To be considered for admission, you must meet the minimum program requirements:

1. You must have graduated from an EQual accredited Canadian undergraduate nutrition program (or the U.S. equivalent, an ACEND® – accredited program) within the past three years.
2. If you graduated from an accredited Canadian undergraduate program more than three years ago (from the convocation date to the application deadline), you have two options:
   • Achieve a Level 1 Result on the College of Dietitians of Ontario’s Knowledge and Competence Assessment Tool (KCAT).
   • Contact the accredited Canadian undergraduate program from which you graduated. Request an academic assessment. Complete the courses specified on the assessment prior to applying to this program.
3. A history of strong academic performance. Your average is 75% (3.0/4.33) or greater in your final two years of an accredited undergraduate nutrition degree.
4. Strong oral and written communication skills.
5. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply.

This program is open to qualified applicants who wish to become registered dietitians. It is not open to individuals who are/have been dietitians in Canada or elsewhere.

Personal Characteristics

1. Self-directed learner with an ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
2. Evidence of leadership and strong critical thinking skills;
3. Well-developed interpersonal skills; and,
4. Flexible and able to adapt to changing organizational environments.

Candidates are advised to review the ‘Program Requirements’ section of our site to understand the registration documents (e.g. immunizations, vulnerable sector checks, etc.) that are required to participate in the program. Information about program costs is listed in the ‘Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid’ section below.

All questions about admissions to the Dietetic Practicum Program should be directed to admissions@nosm.ca.

Applications

Applications are accepted annually in the fall and typically close in January. Applications are accepted via our online portal. Monitor this site for the live online portal.

Application Fee

Please be advised a non-refundable application fee of $75 is required before your application is reviewed for completeness.

Interviews

Applicants who pass screening will be invited by email to participate in a 30-minute interview. Interviews are typically scheduled in late February.

Offer of Admission

Offers of admission to successful candidates are typically made by email in early March for a September program start. If the offer of admission is accepted, candidates will be required to make a non-refundable deposit of $500 that will be applied to their tuition. Detailed information will be provided to successful candidates in the registration package.

1. Three confidential reference forms. Applicants are required to provide the names and email addresses of three (3) referees who have agreed to provide a reference by completing and submitting the Request for Confidential References Form.

Upon submitting the completed Request for Confidential Reference Form an email will be automatically sent to the named referees at the email addresses provided indicating that they have been named as a referee and providing them with a link to the Confidential Reference Form, which must be completed by the application deadline.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email for each Confidential Reference Form that is submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all three (3) Confidential Reference Forms have been submitted by the application deadline.

Consider selecting referees who can speak to your experience and readiness for DPP. This may include managers, supervisors, registered dietitians, academics, or other professional contacts. There is no requirement for an academic reference.

2. Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions you have attended.  If you are currently a student, upload your unofficial transcripts after your fall grades are posted. Official transcripts showing that your degree was conferred will be required if you accept an offer of admission.

If the KCAT was written, upload your results.

3. A cover letter which describes your future career goals in dietetics, and your interest in and commitment to undertake the NOSM University Dietetic Practicum Program. Address how your values align with NOSM U, including your interest in training in Northern Ontario and how your previous studies and experiences have prepared you for this program.

Although DPP does not hold seats for Northern Ontario, Indigenous or Francophone applicants, we endeavour to recruit a portion of learners who reflect the demographics of Northern Ontario. Applicants declaring these attributes in their cover letter and resume may receive a slightly higher application score.  Note that any information provided should be verifiable.

Format

• Business letter format
• Addressed to the Manager, Dietetic Practicum Program
• Maximum 1 page in length, single-spaced
• Minimum 11 point font

4.  A resume speaking to volunteer/employment history. Include details about responsibilities and skills relevant to dietetics (e.g., transferable skills such as leadership, education, and project coordination). Include details such as your address, the location and the number of hours for all volunteer and work experiences. Also, highlight relevant certificates, memberships, research activities, awards, and extracurricular activities.

Format:

• Maximum 2 pages
• Minimum 11 point font

5. Confirmation of completion of an EQual (or PDEP) Accredited Academic Program form.Completed by your undergraduate dietetics education university program administration verifying your eligibility to apply. For U.S. applicants, submit an ACEND program verification form signed by your university program director.

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply. If you completed your education outside of Canada, the United States, or Australia, you must complete the College of Dietitians of Ontario KCAT as part of the Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR) process and achieve a Level I result.

For more information, please see the College of Dietitians of Ontario, Applicants webpage for those educated internationally.

This program is open to qualified applicants who wish to become registered dietitians. It is not open to individuals who are/have been dietitians in Canada or elsewhere.

The 2024-25 DPP Academic Fee Schedule is available on the Tuition and Fees page. Please monitor that site for changes.

Students are advised to consider other costs such as:

• principal site accommodation/moving expenses,
• food and living expenses,
• vehicle, gas, maintenance,
• parking,
• immunizations, and
• liability insurance.

For placements outside of your principal site, in the DPP catchment, NOSM University housing is provided at no additional cost and mileage reimbursement is provided.

Financing your practicum year can be challenging. NOSM U’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Please visit the Financial Assistance site for more information or you may contact our Financial Aid Officer directly at:

807-766-7474

1-800-461-8777 (Canada-wide toll-free number ext. 7474)

Email: financialaid@nosm.ca