The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) within the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and fulfills the same requirements as a Dietetic Internship. ISPP interns who do not already possess a masters degree are concurrently enrolled in the MS in Nutritional Sciences RDN concentration. Admission into the ISPP requires admission or good standing in the MS in Nutritional Sciences program at UHM OR completion of a MS in Nutritional Sciences program. The program includes 1,000 hours of supervised practice in various rotation sites. Upon successful completion of the UHM ISPP, each student will have earned the MS in Nutritional Sciences RDN concentration and receive a verification of completion certificate and be eligible to take the national Registration Examination for Dietitians.
- The UHM ISPP is only available to graduates who were not matched in the D & D Digital match in the current year or within the past five years (proof required) but who possess a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement.
- Admission to the ISPP will require acceptance/good standing in the MS Nutritional Sciences program at UHM. Click here for admissions and application instructions. Individuals interested in the ISPP must submit an application to the MS in Nutritional Sciences program as well as the ISPP program (Note: For individuals who already possess an MS in Nutritional Sciences and are interested in the ISPP, contact the program director).
- The UHM ISPP is a Full-time program. It allows up to 150% of the full-time (27 months) program to complete experiences. In extenuating circumstances, the program allows the option of up to 200% of the full-time (36 months) program if approved by the DPD Director and ISPP Coordinator.
- The UHM ISPP is open to any student in possession of a DPD verification statement including those from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa or are Hawai'i residents. Out-of-state students may be accepted if space is available. Priority for the UHM ISPP is given to Hawai'i residents. Students not matched in the April D & D Digital match or within the past five years are eligible to submit the UHM ISPP Online Application Packet.
The UHM ISPP provides DPD graduates with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of food and nutrition science and to acquire competencies needed to practice dietetics in a variety of settings. Graduates of the UHM ISPP are expected to function as entry level practitioners in clinical, food service, and community dietetic roles. Each is expected to operate independently with a high level of professionalism and integrity. The UHM ISPP is focused on Hawai'i’s unique community and therefore, offers a community concentration. Through its activities, the UHM ISPP will promote education of students in the multicultural environment, service in a variety of community settings, and participation in various professional organizations.
Remote Learning
The UHM ISPP program does offer some remote learning supervised practice experiences (rotations on Hawaii Island and Kauai) and distance education. Interns are required to have a computer or laptop with capabilities to share video and audio and access to the internet.
Beginning in 2024, the entry-level registration eligibility education requirements for dietitians will change from a baccalaureate degree to a minimum of a graduate degree. A graduate degree includes a master’s degree, practice doctorate, doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.Dor, D.Sc.) All other entry-level dietitian registration eligibility requirements remain the same.