Frequently Asked Questions

Dietetic Internship

What is the Program for Dietetic Interns?
Why is there a PDI?
Where is the PDI located?
How many interns will the PDI select?
What is computer matching?
Who may apply to the PDI?
Is there an application fee?
Does the PDI charge a fee?
Are PDI interns eligible for deferment of existing loans?
Are PDI interns eligible for new government loans?
What is different about our program?

What is the Program for Dietetic Interns?
The Program for Dietetic Interns (PDI) is a 37-week full time general dietetic internship program with a strong emphasis in public health/community nutrition.

Why is there a PDI?
There is an increasing demand for skilled dietetic professionals in public health and community-based programs. The PDI is designed to help meet this identified need for registered dietitians, especially in areas of the state with dietetic professional shortages.

Where is the PDI located?
The PDI is located within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) in Jefferson City, Missouri. Interns appointed to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Program for Dietetic Interns will be expected to complete a one week (5 day) WIC training (if not previously completed) in the summer prior to the start of the internship program year. The PDI meets for several weeks in Jefferson City throughout the year for classes or didactic portions of the internship, projects, and practicum experiences. The program has affiliate sites throughout the state. Practicum experiences are made in consideration of the intern's geographical location whenever possible, however, depending upon location this may not always be feasible. An intern may need to travel up to 200 miles per day round trip to an affiliate site, or be willing to obtain temporary housing for some rotations.

How many interns will the PDI select?
The program accepts four dietetic interns per year. Up to four slots will be filled with individuals working for the MDHSS or one of its contractors through the pre-select option. Additional position(s), as needed, will be filled through computer matching. Those interested in applying through the computer matching option should contact the program director after February 1st annually to inquire about available positions.

What is computer matching?
All applicants who are not employees of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or of its contractors must participate in computer matching. Applicants should request instructions and a mark/sense card to prioritize their dietetic internship preferences. Applicants should request this material from any Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) - approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or from D & D Digital, ADA DI Computer Matching, 304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010-6148. There is a $50 charge for computer matching that is due with the applicant's prioritized ranking.

Who may apply to the PDI?
Individuals who meet the American Dietetic Association academic requirements may apply to the PDI. Preference is given to state residents, graduates of a Missouri college or university, and to those working for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or one of its contractors in the provision of nutrition services to the citizens of Missouri.

Is there an application fee?
There is no fee to apply to the PDI program.

Does the PDI charge a fee for 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.

Are PDI interns eligible for deferment of existing loans?
You will need to check with your existing loan institution to determine whether a deferment is possible.

Are the PDI interns eligible for new government loans?
You will need to check with the loan institution to establish whether a new government loan is possible during the internship.

What is different about our program?
A variety of learning modalities are utilized for the didactic portion of the program, including classroom lectures & presentations, on-line modules through the Internet and self-study modules.  Access to the Internet is a must.

Updated: 07/08