6 Surprising Benefits of Choosing a Part-Time Dietetic Internship
Dreaming of becoming a registered dietitian but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of juggling an internship, work, and life? What if you could customize your journey to fit your lifestyle without compromising on quality or career goals? We’re excited to announce that we now offer a part-time dietetic internship track designed with your unique needs in mind.
With the flexibility to complete 24 hours of supervised practice per week, our part-time dietetic internship lets you achieve your dream of becoming an RD on a schedule that works for you. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree, working a part-time job, or managing personal responsibilities, this option offers the balance you need to succeed.
How do you know if this is the right option for you? Keep reading to discover 6 benefits of choosing a part-time DI program.
We’ll also share commonly asked questions and answers.
Greater flexibility to work and/or complete grad school.
Our part-time option allows you to balance supervised practice hours with other life responsibilities. Whether you’re working, pursuing a master’s degree, or managing personal commitments, this track provides the time and space you need to succeed.
With our part-time option, you will complete supervised practice hours 3 days a week (24 hours/week), allowing you more time to focus on graduate school or work obligations.
More rotation and preceptor options.
Taking on a dietetic intern as a preceptor is a large commitment. While many preceptors are happy to take a student full-time, some are only able to take an intern a few days a week.
This is especially true for facilities that staff consultant dietitians instead of full-time staff. Completing your internship a few days a week may open up more opportunities for rotations.
Extended learning opportunities.
With a longer timeline, part-time interns often gain deeper insights into their rotations. You’ll have more time to engage in projects, observe seasonal trends, and build meaningful relationships with your preceptors. This extended engagement can enhance your learning and give you a well-rounded perspective on dietetics practice.
Many of our interns wish that they had more time at program sites so that they can see projects and initiatives through to the end. Our part-time option gives you more opportunities to implement longer-term projects.
Reduced financial strain.
A part-time schedule allows you to continue earning an income while completing your internship, making the journey to becoming an RD more accessible.
While you will need to complete the majority of your rotation hours during daytime hours, our part-time option allows for flexible employment options. Interns might choose to work on weekends or later afternoons/evenings.
Better work-life balance.
We believe in supporting a holistic approach to wellness—and that includes yours. A part-time dietetic internship lets you maintain a healthier work-life balance, giving you time to focus on family, hobbies, and self-care. This balance fosters motivation and reduces burnout, so you can thrive both personally and professionally.
More time to develop career goals.
Spreading out your rotations allows for introspection and goal-setting as you discover your strengths and preferences. This clarity can help you target specific areas that you’re interested in and it can help you gain clarity on your own business plan.
As a great bonus, you’ll also have access to our program directors for more time!
Frequently Asked Questions about our Part-Time Dietetic Internship
What are the downsides to a part-time dietetic internship program?
Completing your dietetic internship part-time will mean that it will take you longer to become a Registered Dietitian. This also could mean that you delay a higher earning potential.
Say that you make $20/hr as a part-time diet tech, but you’ll make $35/hr as a dietitian. We encourage you to do the math to see if a longer internship is worth it for you.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
This is a tough question to answer because we offer 3 different track options.
If you’re completing the supervised practice only track, it will take ~ 12-13 months to complete the program.
If you’re enrolled in a master’s program, the length will also depend on your grad program and how many courses you take each semester.
Can I start out in the part-time track and then switch to the full-time track?
Yes, absolutely. We have interns that do part-time during a hard semester and then switch to full-time once their schedule allows.
Can I work my full-time job during the day and then complete rotation hours at night and on weekends?
Unfortunately, this is not an option. You will be working alongside a dietitian during your rotations and you’ll need their hours. Most dietitians work a typical 8-5 role. You might find some rotations with more flexibility, but this is the exception, not the norm.
Are there additional fees for completing the program part-time?
We currently charge the same tuition fee for both the part-time and full time options.
Is a part-time dietetic internship right for you?
While a part-time schedule is ideal for those balancing multiple commitments, it’s not for everyone. If your goal is to sit for the RD exam as soon as possible, our full-time track may be a better fit. Regardless of the path you choose, we are committed to providing the flexibility and support you need to succeed.
About the Author
Kelan Sarnoff, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience in nutrition. She has worked in academia for the past 5 years and taught graduate-level courses including medical nutrition therapy. She loves helping future dietitians and interns discover their passion. She also works as a career coach.