MGH Dietetic Internship Program

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 Massachusetts General Hospital Dietetic Internship must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Complete an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and obtain and submit a Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent from the DPD program.
• Earn a master’s degree before the internship begins or complete one through a partnership graduate programs (see Boston University and Simmons University)
• Submit an application through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS).
• Provide graduate transcripts showing either the date the master’s degree was awarded or the anticipated graduation date.
• Submit the $60 Mass General application fee by the applicable deadline.

All application materials become the property of Massachusetts General Hospital and will not be returned. The MGH Dietetic Internship does not award credit for prior learning, coursework, or professional experience.

DICAS Application Process

Applications must be submitted through DICAS at https://dicas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant/login. Questions about the application system may be directed to support@dicas.myliaison.com.

The DICAS fee is $50 for the first program designation and $25 for each additional designation.

The DICAS application must include:

• A completed application
• A Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent from an accredited DPD
• Official transcripts from every college and university attended
• Graduate transcripts showing the date the degree was awarded or the anticipated graduation date
• Three letters of reference
• A personal statement tailored to the MGH Dietetic Internship (see MGH Personal Statement below)

Official transcripts should be sent according to current DICAS instructions. If mailed, they should be addressed to:

DICAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9117
Watertown, MA 02471

Applicants interested in an affiliated partnership program or preselect graduate/dietetic internship option should review the individual graduate program’s website for additional application requirements.

All applicants who are accepted into the program are subject to identity verification, a background check, and drug testing.

Letters of Reference

Applicants must provide the name and email address of each reference in DICAS. The system will email each reference with instructions for completing an online reference form.

References should be written by individuals who know the applicant well and can provide meaningful information about the applicant’s academic ability, professional qualities, and potential to become a successful registered dietitian nutritionist. A combination of academic and employment-related references is preferred.

Applicants submitting applications to more than one program through DICAS must use the same references for each application.

MGH Personal Statement

Applicants to the MGH Dietetic Internship should submit a letter of application which explains how the applicant demonstrates strength in each of the six areas described under Selection Criteria:

1. Conceptual ability
2. Overall preparation
3. Self-direction
4. Leadership ability
5. Ability to perform under pressure
6. Interpersonal skills

The letter should also address:

• The applicant’s educational and professional goals
• How the MGH Dietetic Internship will help the applicant achieve those goals
• Why the applicant chose to apply to MGH

The letter may exceed the standard DICAS recommendation of 1,000 words. Applicants must address all six selection criteria to receive full consideration.

MGH Application Fee

A separate, nonrefundable $60 application fee, payable by check to Mass General Nutrition & Food Services, must be received by the applicable application deadline.

Mail the check 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 Deadlines

Boston-area independent dietetic internships and university programs have collaborated to establish coordinated application, notification, and acceptance dates. Participating programs include Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Delicious Living Nutrition, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, Simmons University, Boston University, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts.

Fall Application Cycle

• October 8, 2026: Applications are due.
• November 1, 2026: Applicants will be notified of the program’s decision by the end of the business day.
• November 10, 2026: Applicants must accept or decline the offer by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Spring Application Cycle (space permitting)

• January 15, 2027: Applications are due.
• March 1, 2027: Applicants will be notified of the program’s decision by the end of the business day.
• March 10, 2027: Applicants must accept or decline the offer by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applicants selected during either application cycle will begin the internship together in September 2027.

Selection Criteria

The MGH Dietetic Internship seeks motivated, self-directed critical thinkers who are prepared for the challenges of a rigorous internship in a fast-paced academic medical center. Successful interns are able to translate their academic knowledge into effective practice while demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, sound judgment, and compassion.

The selection committee evaluates each applicant based on evidence provided through the letter of application, references, academic record, employment, volunteer activities, leadership experiences, and other relevant accomplishments. The content of the applicant’s letter and references plays a significant role in the selection process. Select applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

The committee considers the applicant’s overall preparation and demonstrated strengths rather than relying on a specific GPA alone. Applicants who clearly explain how their experiences have prepared them in the following areas will receive full consideration.

1. Conceptual Ability

• Communicates effectively in writing and verbally
• Masters new information and skills
• Understands complex concepts
• Translates theory and evidence into practice

2. Overall Preparation

• Demonstrates relevant and meaningful educational, employment, volunteer, and extracurricular experience
• Completes professionally relevant courses and electives
• Pursues refresher, advanced, or supplemental learning when appropriate

3. Self-Direction

• Establishes meaningful goals
• Organizes responsibilities effectively
• Demonstrates initiative
• Works independently and seeks guidance appropriately

4. Leadership Ability

• Demonstrates leadership through elected or appointed positions, honors, employment, academic activities, or community involvement
• Earns the trust and respect of peers, colleagues, faculty members, and supervisors
• Takes initiative and positively influences others

5. Ability to Perform Under Pressure

• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability
• Establishes priorities and manages competing responsibilities
• Organizes work and uses time effectively
• Maintains composure and professionalism during stressful situations
• Demonstrates the stamina necessary to meet the demands of a full-time internship

The committee also considers the applicant’s overall responsibilities during college, including academic workload, employment, extracurricular involvement, family responsibilities, and community commitments.

6. Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrates realistic self-confidence and self-awareness
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the needs and concerns of others
• Uses and interprets verbal and nonverbal communication effectively
• Adapts to different people, teams, and situations
• Demonstrates empathy and concern for the well-being of others

Schedule A Visit

Prospective applicants are encouraged to learn more about the program by attending a virtual information session or in-person visit. Each visit includes an overview of the internship, a tour when applicable, and time for questions and answers. The full session lasts approximately 60 minutes.

In-person visits are offered between the months of August through January. To request additional information or schedule a visit, contact Alicia Barry and provide several possible dates.

Virtual Information Sessions (via Zoom):

We will host virtual information sessions on the following dates/times. Please contact Alicia Barry directly to reserve a spot.

• Thursday, September 3, 12:30–2:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 11, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 23, 11:00–12:30 p.m.
• Monday, October 5, 1:00–2:30 p.m.

We look forward to hearing from you and introducing you to the MGH Dietetic Internship.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Massachusetts General Hospital selects dietetic interns based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities. MGH does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or the protected status of an applicant’s relative, friend, or associate.

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

The MGH Dietetic Internship encourages independent thinking, initiative, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Throughout the program, interns complete meaningful projects that connect them with advances across the hospital and allow them to explore current research and emerging trends in nutrition and dietetics.

During the six-week Concentration Rotation, interns select an area of interest within clinical nutrition, community nutrition, food service management, or another approved area and gain focused, in-depth experience. The three-week Business Plan Rotation challenges interns to collaborate as a team to develop and present an innovative, practical, and financially sound nutrition-related business plan. Together, these experiences build the critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills needed for success as a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Interns Learn in a Variety of Environments

Interns gain experience across clinical, outpatient, community, and food service settings. Opportunities may include contributing to Mass General’s Choose Well Eat Well program, and supporting menu development for the hospital’s retail dining operations. Through these experiences, interns learn to create appealing, nutritious options that meet the needs of a diverse population.

In clinical and outpatient rotations, interns assess how disease and other health factors affect the nutritional status and well-being of patients with varied and complex needs. They apply evidence-based knowledge to nutrition care, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and complete projects aligned with their professional interests.

We Take Pride in the Success of Our Interns

The MGH Dietetic Internship provides the comprehensive, supervised practice experiences needed to meet eligibility requirements for the national registration examination for dietitians and professional licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

As members of the MGH community, interns also become part of an extensive network of accomplished program graduates working in nutrition and dietetics across the country.

Intern Rotations

Inpatient Clinical and Acute Care Nutrition Rotation (12 weeks)

• Medicine (6 weeks)
• Surgery/ICU (5 weeks)
• Pediatrics (1 week)

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.

MGH provides a variety of opportunities in experiential learning and interns will be exposed to a wide range of patient populations, disease states and medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Interns are assigned RD preceptors for support and guidance, with the goal of independent face-to-face patient interaction.

Ambulatory Care and Community Nutrition Rotation (7 Weeks)

• Outpatient  (4 weeks)
• Health Centers/WIC (3 weeks)

Dietetic interns work with RDs in the Ambulatory Nutrition Services at Mass General and in the Mass General Community 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 General “Choose Well Eat Well" program, write newsletter articles and blog posts and propose projects to enhance the efficacy of the WIC program. .

Food Service Management Rotation (9 Weeks)

• Retail (3 weeks)
• Production (3 weeks)
• Patient Food Service (3 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)

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)

Interns 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 past business plans:

• Hungry Hub – MGH Food Truck
• Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute Muscle Training Camp
• MGH Apex Food Lockers
• Happy Belly – Allergen-free Dining
• The Farmacy @ MGH
• Tele-Nutrition
• Clinical Nutrition Support Team
• Meals Rx – Prescribed nutrition, delivered

Concentration Rotation (6 Weeks)

The Mass General Dietetic Internship Program has a long history of strong preparation for entry level dietitians in both clinical and management areas. Dietetic interns choose an area of professional interest within either the clinical or management field and work within that area for six 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. The concentration rotation provides 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 their core experiences 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.

Examples of past concentrations:

• Pediatrics
• Inpatient/outpatient Oncology
• Surgery
• Medicine
• ICU
• Rehabilitation/Long Term Care
• Maternal/OB
• Research
• Corporate Wellness
• Private Practice
• Entrepreneurship
• College/university dining
• Patient food service
• Retail
• Eating Disorders
• Sports Nutrition

Staff Relief Rotation (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

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

• 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: $45 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 $9 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 and Partnership Programs

The MGH Department of Nutrition & Food Services values advanced education and recognizes the important role a graduate degree can play in preparing interns for successful careers as registered dietitian nutritionists.

The MGH Dietetic Internship offers graduate education partnerships with three Boston-area institutions:

• MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Boston University
• Simmons University

These partnerships allow qualified applicants to complete a master’s degree through an affiliated institution and participate in the MGH Dietetic Internship.

Graduate Degree Requirement

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires candidates to hold a graduate degree to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Pathways to the MGH Dietetic Internship

We offer two pathways to complete the MGH Dietetic Internship:

1. Stand-Alone Dietetic Internship: Intended for applicants who have completed an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and will hold a graduate degree before beginning the internship.
2. Combined MS/DI Pathway: Available to applicants who wish to apply for both a graduate degree and dietetic internship (or supervised experience) at a leading academic medical center. Applicants apply through one of our affiliated graduate program partners, Boston University or Simmons University.

Regardless of pathway, all interns complete the same comprehensive curriculum and gain experience across clinical, outpatient, community, and food service settings.

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

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.