true

MGH Dietetic Internship Program

Learn more about the Massachusetts General Hospital Dietetic Internship, its guiding principles, application policies and challenging rotations. Hear what interns and graduates have to say about their time in the program.
secondary
phone
Call +1 617-726-2589
6177262589
tertiary
email
Email: AANSKIS@mgh.harvard.edu
AANSKIS@mgh.harvard.edu

Overview

The Dietetic Internship at Massachusetts General Hospital creates leaders within the nutrition and dietetics fields by offering a wide range of learning experiences.

The Mass General Dietetic Internship is a 10-month (44-week), full-time, comprehensive program that provides interns with a strong dietetics core preparation. Each year, 10-12 applicants are enrolled in the Mass General program. To meet the core competencies of a dietetic internship, this program offers rotations in ambulatory care, acute clinical care, food service systems management, community and business entrepreneurship. A large and qualified staff of registered dietitians (RD) and food service managers provides one-on-one interaction, guidance and feedback to dietetic interns. Interns are given the opportunity to work with a varied and complex population of patients and employees.

Mission of Dietetic Internship Program

  • To prepare a group of graduates to meet the standards of performance expected of entry-level dietitians in any area of food and nutrition practice.
  • To provide opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, intervene, monitor and evaluate conditions in their area of practice to meet the needs of patients, customers and the community.
  • To foster a commitment to continually seek to establish best practices in their area of expertise.

Goal #1 – Graduates will successfully complete the program requirements and demonstrate readiness to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.

  • At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 15 months/66 weeks (150% of planned program length).”
  • At least 90% of graduates will take the credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian/nutritionists is at least 80%.

Goal #2 – Graduates will be prepared to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for successful entry-level nutrition and dietetics practice.

  • At least 95% of employers of program graduates who respond to a survey are satisfied with graduates’ preparation for entry level practice by rating them as very well or well prepared..
  • Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% employed are employed in nutrition/dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

How to Apply

Applicants to the internship must:

  • Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) with a verification statement or declaration of intent from your DPD program
  • Have a master's degree (completed before the start of the program OR through our affiliated graduate programs)
  • Enroll in DICAS online centralized internship application (instructions below)
  • When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed online.
  • Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
  • All references should be from persons qualified to give pertinent information. References should address your academic ability and your potential as a dietitian. We prefer a combination of academic and work references from people who know you well.
  • Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a personal statement
  • For the Mass General application, the ‘personal statement’ should be a letter of application that describes your abilities/achievements in our six criteria areas. The six criteria areas can be viewed under selection criteria and your letter of application MUST demonstrate how you meet these criteria for full consideration of acceptance to the program. The letter should also include your professional and educational goals, how you think Mass General will enable you to reach those goals and why you chose Mass General. It may exceed 1000 words.
  • Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent from your Didactic program in dietetics and graduate transcripts showing expected date of graduation or date degree was awarded.
  • The Mass General application fee of $60 payable to Mass General Nutrition & Food Services must be mailed by application deadlines.
  • Checks should be mailed to: Alicia Barry, MS, RD, CSO, LDN
    • Dietetic Internship Director
      Department of Nutrition & Food Services
      Massachusetts General Hospital
      55 Fruit Street
      Boston, MA 02114
  • Application materials become the property of the Mass General and will not be returned
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to:
    • DICAS- Transcript Dept
      PO Box 9118
      Watertown, MA 02472
Application Process

The program is using the online centralized internship application, DICAS, which may be accessed at https://portal.dicas.org or by emailing DICASinfo@DICAS.org. The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first designation and $25 for each additional application. The DICAS application includes the following requirements:

DICAS Application Requirements
  • Three letters of reference
    • 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 online. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
  • If applying to any of the joint programs or the preselect graduate-dietetic internship options, please see individual organizations' websites (listed at the bottom of the Graduate Education page) for application requirements.
  • All accepted applicants are subject to drug testing, background checks, and verification of identity.
Application Deadlines

Boston area independent dietetic internships are universities are collaborated to coordinate application and acceptance notification due dates. Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Delicious Living Nutrition, the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, Simmons University, Boston University, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts, together, agreed to align dates for Fall and Spring application cycles. They are as follows:

Fall – Start date September 2027*

October 8, 2026, applications will be due no later than October 8, 2026.
November 1, 2026, applicants will be notified of the program's decision by the end of the business day on November 1, 2026.
November 10, 2026, applicants must notify the program either accepting or declining the offer by 5:00 pm EST on November, 10, 2026.

Spring – Start date August/September 2027*

January 15, 2027, applications will be due no later than January 15, 2027.
March 1, 2027, applicants will be notified of the program's decision by the end of the business day on March 1, 2027.
March 10, 2027, applicants must notify the program either accepting or declining the offer by 5:00 pm EST on March 10, 2027.
* The start date for both spring and fall application cycles will be the same, September 2026.

Selection Criteria

The Mass General Dietetic Internship Program seeks individuals who are driven, critical thinkers ready to meet the challenges of this internship. Successful interns enter this program prepared to translate their academic learnings to the fast-paced environment at Mass General.

The criteria/qualities listed below are necessary to succeed in our program. The selection committee rates each applicant according to these criteria as evidenced through the applicant’s personal letter, references, work, volunteer experience and grades. The content of the personal letter and the references play a major role in how an applicant is rated. We are most concerned with how an applicant demonstrates strength in the selection areas, not a specific GPA. Any applicant who can demonstrate strong preparation in these areas, and describe how well he/she meets these criteria will be given complete consideration.

  • Conceptual Ability: Quality of written and oral expression; ability to master new information and skills; ability to understand complex new theory and to translate theory into practice.
  • Overall Preparation: Relevance and quality of the applicant’s previous educational experiences in school, in work and in extracurricular activities; professionally related courses and electives taken; refresher and/or advanced study done.
  • Self-Direction: Ability to set goals, organize own activities and work independently.
  • Leadership Ability: Formal recognition of leadership through election to office and honors, and informal recognition by peers and others at school, work and in extracurricular and community activities.
  • Ability to Perform Under Pressure: Flexibility; ability to set priorities; ability to set goals and organize work; physical stamina; and ability to remain reasonably calm under stress. Overall load carried by student during college (academic, work, extracurricular, family or community responsibilities.)
  • Interpersonal Skills: Realistic self-confidence; ability to sense the mood and concerns of others; appropriate use and interpretation of both verbal and non-verbal communications; ability to adapt to a variety of people and situations; and concern for the well-being of others.

MGH DI does not award credit for prior learning, coursework or experience.

Mass General non-discrimination policy: Mass General will select Dietetic Interns on the basis of skills and abilities, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, veteran status or disability or that of a relative, friend or associate.

Schedule a Visit

The Mass General Dietetic Internship does not require an interview as part of its application procedure.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit. Tours can be virtual or in-person. Included with the tour will be time for questions and answers about the Dietetic Internship Program. The entire tour and question-and-answer session will take approximately 60 minutes.

In-person tour times are Friday mornings at 10 am. Typical tour months are August through January. Contact Alicia Barry for more information or to schedule a visit. Please have available dates when you contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and perhaps meeting you.

Requirements

The Dietetic Internship is an 10-month (44 week), full-time program with an emphasis in clinical nutrition and management. The program runs from early September to mid-July and provides a minimum of 1406 hours of supervised practice hours.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), a specializing accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education and the United States Department of Education.

ACEND® can be contacted by:

  • Email: ACEND@eatright.org; Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400
  • Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza; Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

The internship provides the practitioner competencies for entry level dietetics practice. All program requirements must be met in order to successfully complete this program.

Graduation Requirements

  • Act professionally in accordance with the code of ethics for the profession of dietetics
  • Meet all competencies for the program
  • Complete all rotation requirements
  • Complete all assignments and projects
  • Pay tuition in full
  • Make up any lost time due to sick days or leave of absence to meet the supervised practice hour requirements
  • Complete all requirements to graduate within a total of 15 months supervised practice time
  • Completion of a Master’s degree from their graduate educational institution.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian

Upon successful completion of the program and a graduate degree, dietetic interns will receive a signed Verification Statement indicating they are eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians as administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (www.cdrnet.org) and qualify for active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Once they pass the exam they are eligible to apply for licensure. If they are seeking licensure in Massachusetts information can be found on the Massachusetts government website (www.mass.gov). The new RD should obtain information on licensure requirements from the state they are seeking licensure.

For more information on becoming a Registred Dietitian Nurtritionist, see https://www.eatright.org/become-an-rdn.

Curriculum

This internship encourages independent thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit. Projects within each rotation are designed so that interns can engage in current advancements within the hospital and explore research and trends within the nutrition field. The six-week Concentration Rotation gives interns the unique opportunity to select an area of interest within the clinical or management fields and gain in-depth experience. The three-week Business Plan Rotation challenges interns to work as a team and devise a creative, effective and financially sound nutrition-related business plan. The skills gained in these rotations and the many others foster the initiative necessary for interns to succeed after they graduate from the program.

Interns learn in a variety of environments

Interns are able to play a role in Mass General’s “BeFit” program, an employee wellness program that promotes good nutrition and physical activity. Interns also contribute to menu development for Mass General’s eight retail operations and learn about the challenges of creating healthful menu options for a varied set of customers. In the clinical and outpatient settings, interns explore the impact of disease upon complex patient’s nutritional status and wellness and complete projects of individual interest. Learn more about each rotation.

We take pride in the success of our interns

This program provides in-depth, supervised practice experiences required for individual eligibility to take a national examination and become a RD as well as for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our pass rate of those taking the Registered Dietitian exam for the first time is 95 percent. Being a part of Mass General gives interns access to a nationwide network of successful Mass General internship graduates.

Intern Rotations

The Dietetic Internship Program at Massachusetts General Hospital provides rich learning experiences in a variety of settings. The internship rotations give interns the opportunity to explore the role of nutrition in clinical, community, food service, business and research environments.

Inpatient Clinical and Acute Care Nutrition Rotation (up to 18-20 weeks)

Up to 18-20 weeks

Dietetic interns practice among an interdisciplinary team that includes Registered Dietitians (RD) physicians, nurses and other professionals who are leaders in their fields. Mass General offers the advantage of working within an electronic medical records system that allows multiple care providers to access patient information simultaneously. Interns develop the skills and confidence to write concise, effective electronic nutrition notes.

All medical nutrition therapy experiences focus on comprehensive assessment and evaluation of patient nutritional needs. Interns play an integral role in the development, implementation and evaluation of the nutrition care process.

Ambulatory Care and Community Nutrition Rotation (7 Weeks)

7 Weeks

Dietetic interns work with RDs in the Ambulatory Nutrition Services at Mass General and in the Mass General Neighborhood Health Centers. These rotations emphasize nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups, with time devoted to developing and refining interviewing and counseling skills. Dietetic interns work with the healthcare team in group practice settings and in specialty service units such as oncology, diabetes, pediatrics and cystic fibrosis.

Community outreach is central to these rotations. Interns practice among a large client base, from various backgrounds, at the Women, Infant & Children (WIC) Supplemental Foods program. Interns teach classes to community groups, participate in the Mass Geneneral wellness "BeFit" program, write newsletter articles and blog posts and propose projects to enhance the efficacy of the WIC program. Interns also gain exposure to the RD's role in a long-term care facility.

Interns gain food service management and nutrition education experience working with the RD food service director at the Braintree Public School System. Interns provide nutrition education to students and staff in the cafeterias, develop recipes, analyze sales records and learn about policy that impacts school food service.

Food Service Management Rotation (9 Weeks)

9 weeks

The management rotations are second to none among dietetic internships. Dietetic interns work alongside the Mass General chefs in a kitchen that prepares 20,000 meals daily. Interns study food quality and cost control measures. The rotations challenge interns to apply their food service knowledge to food purchasing, receiving, storage, ingredient assembly and distribution. Interns learn food production and food service principles within both conventional production and cook-chill systems.

Professionally trained chefs teach culinary skills through tutorials and hands-on kitchen experiences. Interns are involved in a competition, where they develop a new and healthy recipe. The recipes are judged for taste, texture, appearance, adaptability for service at Mass General, nutrition profile, cost and cooking technique.

Patient and customer satisfaction is the focus of the patient food service and retail service rotations. In patient services, interns work with the management team to ensure patient satisfaction. Interns engage in process improvement projects for patient care units, trayline and the department's data center. In the retail rotation, interns spend time at one of the Mass General cafes or cafeterias. While there, interns conduct customer and competitor research, introduce a new menu offering or a process improvement and measure its success.

Underlying all experiences is an emphasis on cost controls, personnel supervision and the development of an individual management style. Interns also gain experience with human resources management including interviewing, payroll, scheduling and the corrective discipline process.

Research Rotation (1 week)

1 week

The Mass General Clinical Research Center designs and runs a wide range of nutrition and health studies. Interns build an understanding of study design, data collection and research protocols. The Clinical Research Center team of RDs work with interns to perform anthropometric measurements, indirect calorimetry using a metabolic cart and DEXA machine scans. The rotation includes the opportunity for interns to work with several nutrient analysis software programs.

Business Plan Rotation ( 3 Weeks)

3 weeks

nterns work in teams to develop a business plan for a proposed venture that has a real possibility of implementation within the nutrition department at Mass General. Each team presents its business plan to the Director of the Department of Nutrition & Food Services, RDs, managers and fellow interns.

Examples of business plans

  • Achieve: A virtual healthy lifestyle and weight reduction program
  • Nurtition & Sustainability Services
  • Food Rx: A therapeutic food program at the mall
Concentration Rotation (6 Weeks)

6 weeks

The Mass General Internship Program has a long history of strong preparation for entry level dietitians in both clinical and management areas. Dietetic interns decide on an area of professional interest within either the clinical or management field and work within that area for five weeks. The goal of each concentration is to take an intern from the core level of competence to a higher level, one where the intern will demonstrate independence, confidence and competence. Both the clinical and management concentrations provide the intern with depth of knowledge and skill in an area of the intern's choice.

Interns select their area of concentration after the first 18 weeks of the program. These 18 weeks provide interns with experience in food production/menu development, retail or patient food service, outpatient counseling and inpatient medicine and surgery, which helps interns make an informed decision about the area of concentration. The internship director and senior managers in the concentration areas, will strive to meet each intern's goals for the concentration rotation.

Clinical Concentration

Examples of clinical concentrations:

  • Pediatrics
  • Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Oncology
  • Renal, Neurology
  • Diabetes
  • Prenatal Nutrition
  • Wellness/Health Promotion
  • Weight Management

Intern project examples from the concentration rotation:

  • Sports Nutrition: Nutrition and Hydration to College Athletes
  • Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitors on the microbiome
  • Plant-based Low FODMAP Recipe notebook
  • Intuitive Eating: A Tool for Eating Disorder Recovery

Management Concentration
Examples of management concentrations:

  • Wellness
  • Retail Food Service
  • Catering, Production
  • Patient Food Services
  • Sustainability

Intern project examples:

  • BeFit and Kioti Wellness Programs
  • Farm to Table Nutrition: Organic Farm and Farmer's Markets
  • School Nutrition and Food Service, Boston
Staff Relief Rotation (4 Weeks)

4 weeks

During the internship year each intern spends four weeks functioning as an entry-level dietitian in one or two units of the Department of Nutrition & Food Services. This experience affirms the intern's self-confidence and ability to practice in dietetics.

Class days are an opportunity for Mass General dietetic interns to connect with interns from other programs in the Boston area. Class days introduce interns to outstanding professionals in a variety of specializations that include community nutrition, clinical nutrition, nutrition support, sports nutrition, public health and policy. Classes are usually scheduled on Mondays. Interns meet at Mass General on non-class days for a tutorial with the program director. Tutorials focus on medical nutrition therapy, nutrition support, culinary skills or human resource management. Tutorials also serve as a forum for interns to share events and experiences.

Class Days
Class days are an opportunity for Mass General dietetic interns to connect with interns from other programs in the Boston area. Class days introduce interns to outstanding professionals in a variety of specializations that include community nutrition, clinical nutrition, nutrition support, sports nutrition, public health and policy. Classes are usually scheduled on Mondays. Interns meet at Mass General on non-class days for a tutorial with the program director. Tutorials focus on medical nutrition therapy, nutrition support, culinary skills or human resource management. Tutorials also serve as a forum for interns to share events and experiences.
Program Calendar

Program Calendar

  • Start Date: Second Monday in September
  • Orientation: Second Week in September (Mon- Fri)
  • 1st Day of Rotations: Third Monday in September
  • Vacation: The week containing Dec 25
  • Scheduled End Date: Third Thursday in July

MGH Observed Holidays:

  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Day
  • Third Monday in February: President's Day
  • Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
  • June 19: Juneteenth
  • July 4: Independence Day
  • First Monday in September: Labor Day
  • Second Monday in October: Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving
  • December 25: Christmas Day

Financial Aid

A limited amount of scholarship money is awarded to dietetic interns through the MGH Dietetic Internship Louise Hatch Fund. Application for the Hatch Scholarship occurs after acceptance to the program. These awards are based on financial need. Everyone who applies is considered.

Scholarships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation and the Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offer graduate scholarships. Your state's dietetic associations may also offer scholarships.

Cost of Attendance

  • Enrollment fee: $2,500 (to be applied to tuition)
  • Total Tuition and fees: $8,000
  • Total estimated costs for books and supplies: $300-$400
  • Lab coats: $30-$50
  • Room and board on campus: Not Applicable
  • Living expenses (rent, food, bills): $1,400-$1,600 / month
  • Travel/transportation: variable
  • MGH Discount T pass: $70 a month

Loans

While enrolled in the dietetic internship you may be considered a full time graduate student according to the Federal Student Aid and Student Loan guidelines. Dietetic interns are not eligible for federal loans. You may be considered eligible to defer any current student loans you may have. This is dependent on your loan servicer. You may also be eligible for private student loans through banks and other financial agencies. We can provide resources and work with you to determine eligibility.

Working During the Internship

The Department of Nutrition & Food Services catering operations employs interns on an as needed basis. Some interns also opt for a part time job, but please note, jobs with minimal, flexible hours are most appropriate.

Benefits

As a Dietetic Intern at Mass General you are qualified to receive perks associated with being a member of the Mass General staff.

  • Intern Office: Dietetic interns have a private office where they share two computers. Each intern has access to a personal locker. Laptops are available for intern use.
  • Lunch: Dietetic interns are allotted $8 per workday for lunch, valid at any of the eight Mass General retail operations.
  • Gym Membership: Interns are eligible for Mass General membership rates at the Clubs at Charles River Park.
  • Parking: Dietetic interns are eligible for free weekend and weeknight parking in designated Mass General parking garages located on the main campus. There is no daytime parking available.
  • Transportation: Interns are able to purchase MBTA passes at reduced monthly rates. For full rates and MBTA services visit the MBTA website. A free Mass General Brigham shuttle is also available, shuttle time and routes can be viewed here. Mass General also offers a free, covered and locked bike cage for any of those that ride to work.
  • Mass General Perks: Interns receive weekly emails that list current perks offered to Mass General employees. These include discounted tickets to world famous shows performing in Boston, local events and amusement parks, movie theaters and discounts to various vendors.

All dietetic interns may contact the Mass General internship program for individual financial assistance as necessary.

Safety and Security Information: here. For the latest Mass General safety statistics, follow the links on www.massgeneral.org/police.

Graduate Education

Advanced Degree Requirements

The MGH Department of Nutrition & Food Services encourages advanced degrees for staff and sees this opportunity for interns as a step toward a successful career. The department believes that entry level dietitians will benefit from advanced level education.

The Mass General Dietetic Internship has formed partnerships with the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Simmons University and Boston University. You can earn a master’s degree at any one of these Boston-area organizations.

As of April 2013, CDR has passed the following motion related to the minimum degree requirements for taking the entry-level registration examination for dietitians:

"Move to change the entry-level registration eligibility education requirements for dietitians, beginning January 1, 2024, from a baccalaureate degree to a minimum of a graduate degree. All other entry-level dietitian registration eligibility requirements remain the same."

There are many options to become a MGH Dietetic Intern.

  • Once you have a master's degree, apply directly to the program for either early Fall or Spring decision options.
  • Apply to one of our partnership programs and request to be considered for the early decision option.
  • Be enrolled in one of our partnership programs, on schedule to complete your master's degree before the start of the internship and request to be considered for our early decision option.

During the application process, applicants can elect to be considered for our partnership programs. Each program has different requirements.

More information can be found on the individual organization’s web sites listed below.

Please contact Alicia Barry for more information on the combined dietetic internship/graduate programs.

Intern Testimonials

"The Dietetic Internship at Massachusetts General Hospital was an opportunity for me to grow as a person and as a professional. My preceptors and the department staff were very supportive, and I felt that they wanted me to succeed just as much as I wanted to succeed myself. The experience was challenging and rewarding; I now feel confident in my abilities to tackle anything I put my mind to." - Courtney Held, Kansas State University

"The bar is really high at MGH. You are surrounded by some of the top practitioners in the country grappling with the most complicated cases. It's an amazing place to learn the profession." - Beryl Henzy, University of Rhode Island

"The past twelve months have been life changing. This internship exceeded my expectations, teaching me skills and lessons that will never be lost. The variety of rotations, always led by experienced and knowledgeable preceptors, prepared me to enter a future in which I know I can take on any task, in any situation. I wouldn't give up this past year for anything, and no one can take it away from me." - Annelise McDowell, Simmons College

"The program was so well rounded and we were really pushed to do our best in every rotation. We were taken our of our comfort zone at times and learned to work under pressure" - Lindsay Weil, Syracuse University

"This past year was well worth the hard work. The amount of effort you put in will reflect the benefits you receive in the end. I can safely say I made life-long friendships this year." - Tara Minaker, University of Rhode Island

"This really has been one of the best years of my life, and I feel that I have learned so much about other people and myself. The preceptors at Mass General have been so great! Kendra McGahan, University of Northern ColoradoI've been exposed to many different areas and learned a great deal over the year. I think the internship does a great job of constantly auditing itself and looking for ways to improve" - Emily Huth, Johnson & Wales University

"I feel in the past year I was able to find out who I really am, I feel that I definitely was able to grow both personally and professionally. I developed the confidence in my ability and feel as though I can be put in any situation and be able to handle it professionally and correctly." - Jess Witchey, Pennsylvania State University

"Challenged me to confront my weaknesses, trained me to think in terms of goals and objectives, increased my awareness of building time management /efficiency skills, exposed me to various career opportunities and made me more aware of the professionalism that's necessary and expected" - Irene O'Hayer, University of Rhode Island

"I learned something new everyday from the wide variety of opportunities that were facilitated for me and from the amazing preceptors and staff I worked with.The MGH internship is very well rounded and strong in many areas; I was able to discover the area of nutrition I am truly interested in pursuing!" - Michele Coelho, Pepperdine University

"The length enabled us to have more experience in a lot of different areas. We were fortunate to have the business plan and specialty rotations. I felt that every preceptor/senior manager was available and wanted to help you grow and learn. MGH really lives up to being a teaching hospital" - Jami

secondary
internal
Explore Professional Training
/content/research-xwalk/en/education-and-training
FAQ: Can I still apply if my master's degree is not from one of your partnership programs (Boston University, Simmons University)?
Yes, it is not required to attend our partnership programs in order to apply to the MGH Dietetic Internship. (See admission requirements for application information.)
FAQ: Do I need a master's degree in order to attend the program?
Yes, as of 2024 a master's degree is required to attend the program and to take the RD exam.
FAQ: To what extent do interns work together during the internship?
For almost all the rotations, interns rotate by themselves. Each intern is paired and works primarily with an assigned preceptor. Occasionally, interns' schedules overlap in some rotations. In that case, the intern still has his or her own preceptor and would be engaged in different work on a daily basis. During the three week Business Plan Rotation interns work as part of a team to create and deliver the plan.
FAQ: What projects are interns involved in throughout the internship?
Most rotations have assignments designed to help prepare interns for the start of the rotation. In clinical, interns conduct research and give presentations that relate to patients they cared for and nutrition-related disease states. In food service, interns work on management projects, such as implementing a new menu item at a retail operation. Interns compete in a recipe contest. There is a business plan project, where interns learn how to research, create, present, and implement a business plan.
FAQ: How is intern progress measured?
Interns are evaluated by their preceptors after every rotation. Presentations can be video-taped and evaluated by peers and other staff members to help interns improve public speaking skills. There are pre-rotation assignments, but there are no tests or exams during the internship.
FAQ: How is the working relationship between doctors/nurses in the hospital and Registered Dietitians (RD)?
Mass General healthcare team works collaboratively to provide the highest standard of patient care. The clinical environments in which interns practice is conducive to learning and all members of the healthcare team are dedicated to teaching. RDs and interns work together with nurses, psychiatry, speech pathology, social work, physical therapy, and other health care professionals.
FAQ: Do interns need to locate any of their own supervised practice sites and/or preceptors?
All supervised practice sites are already scheduled and prearranged for interns. Interns have the option to select your own concentration rotation site if you desire, however this is not necessary.
FAQ: Will an intern need any special equipment?
It is recommended that interns have a computer with a camera and microphone for distance learning (and should be on at all times during distance programming). Examples include remote joint class days, remote meetings, and any rotation experiences not on site.
FAQ: Are the rotation sites at or near Mass General or is travel required?
A car is not necessary for this internship. All rotations are accessible by public transportation and/or MGH shuttle services. The majority of rotations are on the main campus of the hospital. Mass General is conveniently located by two MBTA stops: MGH/Charles on the Red Line and Lechmere on the Green Line. Interns are able to purchase MBTA passes at reduced monthly rates through Mass General. Mass General also offers a free, covered, and locked bike cage for any of those that ride to work. For the Health Centers Rotation, interns can use free shuttle buses to get to Mass General Health Centers in Chelsea, Everett, and Revere, MA (about 10 minute drive away). Click here to learn more about the Mass General Brigham Shuttle Service. Please note, weekday parking is not available at Mass General.
FAQ: What are the intern class days like?
Interns have monthly class days with other Boston internship programs. This is a great way to network with other interns. Topics can vary from year to year based on evaluations by attendees. Topics covered in recent years include: professional development, sports nutrition, nutrition support, pediatric nutrition, obesity, diabetes and motivational interviewing. In addition, there are tutorials held with fellow Mass General interns on most non-class Mondays of the internship year.
FAQ: Do interns work during the internship?
The Department of Nutrition & Food Services catering operations employs interns on an as needed basis. Some interns also opt for a part time job, but please note, jobs with minimal, flexible hours are most appropriate.
FAQ: What are some perks of being a dietetic intern?
Dietetic interns have their own office with two desktop computers and some laptops and personal lockers. Interns are eligible for Mass General membership rates at the Clubs at Charles River Park. Dietetic interns are eligible for free weekend and weeknight parking in designated Mass General parking garages located on the main campus, but weekday parking is not available. Interns also receive weekly e-mails that list current perks offered to Mass General employees. These benefits include discounted tickets to world famous shows performing in Boston, local events and amusement parks, movie theaters, and discounts for various vendors. Each day, interns are allotted $8 for lunch, valid at any of the eight Mass General retail operations.
FAQ: Is health care coverage provided?
Health insurance is not offered to interns. However it is required by the state of Massachusetts. If you are over 26, you can either purchase a health plan via Mass Health Connector or choose a private insurance plan if you are not covered under your parents' plan.
FAQ: Are there any holidays or time off during the internship year?

interns are scheduled to work a 40-hour work week, but rarely work weekends. Monday through Friday the intern is expected to work eight-hour shifts beginning as early as 6:00 AM and starting as late as 12:30 PM. Interns are scheduled off on the ten Mass General-recognized holidays, as well as one week of vacation. One week of vacation is scheduled during the Christmas holiday. While interns are scheduled to work a 40-hour week, assignments, projects, and readings often require additional time.

The following holidays are celebrated by Mass General:

  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Day
  • Third Monday in February: President's Day
  • Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
  • June 19: Juneteeth
  • July 4: Independence Day
  • First Monday in September: Labor Day
  • Second Mondy in October: Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving
  • December 25: Christmas Day
FAQ: In which neighborhoods do interns typically live?
Interns live in a variety of neighborhoods. Some popular choices, based on price and location, include: Cambridge, Beacon Hill, Somerville, Allston, and Brighton. Many interns recommend that you live near a Red Line stop, since this is the closest line to Mass General.
FAQ: What is the first time RD exam pass rate for your program?
The first time pass rate is 95% over the past 5 years.
FAQ: What is the annual cost for an intern?
It's hard to give a total annual cost. Based on some interns' experiences, living expenses can range from $900 to $1,400 per month for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other bills. The most updated tuition and fees are listed in the Financial Aid section. Interns can take out private loans and college loans may be deferred during the internship year. This is dependent on the loan servicer.
FAQ: When can I come to visit and learn more about the program?
Tours are every Friday at 10 am. If you cannot make this time, email Alicia Barry and she can work with you to schedule a convenient time for a visit. During the tour, prospective interns attend an informational meeting with the program director that includes time for questions. Then, a current intern will gives a tour of the different rotation areas and answer any further questions. Learn more about how to schedule a visit here.

For Alumni

The Mass General Dietetic Internship holds an esteemed reputation within the dietetics field. The program has graduated dietetic internship classes every year since 1909. Alumni have gone on to become Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Presidents, authors, and pioneers in the nutrition field. Dietetic interns become a part of this legacy.

  • Linkedin: Join the Mass General Dietetic Internship Alumni group on LinkedIn. Use it to stay connected with fellow alumni and staff. Share news, learn about jobs and discuss topics with other group members.
  • In the Intern profiles and testimonials section, alumni share their experiences at Mass General and talk about the success they have found since graduating from the internship. Take a few moments to share your story by filling out the graduate story form.
  • Share your story (including a current photograph of yourself) and send it to the program director by email at aanskis@mgh.harvard.edu

The Mass General Dietetic Internship Program welcomes all alumni back for a visit. Consider coming to speak with current interns about your experiences during and after the internship.

How to reach us

For more information about this internship opportunity, contact us.
secondary
phone
Call 1-617-726-2589
6177262589
tertiary
email
Email: AANSKIS@mgh.harvard.edu
AANSKIS@mgh.harvard.edu