Non-Degree Dietetic Internship Program
A 9-month, ACEND®-accredited supervised practice program for those on track to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Program Overview
The Texas A&M Non-Degree Dietetic Internship Program, or Non-Degree DI, is a nine-month dietetic internship program that includes the 1,062-hour Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited supervised practice to be eligible to take the CDR registration exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
100% of our graduates pass the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam within one year, and more than 90% pass on the first try.
Admission requirements for the Non-Degree DI Program include:
- Completion of the requirements for a minimum of a master’s degree by the start of the supervised practice;
- Completion of an ACEND accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD) program by the start of the supervised practice as evidenced by a signed verification statement from the DPD Director;
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or better, with overall GPA of 3.25 preferred;
- Selected applicants will be asked to complete an interview.
Our program offers a variety of rotation sites around Texas including Temple, College Station, Houston, and more. Check out our supervised practice details below:
Applications for 2026-2027 are open August 5, 2025 – January 15, 2026
To access the DICAS Application:
Join us for our Virtual Open Houses and talk to our Program Directors
Please complete the linked form below to register:
Path to Become a Registered Dietitian
1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent.
2. Didactic Program in Dietetics
Complete an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics concurrently or after completing a degree.
3. Complete a Graduate Degree
Complete a graduate degree at the Master’s level or higher. from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent.
4. Dietetic Internship Program
Complete an ACEND®-accredited Dietetic Internship Program concurrently or after completing a graduate degree.
5. Pass the Credentialing Exam
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Upon successful completion of the Texas A&M MCN Program, graduates will be eligible for the credentialing exam by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to become an RDN. In most states, graduates also must obtain state certification or licensure to practice. More information about educational pathways to become a RDN can be found through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students with foreign degrees who want to be credentialed as a RD in the United States must comply with CDR’s eligibility and examination requirements.
About the Dietetic Internship Program
- State Certification and Licensure
- Mission, Goals, and Objectives
- Admissions Requirements and Application Process
- Expected Costs and Expenses
Texas A&M Non-Degree Dietetic Internship Program Completion Requirements
To be eligible to take the examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, interns must receive a verification statement from the DI Program that confirms successful completion of the supervised practice.
To receive a verification statement, interns in the Non-Degree DI Program must accomplish the following:
- Completion of a minimum of 1,062 hours of supervised practice, with a minimum of 700 hours in professional work settings.
- Alternate supervised practice hours may provide a maximum of 300 hours
- Earn an overall evaluation score of 70% or better for each rotation of the supervised practice;
- Interns may be asked to repeat a rotation if they fail to earn 70% or better
- Meet all ACEND core competencies for the registered dietitian nutritionist during the supervised practice
- Completion of all assignments for alternate supervised practice activities
- Completion of all preceptor evaluations
Expected Supervised Practice Schedule of the Texas A&M Non-Degree Dietetic Internship Program
The Texas A&M Non-Degree Program is a nine-month program that includes 1,000-hour ACEND Accredited supervised practice and alternate supervised practice work that builds skills related to the ACEND core competencies and prepares the student for entry-level dietetic practice.
The general calendar for interns in the Non-Degree DI program:
Expected Calendar for 2025-2026:
- April 2026: Acceptance into the Texas A&M DI Program.
- August 3, 2026: Start of internship orientation and supervised practice
- November 26-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break
- December 21, 2026-January 3, 2027: Holiday Break
- May 7, 2027: Completion of supervised practice
During the supervised practice, interns are expected to work the schedule of their preceptor that may include some holidays, weekends or evenings. Interns have two weeks off over the winter holiday break and return to the supervised practice in January. Interns are expected to work over spring break during the supervised practice.
Accreditation Status
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education or CADE, is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR). ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.
The Texas A&M University Dietetic Internship (DI) Program is accredited by ACEND. In January 2024, ACEND voted to continue full accreditation of the program for a term ending June 30, 2032.
ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper. This recognition affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND is also a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) and abides by its code of good practice.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600 ext. 5400
Website: http://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND
Email: [email protected]
Contact Us
Have questions about the Dietetic Internship program or the Master of Clinical Nutrition?
Alicia Gilmore
Dietetic Internship Director, Clinical Associate Professor