to a criminal history check. Those whose criminal history check identifies bars to clinical placement or places restrictions on client contact will not be admitted to the program. Falsifying information on any Criminal History form results in immediate dismissal from the internship program.

Viterbo University Dietetic Internship program does not accept credit for prior learning.

For more information:
Maria Morgan-Bathke, MBA, PhD, RD, CD, FAND
Assistant Professor, Director Dietetic Internship
Chair, Nutrition and Dietetics Department
Toll free 1-800-VITERBO, ext. 3660
608-796-3660
memorganbathke@viterbo.edu