Dietetic Internship FAQ

Yes, it is not required to attend our partnership programs in order to apply to the MGH Dietetic Internship. (See admission requirements for application information.)

Yes, as of 2024 a master's degree is required to attend the program and to take the RD exam.

For almost all the rotations, interns rotate by themselves. Each intern is paired and works primarily with an assigned preceptor. Occasionally, interns' schedules overlap in some rotations. In that case, the intern still has his or her own preceptor and would be engaged in different work on a daily basis. During the three week Business Plan Rotation interns work as part of a team to create and deliver the plan.

Most rotations have assignments designed to help prepare interns for the start of the rotation. In clinical, interns conduct research and give presentations that relate to patients they cared for and nutrition-related disease states. In food service, interns work on management projects, such as implementing a new menu item at a retail operation. Interns compete in a recipe contest. There is a business plan project, where interns learn how to research, create, present, and implement a business plan.

Interns are evaluated by their preceptors after every rotation. Presentations can be video-taped and evaluated by peers and other staff members to help interns improve public speaking skills. There are pre-rotation assignments, but there are no tests or exams during the internship.

Mass General healthcare team works collaboratively to provide the highest standard of patient care. The clinical environments in which interns practice is conducive to learning and all members of the healthcare team are dedicated to teaching. RDs and interns work together with nurses, psychiatry, speech pathology, social work, physical therapy, and other health care professionals.

A car is not necessary for this internship. All rotations are accessible by public transportation and/or MGH shuttle services. The majority of rotations are on the main campus of the hospital. Mass General is conveniently located by two MBTA stops: MGH/Charles on the Red Line and Lechmere on the Green Line. Interns are able to purchase MBTA passes at reduced monthly rates through Mass General. Mass General also offers a free, covered, and locked bike cage for any of those that ride to work. For the Health Centers Rotation, interns can use free shuttle buses to get to Mass General Health Centers in Chelsea, Everett, and Revere, MA (about 10 minute drive away). Click here to learn more about the Mass General Brigham Shuttle Service. Please note, weekday parking is not available at Mass General.

Interns have monthly class days with other Boston internship programs. This is a great way to network with other interns. Topics can vary from year to year based on evaluations by attendees. Topics covered in recent years include: professional development, sports nutrition, nutrition support, pediatric nutrition, obesity, diabetes and motivational interviewing. In addition, there are tutorials held with fellow Mass General interns on most non-class Mondays of the internship year.

The Department of Nutrition & Food Services catering operations employs interns on an as needed basis. Some interns also opt for a part time job, but please note, jobs with minimal, flexible hours are most appropriate.

Dietetic interns have their own office with two desktop computers and some laptops and personal lockers. Interns are eligible for Mass General membership rates at the Clubs at Charles River Park. Dietetic interns are eligible for free weekend and weeknight parking in designated Mass General parking garages located on the main campus, but weekday parking is not available. Interns also receive weekly e-mails that list current perks offered to Mass General employees. These benefits include discounted tickets to world famous shows performing in Boston, local events and amusement parks, movie theaters, and discounts for various vendors. Each day, interns are allotted $8 for lunch, valid at any of the eight Mass General retail operations.

Health insurance is not offered to interns. However it is required by the state of Massachusetts. If you are over 26, you can either purchase a health plan via Mass Health Connector or choose a private insurance plan if you are not covered under your parents' plan.

Interns are scheduled to work a 40-hour work week, but rarely work weekends. Monday through Friday the intern is expected to work eight-hour shifts beginning as early as 6:00 AM and starting as late as 12:30 PM. Interns are scheduled off on the ten Mass General-recognized holidays, as well as one week of vacation. One week of vacation is scheduled during the Christmas holiday. While interns are scheduled to work a 40-hour week, assignments, projects, and readings often require additional time.

The following holidays are celebrated by Mass General:

• January 1: New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Day
• Third Monday in February: President's Day
• Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
• June 19: Juneteeth
• July 4: Independence Day
• First Monday in September: Labor Day
• Second Mondy in October: Indigenous Peoples Day
• Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving
• December 25: Christmas Day

Interns live in a variety of neighborhoods. Some popular choices, based on price and location, include: Cambridge, Beacon Hill, Somerville, Allston, and Brighton. Many interns recommend that you live near a Red Line stop, since this is the closest line to Mass General.

The first time pass rate is 95% over the past 5 years.

It's hard to give a total annual cost. Based on some interns' experiences, living expenses can range from $900 to $1,400 per month for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other bills. The most updated tuition and fees are listed in the Financial Aid section. Interns can take out private loans and college loans may be deferred during the internship year. This is dependent on the loan servicer.

Tours are every Friday at 10 am. If you cannot make this time, email Alicia Barry and she can work with you to schedule a convenient time for a visit. During the tour, prospective interns attend an informational meeting with the program director that includes time for questions. Then, a current intern will gives a tour of the different rotation areas and answer any further questions. Learn more about how to schedule a visit here.