Students complete at least 1000 hours in experiential learning in didactic and on-site placements. 900 practice hours are completed in supervised experiential learning at various sites. Nationwide students, please use these facility requirements to look for experiential learning sites. Use the Iowa State University's Facility Search to find facilities that are organized by State. Additionally, you can also search the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preceptor database , if you are an Academy member :
Supervised experiential learning is planned in coordination with your preceptors. Although you are expected to complete ~24 hours/week onsite, most students may typically work three 8-hour days. The start and end times may vary considerably based on the rotation, type of facility, and availability of learning opportunities. For example, you may be assigned to work with your preceptor or their assignee on an early morning shift some days, whereas on other days, you may be required to work a later shift. You may even be asked to work on the weekend to learn about the differences in operations between weekdays and the weekend.
Once you have decided which preceptors to contact, call their offices and make an appointment to talk with them.
Start with contacts that you may already have.
Your preceptors must provide you with a commitment letter stating their willingness to precept you and the dates of your rotations with them. These letters provide assurance that appropriate professionals have been identified and are willing to supervise you during your supervised experiential learning. Preceptor commitment letters may be in whatever format the preceptor prefers (email, letter, etc.), and PDF copies of the letters must be submitted with your application. Sample preceptor commitment letter.
Affiliation agreements will be required between ISU and the practice site/facility before your supervised experiential learning may begin.
These agreements will be completed between ISU legal counsel and the practice site/facility. ISU cannot guarantee that all affiliation agreements will be successfully negotiated. If we cannot negotiate an affiliation agreement, you will be responsible for finding another site and preceptor to complete your supervised experiential learning.
Colorado residents – Colorado laws can make it difficult, perhaps impossible, to reach a legal agreement with facilities there. We will still review applications for Colorado, but we want you to be aware that alternative plans may need to be made.
The MPPD program follows the academic calendar established by the Office of the Registrar at Iowa State University for fall, spring, and summer terms.
The RD2B-track program starts in the fall each year with a "live" virtual program orientation the week before classes start in the fall semester. The program continues in the spring and summer semesters (12 consecutive months). You are expected to complete supervised experiential learning in each of the three semesters: Community Nutrition in the fall, Medical Nutrition Therapy in the spring, and Food Systems Management rotation during the summer semester. You will be on-site for your supervised experiential learning three days a week, and your schedule will be planned by your preceptors within the program guidelines. If you lose a site after being admitted to the program, program faculty will guide you in searching for replacement sites and/or provide some alternative experiences to ensure timely program completion.
Students who have met the graduation and program completion requirements graduate at the end of the summer semester. Virtual live program orientation occurs the week before classes start in the fall semester.
Explore our Global Sustainability Option with experiences in Ghana and France!