Finding Preceptors

The distance format of USU's Dietetic Internship is unique allowing interns to train close to home. Because of this, the application process is slightly different for Distance applicants.  As a "Distance Applicant", you must locate and secure facilities and preceptors willing to work with you during your internship.  The following steps will help you in this endeavor.

1. Begin early!  This process is not typically difficult, but it can be time-consuming.

2. Review internship's mission/goals. Make sure this program is right for you! 

3. Be familiar with the curriculum requirements.

4. Three Facilities. At minimum you will need three training facilities/preceptors.  For further information review the Preceptor/Facility Option List. 
  • School District for the Foodservice Systems Management (FSSM) & School Nutrition Education (SNE) rotations (13 weeks)
  • Medical Facility (large hospital, community hospital, and/or long-term care facility) for the Clinical Rotation (11 weeks)
  • Women, Infant, Children (WIC) Clinic for the Public Health Nutrition (4 weeks)
A preceptor is someone who is willing to mentor you through the rotations, teaching you what an RD does, and evaluating your performance to function as an entry-level dietitian.  Some of your preceptors may not be dietitians, rather they may be Foodservice Managers/Directors, RNs, etc.  That is ok! Your preceptor should be a professional appropriate for the facility you are training at.
5. Preceptor and Facility Forms. You will need to provide each of your potential preceptor(s) with the following forms. He/She will need to complete and sign them.  These forms should be included with your application or need to be mailed or faxed directly to us by the application deadline. Your application will not be considered if these forms are not completed.  So, at the very least you should include three sets of preceptor/facility forms with your application.
5. Finding preceptors/facilities. Use your resources and network of dietetics professionals.
  • USU DI directors can provide you with a database query for your state or area if there has been interns in that area previously. Contact the directors to request database query.  Do Not assume these preceptors will work with you. You need to ask permission to train with the dietetic professional at their facility. 
  • Local dietetic association members
  • Phone book
  • Google!
  • USU DI graduates in your area.
6. Understand the process! You will need to understand what it is you are applying for and how the application process works.  To preceptors, you will explain:
  • That you are applying for the USU DI internship
  • You will be notified of your acceptance by the Applicant Notification Day (see Critical Dates).
  • They are making a commitment if they agree to train you!
7. Make the request! If possible go in person to request the preceptors help. 
  • The preceptor may want to interview you and check your resume/experience. Go in professional dress; treat this like a job interview.
  • They need to feel confident this will be a good training partnership.
  • Take curriculum materials for their review.
  • If they request information additional to that which is on the website, have them contact a USU DI Director(s), or you may request that we contact them directly to answer their questions.
  • If you can not go in person, make sure your phone and email communication is professional and business-like. Send them the link to the website. Attach preceptor & facility forms, curriculum, your resume, etc.
8. Affiliation Agreements.  After you have been accepted into the USU DI program, the directors will work with your preceptors and facilities to obtain affiliation agreements and formalize the training relationship. You do not need to worry about this. However, if your prospective preceptor has questions about the contract, you may direct him/her to review affiliation contracts on our website.
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