Preceptors make a difference in the lives of students who are learning to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists or Dietetic Technicians Registered by acting as a mentor and training the dietetic professionals of the future. Currently, for every qualified student who gets an internship rotation, another student will not, because too few practitioners have been willing to take on this role.

The profession needs more practitioners who are willing to train and serve as positive role models and preceptors to assure that all qualified students can complete their education.

Find-a-Preceptor Database

ACEND has unveiled a database which allows practitioners to register to potentially become preceptors and join the effort to guide and educate the next generation of dietetic professionals. The Find-a-Preceptor Database allows program directors and students, who are members of the Academy, to search for a preceptor within a certain geographical or specialty area.

National Preceptor Month

Initiated in 2013, April is National Preceptor Month in an effort to raise awareness of not only the need for preceptors but also to recognize and thank the practitioners who take the time and make the effort to create the next generation of professionals by teaching students in their workplace. Without preceptors, out profession and our Academy would not exist.

Additional Resources

Outstanding Preceptor Awards

At the request of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation now funds seven awards on behalf of the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) DPG and ACEND to recognize preceptors who are exemplary educators and mentors.

The awards cover complementary registration to attend one meeting of the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) along with reimbursement for travel, food and lodging up to $1000. The seven award recipients are recognized at the Academy Member Showcase and the NDEP Member Meetings at FNCE.

Please be on the alert for opportunities that will be available to you to recognize and support the contribution that preceptors are making to the profession.

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Supply and Demand for Internships

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Preceptor Recruitment Video

How Do Other Professions Avoid a Shortage of Internship Positions?

All other regulated professions in the United States that require supervised practice, from nursing, to medicine, to law, to teaching, avoid shortages of entry-level supervised practice by providing both didactic education and supervised practice within one education program. In contrast, the majority of dietetic students must obtain their entry-level supervised practice by applying to a second, post-graduate program, often without the benefit of professional recognition through a graduate-level degree.

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Are There Enough Jobs for Dietitians?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for registered dietitians and nutritionists will increase by 9 percent between 2008 and 2018; however, we believe that even more RDs will be needed, because of the on-going U.S. health crisis.

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Is There a Need for Preceptors in My Area?

Contact an ACEND representative at preceptor@eatright.org and request a list of internship programs needing preceptors or mentors in your area. On occasion, students may contact you to see if you are willing to precept them. If so, ask for the name of the program and information about the program's expectations.

Questions or Comments

Please contact preceptor@eatright.org with any questions or concerns related to preceptors.