Applications & Forms

Dietetic Internship

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your inquiry concerning the Program for Dietetic Interns (PDI) at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS). The PDI is a full time program, 40 or more hours per week for 37 weeks, with didactic and supervised practice experiences. The program begins in early September, and runs through mid to late May. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, PDI brochure and schedule for more information about the program.

There is no fee for those interns who are employed by the MDHSS WIC program or employed by a Missouri Local WIC Provider. A $3,000 fee applies to all other interns. Interns appointed to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Program for Dietetic Interns will be expected to complete a three (3) day WIC training (if not previously completed) in the summer prior to the start of the internship program year.

Those eligible to apply to the program must meet specific requirements, including completion of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) academic requirements with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. A Grade Point Average of 2.5 overall and 2.75 in general dietetics course work is preferred. Individuals with a GPA below this may apply if they can demonstrate professional achievement since graduation.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has four internship appointments yearly; up to four of these will be filled with employees of the Department of Health and Senior Services or one of its contractors. Additional position(s), as needed, will be filled through computer matching. A telephone interview may be conducted for the highest ranked applicants.

Applicants who are not employed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or one of its contractors must participate in computer matching. Applicants should request instructions and a mark/sense card from any ADA-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or from D & D Digital to prioritize their preferences. This may now be done on-line at http://www.dnddigital.com.  This request should be made early to allow turn around time for submission by the February 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.

Requests may be addressed to:
D & D DIGITAL
ADA DI COMPUTER MATCHING
304 MAIN ST
AMES, IA 50010-6148
Telephone (515) 292-0490
Email: dnd@netins.net 
Website: http://www.dnddigital.com

In addition to sending information to D & D Digital, all applicants must complete an application packet for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Your completed application packet must include the following information.

1. Complete application form.
2. Verification Statement signed by a DPD program representative (obtained from your college).
3. A copy of ALL official transcripts for EACH college attended, along with transcripts which confirm a baccalaureate or advanced degree. Applicants with a foreign degree must obtain validation of equivalency to a baccalaureate or advanced degree.
4. Three letters of reference, including one from a current or previous (paid or voluntary) work experience. Others suggested may include an academic faculty or professional associate. The individuals writing references should know the applicant's qualifications well. Complete reference form.
5. A one-page personal letter outlining the applicant's career goals, what he/she hopes to gain from participation in the PDI, why he/she chose to apply to an internship with a strong foundation in community and public health nutrition, and what he/she can contribute to the profession of dietetics.

All materials must be originals except the personal letter, the application form, and college transcripts. Application packets will not be returned to applicants.

Application packets of pre-select applicants (employees of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or one of its contractors) must be postmarked by December 31st each year. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will notify pre-select applicants of appointments no later than the fourth Friday in January.

Application packets of computer match applicants must be postmarked by the February deadline. D & D Digital will notify computer match applicants in April of any match.
All materials should be included in one application packet and sent to:

Director, Program for Dietetic Interns (PDI)
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of WICNS
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

Updated: 03/08