The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
(CADE) has mandated that current and prospective dietetics students be informed
of a problem that is occurring with qualified students securing dietetic
internship positions for after graduation. In the actual words of
CADE: “In recent years, the number of
internship positions has remained relatively constant while the number of
graduates from DPD programs has increased, leaving growing numbers of qualified
students who are unable to complete their education and become Registered
Dietitians. During the first round of the April 2009 match, approximately
50% of the 4,120 applicants did not get internships. Moreover, that percentage
is expected to grow, due to growing numbers of new DPD graduates, unsuccessful
applicants reapplying for internships, and a relatively stagnant number of
internship positions. In view of the need to protect the welfare of students,
the CADE board has taken and will be taking a series of actions to enhance the
number of qualified students who are able to complete their education.
The CADE board is requiring that all currently-enrolled students and all
students applying to dietetics programs be informed of the magnitude of the
shortage of internship positions to allow them to make informed career
decisions.”
