Unsuccessful dietetic internship applicants: a descriptive survey

We examined the demographic characteristics of applicants who applied and were unsuccessful in securing an internship position, what these applicants did afterward in their efforts to obtain an internship position, and which career paths they pursued. We also searched for any differences in eligibility between applicants who had not obtained an internship position and those who eventually were successful.

A 68-item online survey was administered.

The study sample (n=84) was relatively homogeneous: female (99%), heterosexual (98%), Caucasian (70%), Canadian-born (75%), having English as a first language (73%), multilingual (40%), and having completed a previous degree (29%). Mean self-reported cumulative grade point average (3.35) exceeded the minimum (3.0) required by most Ontario internship programs. Over 25% eventually secured an internship position. Applicants who rated their packages strong in community nutrition were less successful in attaining an internship. Little difference in qualification was found between those who were eventually successful and not-yet-successful applicants.

Unsuccessful applicants met academic and other requirements for admission to dietetic internship programs in Ontario. Insufficient training opportunities, costs associated with internship, and competition may be contributing to a loss of human potential in dietetics.