Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway Program
The Department of Nutrition at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) offers an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) Program. The ISPP offers required supervised practice hours (minimum 1,200) to fulfill the experiential requirements to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians and earn the Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) credential. The ISPP is available to Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) graduates who have applied but did not match to a dietetic internship in the most recent match cycle.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the MSU Denver ISPP is to provide supervised practice experiences to prepare competent, entry-level dietitians for positions in clinical dietetics, community nutrition, and food service management. The program aims to produce:
- competent dietetic professionals for entry-level positions in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
- RD/RDNs who are active in the profession and/or the community.
Application and Admission to the ISPP
Applicants must have submitted a competitive Dietetic Internship Centralized Application (DICAS) within the past year, including the current match cycle, without being matched in the first round to a dietetic internship. Applicants must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited DPD program prior to beginning the ISPP.
- Applicants initially submit ISPP application materials to the Nutrition Department (Part A below)
- Applicants who are selected as ISPP interns submit additional required materials to the Nutrition Department (Part B below)
PART A | Required ISPP Application Materials | Nutrition Department
Applicants should submit the following application materials as one complete packet to the Nutrition Department by the application deadline. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed for consideration.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Nutrition
Attn: ISPP Director
Campus Box 33N, PO Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362
Application packets must include:
- A verification statement from an accredited DPD (completed within the last five years) or Intent to Complete if graduation is expected prior to starting the ISPP.
- A copy of the most recent DICAS internship application saved in html format. The application must be complete and include grade point average (GPA), volunteer and work experience, a personal statement and resume.
- Documentation of non-match for internship
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one nutrition professor and one work or volunteer experience supervisor) - the letters must attest to the applicant’s motivation and success in the ISPP practicum rotations.
- An essay answering the following in no more than 250 words: “After reading the MSU Denver ISPP Student Handbook, describe how you will uphold the professionalism standards of the MSU Denver ISPP during your supervised practice experience and as a dietetics professional.”
- $50 ISPP application fee (paid online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/MSUDenverEM_NUTM or via check made payable to MSU Denver ISPP)
PART B | Required MSU Denver Graduate Application Materials | Nutrition Department
Once selected as an ISPP intern, applicants must pursue acceptance to MSU Denver as a graduate student. Additional application materials to submit directly to the Nutrition Department include:
- Graduate application
- Official transcripts - Students must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended (transcripts from MSU Denver are not required). Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous colleges/universities in a signed, sealed envelope. Institutions may also send official electronic transcripts to transcripteval@msudenver.edu.
Once all materials are received, the Nutrition Department will forward the materials to the MSU Denver Office of Admissions. Applicants selected as ISPP interns must be admitted to MSU Denver as a graduate student prior to beginning the ISPP.
Financial Aid
Students enrolled in the ISPP program may be eligible for financial aid.
Program Information
The ISPP provides a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice. ISPP students are generally on duty 40 hours each week. Additional time is required to complete assignments, readings and projects.
