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2016 GUIDE TO INTERNSHIP APPLICATION

OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP SELECTION PROCESS Dietitians of Canada (DC) uses a web-based computer program to run its national internship selection process. This program allows applicants to enter 3 internship program choices, and permits internship programs to rank applicants they are willing to accept. Computerized offers are made to successful applicants. Some applicants will receive more than one internship offer. The positions that remain will be offered to the next ranked applicants in subsequent rounds until all positions have been filled. This application package details the steps you will need to take, and the documents/forms you will need to submit, in order to apply for the 2016 internship selection process. Please review it carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met. HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY Go to the DC website at http://www.dietitians.ca/Become-a-Dietitian/Internships-Practicum-Programs/DC-Internship-Selection-Process/How-to-apply.aspx to review how and when to apply. □ Register for the national internship selection process on the DC website. Registration will be available at http://www.dietitians.ca/internshipmatch from December 1, 2015– February 1, 2016. Once your registration fee is paid, you will receive instructions on how to gain access to DC’s web-based computer program. □ Once you have access to DC’s computer program, you will enter your contact information, and you will be able to apply to a maximum of 3 internship programs. You can find a list of the available programs in APPENDIX 3. □ Detailed brochures are available for each internship program. Use the links in the program list in APPENDIX 3 to access the brochures. □ Individual programs may request additional information for your application package.

□ Examine their specific academic standards. If you do not meet their minimum grade requirements, your application will not be considered. □ Other factors to consider in choosing a program include cost of living, need for personal

transportation, distance from family and friends, and the match between a program’s emphasis and your experience and career goals.

□ Use this guide, the Critical Dates checklist in APPENDIX 1, and the Checklist for Internship Application in APPENDIX 2 to prepare your application. Mail your completed applications directly to each internship program coordinator by February 1, 2016.

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ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student at the time of application. In addition, you must meet one of the following criteria: □ You are a current student in a DC accredited undergraduate program or you graduated within the past 3 years from a DC accredited undergraduate program. □ If you graduated more than 3 years ago (before 2013) from a DC accredited undergraduate program, please refer to Appendix 4. □ If you are an international student in a DC accredited undergraduate program, you are eligible to apply in the year of your graduation (See http://cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp under "Working After Graduation" for further information). Be prepared to provide evidence of your citizenship/student status to the internship programs. If you are an international student who graduated from a DC accredited program in previous years, you must establish your Work Permit eligibility status before making an internship application: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad-who.asp

APPLICATION FORMS & DOCUMENTS REQUIRED It is your responsibility to submit each of the following items directly to each of your 3 internship program choices. Copies of the forms are included in APPENDIX 2. □ PERSONAL LETTER Your personal letter should tell the internship program coordinator why you are the best candidate for their program. Internship program coordinators will be evaluating your letter based on the following criteria: content, clarity of goals, interest in the profession and the program, potential contribution to the profession, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and self-direction. Your letter must be professional, and unless otherwise indicated in specific internship program brochures, no longer than one page, single-spaced, in 12 font, with one inch margins. □ RESUME Your resume should highlight your education, as well as your work and volunteer experience that are relevant to dietetics. Your resume must be: no longer than 2 pages, single-spaced, in 12 font, with one inch margins. Include your education and experience in reverse chronological order, and indicate the length of each experience.

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□ TRANSCRIPT OF MARKS Your transcript(s) must be official, bearing the university’s seal or a notarized copy. All post-secondary transcripts that contributed to your DC accredited undergraduate degree must also be submitted. For current students in DC accredited degree programs, your transcripts must include marks for all courses completed by the end of the first semester of the current academic year. □ APPLICANT’S CONTACT INFORMATION SHEET This contact sheet is an important reference for the internship program coordinator. Make sure it includes your present and permanent contact information. If any of the information changes, notify the coordinator. □ CONFIRMATION OF COMPLETION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAM FORM This form confirms that you have met or will meet DC’s academic requirements one month before the internship begins. Ask your university program director to sign one copy of this form for each internship program application. □ CONFIDENTIAL REPORT ON DIETETIC INTERNSHIP APPLICATION You must ask 3 referees to complete this form for each of your internship program choices. Be sure to choose your referees carefully.

● Your referees should know you well enough to judge your performance in most, if not all, of the areas specified on this form.

● Your referees should include those who know you in a professional, student or business capacity. References can include a previous or current employer or a supervisor of a volunteer work experience. An academic and/or Registered Dietitian reference is preferred. A reference from a family member is not permitted.

● Provide your referees with envelopes addressed to each program. Ask them to return each of their 3 completed forms to you in these sealed envelopes and to write their signature across the back flap. Photocopies of the confidential report will only be accepted if the signatures are original. Forms without an original signature will not be accepted and the application package will be considered incomplete.

Please note: The information in this form is only for the use of the internship program coordinator. It cannot be released to the applicant or any other party, at any time, including after the completion of the application process. If you have any unused reports, they must be returned to the reference who completed them on your behalf.

□ DIETETIC INTERNSHIP ACCEPTANCE FORM (only if accepted) If you are successful in obtaining an internship position, you will receive an email offer. You must:

• enter DC’s computer program to accept the offer, and

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• return this form to the internship program coordinator within 2 business days of accepting the offer. If you email the form, you must also mail a copy to the internship program coordinator. If you should subsequently decline a position, you must send written notification of your decision to the coordinator as soon as possible.

Pay attention to the important notes at the bottom of the acceptance form. One month before your internship begins, you must submit a final transcript to the internship program coordinator to confirm completion of your degree program and/or coursework if you were doing academic updating. If you are an international student, you must submit a copy of a valid work permit from Citizenship & Immigration Canada. If you fail to complete these requirements, your internship position may be in jeopardy. For more information on the internship application package components listed above, see the Tips for your Internship Application in APPENDIX 5. Also, check individual internship program brochures for further requirements that are specific to each program. DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNSHIP SELECTION PROCESS DC manages the national internship selection process through a three-step process. In addition to paying your registration fee, and entering your program choices into the computer program, you must send your completed application packages directly to each internship program – all by February 1, 2016. You will be notified of the results of the internship selection process by email only so it is important that you regularly check your inbox, as well as empty it to allow new messages to be delivered. Application for Internship Selection □ Registration for the internship selection process will be available on December 1, 2015 on the DC website at www.dietitians.ca/InternshipmatchYou must pay the fee of $150.00 + HST by credit card or PayPal. □ You must pay the registration fee and enter the computer program by February 1, 2016 to be eligible to apply for the internship selection process. Failure to do so will disqualify you from the computer selection process even though you may have already submitted your applications to the internship programs. □ Once your payment has been processed, you will receive an email about how to enter DC’s computer program using your email address. A username and DC password will be provided. □ Once you enter the computer program, an instruction page is provided. You are required to complete a personal profile of contact information, and to select from a drop down menu your 3 internship program choices. These 3 choices are equal and are not ranked according to preference (i.e. first, second, third). □ You can make changes to your personal profile at any time but you are not permitted to change your internship program choices after February 1, 2016.

First Process Round □ Prior to the start of the First Process Round, internship program coordinators will rank order all of the applicants they are willing to accept from their selection list. This list is generated from those applicants who

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have applied to their program, have created a profile, and have entered their program choices in the computer program. □ The First Selection Round begins on March 14, 2016. In the First Selection Round, the computerized program will make offers to ranked applicants based on the total number of positions available in each program. DC will email the results of the First Selection Round to all applicants, successful and unsuccessful.

□ Some successful applicants will receive more than one offer for an internship position. If you are a successful applicant, you must enter the computer program to accept a position by 5:00 p.m. March 15, 2016. If you do not, you will be disqualified from this selection process; however, you may be offered a position in a subsequent Selection Round. If you decline a position, you may also be offered a position in a subsequent Selection Round. □ If you are offered one or more positions but decide not to accept them, you have the option to ‘decline all’ positions offered in this and subsequent rounds. Use the ‘decline all’ option in the computer program to inform DC of other options you have chosen e.g. combined masters program. □ If internship programs do not fill all of their available positions in the First Selection Round, subsequent Selection Rounds will occur. The next ranked applicants who are still available will be offered positions by email in a Second Selection Round. Each subsequent Selection Round will follow on Monday and Thursday each week. Successful applicants will be given a response deadline of 5:00 p.m. the next day. You should continue to monitor your emails over the internship application period, even if you were unsuccessful in the previous selection round.

□ The selection process for the First Process Round will continue until all programs have filled their available positions. If a program runs out of ranked applicants, a Second Process Round may be required. See APPENDIX 6 for more information about the Second Round Process. □ After successful applicants accept a position through the computer selection process, they must send the completed Dietetic Internship Acceptance Form directly to the internship program within 2 business days of accepting the offer. If you email your form, follow up with a mailed copy. Applicants must also send their final transcripts to the program coordinator before their internship begins. For frequently asked questions about the internship selection process, go to http://www.dietitians.ca/Become-a-Dietitian/Internships-Practicum-Programs/DC-Internship-Selection-Process/Internship-Selection-Process-FAQs.aspx. Completion of Annual Internship Selection □ Once all internship positions are filled, an email will be sent to the remaining unsuccessful applicants informing them that the internship selection process for 2016 has been completed. □ By late April, DC notifies each university program director about the results of the internship selection process for their applicants only. DC will assume an applicant’s consent to the release of this information unless non-disclosure is requested from Corinne Eisenbraun at Corinne.eisenbraun@dietitians.ca no later than April 1, 2016.

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APPENDIX 1

IMPORTANT DATES FOR INTERNSHIP APPLICATION □ Register and pay fee for internship selection process on DC website at

www.dietitians.ca/Internshipmatch by February 1, 2016. Registration will be available on December 1, 2015. □ Create profile and make internship program selections in DC’s computer program at

http://internshipmatch.dietitians.ca/ by February 1, 2016. □ Mail your completed internship application packages to each of your program choices. Packages

must be received by February 1, 2016. □ Monitor your email inbox for notification of internship selection from March 14, 2016 until the

completion of the 2016 internship selection process. Offers will be made on the following Thursday and Monday until positions are filled.

□ If you accept a position, submit the completed Dietetic Internship Acceptance Form directly to the

internship program within 2 business days of accepting the offer. If you email your form, follow up with a mailed copy. You must also send your final transcripts to the program coordinator before your internship begins.

If a Second Process Round is needed, all unsuccessful First Process Round applicants will be notified by email by early April. See APPENDIX 6 for information about the Second Process Round.

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APPENDIX 2

CHECKLIST FOR INTERNSHIP APPLICATION & FORMS

Be sure you that have included all of the following items in your application package: □ Personal letter □ Resume □ Transcript(s) of Marks These forms are available in this package or as a fillable PDF: □ Applicant’s Contact Information Sheet http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/Internship-Pkg-Applicant-Contact-Info-Form.aspx □ Confirmation of Completion of Academic Program Form http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/Internship-Pkg-Completion-Academic-Program-Form.aspx □ Confidential Report on Dietetic Internship Application http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/Internship-Pkg-Confidential-Report.aspx You are strongly advised to use a courier service to mail your completed application package so that they can be tracked. Do not request the internship program coordinator’s signature on delivery as it may delay receipt of your package. Internship coordinators do not have to confirm receipt of your package. Late or incomplete packages will not be accepted by the internship program.

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APPLICANT’S CONTACT INFORMATION SHEET

Name: First name Middle name Surname University Program: Present Street Address: City/Province: ______ Postal Code: __________________________________________________________________________ Present Phone: Valid until: Present E-mail: Valid until: Permanent Street Address: City/Province: ______________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: ________________________________________________________________________ Permanent Phone: Permanent E-mail: I certify that the information contained in this application package is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature Date

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CONFIRMATION OF COMPLETION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAM FORM

This form confirms that _____, Name of applicant will graduate/graduated with a ______________________, Name of degree(s) from _____________________________________________, in ________________________________. Name(s) of university/ies Date of Convocation (Month/Year) This section must be completed by a DC accredited university program director. This applicant: □ has completed DC’s academic program requirements. OR □ will complete degree coursework requirements by ______________________ to be eligible to convocate. Date Signature of University Program Director Date

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Confidential Report on Dietetic Internship Application This section is to be completed by the applicant before forwarding to each referee. This report will only be viewed by the internship programs to which you are applying. Name of applicant: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ University program: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ How long have you known the applicant? Start date:______________ End date:_______________ Describe the capacity (professional, student or business) in which you have known the applicant: ____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please compare the applicant to a group of other students/employees/volunteers you have known, and rank them on each of the following attributes. Include your comments with each ranking.

Attribute Outstanding (top 10%)

Above Average

(top 20%)

Average (upper 50%)

Below Average (lower 50%)

Comments

Team skills Individual collaborates with others to provide good client service.

Outstanding team member. Helps others to achieve common goals.

Has some difficulty working with others to achieve common goals.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□

□

□

□

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Attribute Outstanding (top 10%)

Above Average

(top 20%)

Average (upper 50%)

Below Average (lower 50%)

Comments

Feedback Individual strives for excellence through self-reflection. Is receptive to, and utilizes feedback from others.

Accepts constructive criticism, develops plan for improvement, and integrates new learning.

Unwilling to accept constructive criticism, unable to develop a plan for improvement or integrate new learning.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□

□

□

□

Critical thinking Individual uses a problem solving approach to make decisions and improve situations.

Critically analyzes and integrates complex information to make decisions.

Has difficulty analyzing and integrating information to make decisions.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□

□

□

□

Decision making Individual uses a client-centred approach when making decisions.

Makes sound and timely decisions, understands implications of decisions.

Decisions often made without adequate thought and consideration.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□

□

□

□

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Attribute Outstanding (top 10%)

Above Average

(top 20%)

Average (upper 50%)

Below Average (lower 50%)

Comments

Application of knowledge Individual applies knowledge gained (from experience, judgment, and reference to approved resources) to various situations.

Easily applies old and new learning across various situations.

Has difficulty applying knowledge to various situations.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□

□

□

□

Time management/organization Individual manages time and workload effectively to meet deadlines.

Consistently manages time effectively and efficiently. Develops sound, logical plans, and considers details.

Has difficulty managing time to meet deadlines. Needs help developing plans for routine tasks.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□

□

□

□

Initiative and self-direction Individual continuously seeks new knowledge and innovation to support or enhance role.

Independently initiates appropriate activities. Seeks new opportunities to enhance skills.

Follows instructions but does not act independently.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□ □ □ □

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Attribute Outstanding (top 10%)

Above Average

(top 20%)

Average (upper 50%)

Below Average (lower 50%)

Comments

Communication skills Individual selects and uses written, oral, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.

Effectively uses speech to convey information in all situations. Written work is consistently clear, concise, accurate, and logical. Accomplished interpersonal skills.

Struggles to use speech to convey information effectively. Difficulty writing clearly, concisely, accurately & logically. Awkward interpersonal skills.

Applicant ranking (please check one)

□

□

□

□

In the space below, please add any descriptive comments that will assist in providing a complete picture of the applicant’s abilities and potential as a dietetic intern. Please do not attach any further documentation about the applicant.

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Please complete the following information and confirm it with your signature. Name of referee(s) – please print DC number(s), if applicable Name of organization/business Department Position Address Phone Email address Signature(s) of referee(s) Date Important notes for Referee(s): □ Make 3 copies of this confidential report. □ Sign each copy of this report with an original signature. □ Place each copy of this report in a sealed envelope, and sign your name across the seal on the back of each envelope. □ Return the sealed envelopes to the applicant for submission to his/her 3 internship program choices. □ These reports are for each program’s internship selection committee. They are not to be viewed by the applicant.

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DIETETIC INTERNSHIP ACCEPTANCE FORM

Please return this form within 2 business days of accepting the offer. Email and mail it to your internship program coordinator. Do not send this form to the DC office. This form is also available as a fillable PDF at: http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/Internship-Pkg-Acceptance-Form.aspx Name: First Name Middle Name Surname University: Permanent Address: __________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: Email address: _______________________________________________________________________ I confirm acceptance of an internship appointment with: Name of Internship Program Location Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT NOTES: One month before your internship begins, you must: □ submit a final transcript to the internship program coordinator to confirm completion of your degree program and/or required coursework to meet DC’s academic requirements. □ submit a copy of a valid work permit from Citizenship & Immigration Canada, if you are an international student.

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APPENDIX 3 List of DC Accredited Internship Programs

Participating in the 2016 Internship Selection Process

Detailed brochures are available for each internship program. Click on the link in each program list below. Name of Program & Contact Information

Number of Internship Positions

Application Fee Program Fee (if accepted into

program) Aramark Healthcare – Atlantic Canada Gander and Grand Falls Windsor, NFLD Angela Cuddy Med MSc RD Aramark Dietetic Internship Coordinator Email: cuddy-angela@aramark.ca

1 (14 month return of service

agreement)

$ 25

N/A

Aramark Healthcare – Toronto and Area Toronto, ON Angela Cuddy MEd MSc RD Dietetic Dietetic Internship Coordinator Email: cuddy-angela@aramark.ca

8 $ 25

$ 3,000

NSHA, Central Zone Dietetic Internship Program Halifax, NS Deborah V. Everett MBA P.Dt. Manager, Clinical Nutrition & Dietetic Internship E-mail: deborah.everett@cdha.nshealth.ca

8 $100

$250 program acceptance fee

Eastern Health St. John’s, NL Amanda O’Brien Acting Director of Internship Email: Amanda.obrien@easternhealth.ca (Please note Amanda will not be available until October 13, 2015)

4 $ 40 N/A

Grand River Hospital Kitchener, ON Hannah Marcus RD MSc Dietetic Internship Coordinator E-mail: hannah.marcus@grhosp.on.ca

5 N/A $ 2,500

Hamilton Health Science Corporation Hamilton, ON Dietetic Education Coordinator Hamilton Health Sciences Email: studentaffairs@hhsc.ca

10 N/A $3,200

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Hospital for Sick Children Toronto, ON Joann Herridge MSc RD c/o Aneta Plaga

Clinical Educator, Department of Clinical Dietetics

E;Mail: Joann.herridge@sickkids.ca

6 N/A $ 3,000

London Health Sciences Centre London, ON Leslie Harden MHS RD Manager Clinical Nutrition Practice & Dietetic Internship E-mail: leslie.harden@lhsc.on.ca

8 $25 $2500

Manitoba Partnership Dietetic Education Program Winnipeg, MB Alison Cummins Dietetic Internship Manager Email: acummins@wrha.mb.ca

2 N/A $ 350 (Due first day of

internship in Sept. 2016)

North York General Hospital Toronto, ON Courtney Somers-Balota Dietetic Internship Coordinator E-mail: courtney.somers-balota@nygh.on.ca

4 N/A $4500.00 payable to Ryerson

University and a $110 application fee to the Ontario

University Application

Centre

Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program (NODIP) Sudbury, ON Denise Raftis MEd RD Program Manager NODIP Email: denise.raftis@nosm.ca

11 N/A $ 1,000

St Michael’s Hospital/Ryerson University Collaborative (PM Dip-Dietetics) Toronto, ON Helen Tomalik RD MEd CDE Education Coordinator - Dietetic Internship Program E-mail: tomalikh@smh.ca

8 N/A $4500.00 payable to Ryerson

University and a $110 application fee to the Ontario

University Application

Centre

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Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre & Women’s College Hospital Toronto, ON Katherine Vandenbussche, MHS, RD Professional and Education Leader, Clinical Nutrition E-mail: Katherine.Vandenbussche@sunnybrook.ca

6 $25 Payable to

‘Sunnybrook Dietetic

Internship Program’

$2,500 ($1250 per

calendar year)

The Moncton Hospital Moncton, NB Nadya Savoie MSc RD Manager, Clinical Nutrition E-mail : Nadya.Savoie@HorizonNB.ca

4 $ 25 (cheque or money order payable to “The Moncton

Hospital”)

N/A

Additional placements are available through university-based masters/internship programs, and a combined internship/masters program at the Hospital for Sick Children. These positions are not part of the DC selection process – they have a separate application process. Check the respective university program website listed at: http://www.dietitians.ca/Become-a-Dietitian/Internships-Practicum-Programs/Internship-Routes.aspx The brochure for the combined internship/masters program at the Hospital for Sick Children is available at: http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/SickKids-combined-msc-prgm.aspx

Dietitians of Canada 604 – 480 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V2 Telephone: (416) 642-9315

Fax: (416) 596-0603 Email: alicia.beckford@dietitians.ca

Website: www.dietitians.ca

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APPENDIX 4

Confirmation of Completion of Academic Program Effective April 1, 2015, Dietitians of Canada (DC) discontinued doing “upgrading” assessments for graduates of DC accredited undergraduate programs who met academic requirements more than 3 years ago and who wish to apply for the DC Internship Selection Match. Please note below the process to be followed if you graduated more than 3 years ago and wish to apply for the DC Internship Selection Match in 2016.

1. Those with DC Upgrading Assessment: If you applied to DC for upgrading assessment before March 31, 2015 and your assessment is still valid, you will have a verification letter stating that you are eligible to apply for the Internship Selection Match. In order to apply, your must provide the following as proof of meeting the academic requirement of internship application:

• Original copy of the Confirmation of Completion of Academic Program form, (see Application Forms and Documentation Required section of the Internship Application Package). This form must be signed by the Program Director of your DC accredited undergraduate program

• Photocopy of your DC assessment letter • Photocopy of your DC Verification letter that states that you are eligible to apply for the

Internship Application Match for the current year • Official transcript(s) (see Application Forms and Documentation Required section of the

Internship Application Package) • Official transcript(s) that show courses completed to meet “upgrading” requirements identified in

your DC assessment letter OR proof from the university of current registration in these courses

2. Those Not Previously Assessed by DC: If you graduated from a DC accredited academic program more than 3 but less than 6 years ago you are eligible to apply for the Internship Selection Match (ISM) but academic updating is strongly recommended. The Internship Selection Match process is highly competitive. Internship programs specify acceptable Grade Point Average (GPA) for their program and this is advertised on their brochure. If you do not meet this GPA requirement, it is unlikely your application will be considered by the internship program. Academic updating may be beneficial to show an improvement in course grades but is no guarantee of consideration if your initial GPA is below the acceptance level stated on the internship brochure. The following Guidelines for academic updating have been developed for potential applicants to the Internship Selection Match.

• If you graduated more than 3 and less than 6 years ago (i.e. date you met convocation

requirements), two (3-credit)* updating courses are recommended. Updated courses suggested are one 3-credit course in clinical nutrition and one 3-credit course in advanced

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nutrition (the advanced course could be in community nutrition, clinical nutrition or another advanced level nutrition course)

*Three credits is equivalent to a single semester course. Updating courses must be senior level (third and fourth year courses).

For graduates of DC accredited programs who graduated more than 6 years ago, application for admission to an accredited academic program is recommended as updating guidelines are no longer applicable. If you are seeking admission to the same undergraduate program you initially completed, you may not be eligible for entry to the program as university policy may not permit completion of the same degree more than once.

Please note:

• Accredited academic programs may not be able to accommodate any updating students if their program has an integrated internship component that restricts courses to only program students.

• Programs that can accommodate special course students for updating purposes may have additional pre-requisite course requirements to be eligible to take senior level courses due to the integrated nature of curriculum.

• Those programs that can accommodate special course students for updating will have specified dates for registration in courses (often several months prior to course start date) and limitations on the number of students in the courses as program students have priority so registration is not guaranteed.

• On-line courses are not recommended and no guidance can be provided on appropriateness of such courses for updating.

• In addition to updating suggestions provided above, additional courses may be required due to curricular changes associated with implementation of Competencies and Foundational Knowledge of the 2013 Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice (ICDEP). These should be discussed with the program academic advisor.

If you do complete academic updating: For application to Internship, you will need to include in your Internship Application Package:

• Original copy of the Confirmation of Completion of Academic Program form (see Application Forms and Documentation Required section of the Internship Application Package) This form must be signed by the Program Director of your DC accredited undergraduate program

• Official transcript(s) (see Application Forms and Documentation Required section of the Internship Application Package)

• Official transcript(s) that show “updating” courses completed OR proof from the university of current registration in “updating” courses

These guidelines are also available on the DC website: http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/Academic-Updating-Guidelines-2015.aspx

Please do not contact DC to inquire about the above requirements or for advice on courses.

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APPENDIX 5

Tips for Your Internship Application Strong attention to detail and careful preparation are necessary when you assemble your internship application. Your application is your initial means to market yourself, and to make a “good first impression.” It should give internship program coordinators an excellent sense of who you are, and what you have to offer. General Advice on your Internship Application Package:

• Give yourself enough time to carefully prepare and review your application package. • Examine brochures from the various programs to be sure that you are applying to a

program that matches your skills and expectations. • Review each program brochure carefully for specific academic standards and other

designated requirements. • Contact your references early as it may take some time for them to complete the

referee form and return it to you. Be thoughtful in your selection of referees – ideally you want someone who can speak to all of the components listed on the Confidential Report form.

• Make sure that all required documents are included. Check both the requirements from Dietitians of Canada and the individual internship programs.

• Be honest in all aspects of your application. Never misrepresent or falsify information regarding your education, work experiences, references or credentials. The internet and social networking sites make it easy to verify information.

• Your package will be judged not only on content but also on professional style. Avoid abbreviations or common jargon used in text messaging.

• Seek assistance in reviewing your application package, preferably from someone who knows dietetics.

• Allow sufficient time for the internship package to reach the program. If you miss the application deadline, you could be disqualified. Use a courier service to permit tracking.

• Make sure you register in the computer selection database, and add your internship program choices by the deadline. If you do not do this, you will not appear on the selection lists for your internship program choices.

Personal Letter:

• The letter gives the reader some insight into you as an individual and helps answer the question, “why am I a good candidate for your internship program?”

• It serves as an example of your written communication skills. • Be sure to write in a professional manner, being cordial and factual. • Personalize each letter and avoid using a generic cover letter that is the same for

every application. • Check program brochures and websites to learn more about their organizations. You

will better understand not only the program but also the general philosophy of the organization.

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• Your letter should make you “stand out.” Explain why you are applying to that particular program i.e. the strength of the program from your perspective, and what you can bring to it. Highlight and explain specific points in your resume.

• Conclude your letter with a thank you for considering your application.

Resume: • The resume must include your contact information. • In the education section of your resume, identify the program you are in and the

school(s) you are attending or have attended. You do not need to include your high school education, unless you earned a number of awards or a completed a special program that might be relevant to a career in dietetics.

• A resume highlights experience that is relevant to dietetics. Be clear on what you did and what skills you obtained. Experience that was gained many years ago should not be included: experience gained in the past 5 years is the most meaningful. The length of your experience should also be included e.g. May 2014-October 2014. As a guideline, observational experience should only be included if it was a minimum of 20 hours.

• Work and volunteer experiences are equally valuable. Both demonstrate your involvement with the dietetic profession and/or your community. Experiences with a dietitian or in dietetic related settings are most valuable. The level of work and responsibility are also important factors. Be sure to include the title you held, the name of the organization, and the location. Briefly list the duties of your position.

• Include professional memberships, research, publications, and any other relevant skills.

• Avoid providing too much information, especially if it is merely included to use up space.

References:

• Choose your referees carefully. Make sure that they are individuals who really know the quality of your work and your character, and are willing to put positive recommendations in writing.

• Work, volunteer, and professional references are better than personal references. Avoid the use of a relative as a reference.

• Ensure that your referees can judge you on as many of the attributes on the Confidential Report form as possible.

• Make sure your referees are aware that you are applying for a dietetic internship – a professional program.

• Give your referees adequate time to prepare their reference. Review deadlines and instructions with them.

• Limit the number of Confidential Reports to the number of programs you are applying to. If you are only applying to two programs, ask for two reports.

• References are confidential. You must not open the sealed envelopes or ask for a copy of the report. If you have an extra report that you do not use, return it to the referee.

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APPENDIX 6

Second Process Round If an internship program has not filled all of its positions, and they have no more ranked applicants, a Second Process Round will be required. If you were unsuccessful in the First Process round, you will be informed by early April if there will be a Second Process Round. □ If a Second Process Round is required, all unsuccessful applicants will receive an email in early April to inform them of the application process, and the deadline for application. Only applicants from the First Process Round are eligible to apply, and an application can only be made to one program. If you accepted an internship position in the First Process Round, you are not eligible to apply for the Second Process Round. □ You will be able to download the application package for the Second Process Round from the DC website. The package will specify the internship program positions available, and the dates for the Second Process Round selection.

□ You will apply directly to the internship program of your choice. You must submit all parts of the application package directly to that program. No documents will be transferred from a First Process Round program to a Second Process Round program.

□ In addition to submitting your internship application package to the program, you must enter your choice in the computer program. There is no additional charge for the Second Process Round application.

□ Applicants will be informed by email if they have been selected by the program. They must then enter the computer program to verify acceptance of the program, by the date specified in the email. The Dietetic Internship Acceptance Form must be sent directly to the internship program within 2 business days of accepting the offer.