If you’re thinking about applying to a distance dietetic internship, one of your biggest questions is probably: How do I find my own preceptors and rotation sites? For many prospective applicants, this part of the process feels the most intimidating.

Site and preceptor outreach isn’t something most prospective applicants have done before. Reaching out to rotation sites, understanding what’s required, and managing all the logistics can feel overwhelming. We get it. 

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate this alone. While we encourage you to take the lead in reaching out to sites and securing rotations, at Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship (BWS DI), we offer personalized support to help you navigate the process and fill in any gaps along the way.

In this post, we’ll cover: 

  • The types of rotation sites you’ll need
  • How to begin finding and securing rotation sites 
  • What kind of support you can expect from BWS DI.

What Types of Rotation Sites Do I Need to Secure for My Dietetic Internship?

As a BWS DI intern, you’ll complete a well-rounded ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. Our intern rotation schedules incorporate experiences across a variety of practice settings, including: 

  • Clinical Nutrition: 320 hours
  • Food Service Management: 80 hours
  • Community and Public Health Nutrition: 160 hours
  • Wellness: 320 hours
  • Optional Elective: 160 hours 

clinical rotation pro tip: start early and be persistent

If you choose not to complete an elective rotation and instead opt for a four-rotation schedule, those 160 hours become “flex hours” and can be distributed across any of your core rotations. Whether you pursue a four or five-rotation schedule, all interns complete a minimum of 1,040 supervised practice hours.

There is flexibility to include some remote learning in your schedule. Interns must complete at least 700 hours in person, and at least half of their clinical hours must be on-site. Clinical and wellness rotations can also be split between two sites (160 hours each) if needed.

In distance programs, interns are typically responsible for securing their own rotation sites. However, what sets BWS DI apart is our collaborative approach. Every intern works one-on-one with our outreach manager throughout the process, receiving hands-on support to help build a complete, well-rounded schedule. While we provide extensive guidance and outreach on your behalf, we also encourage you to take initiative and be actively involved in securing your rotations.

You can also find more information about our different tracks and rotation options here.

clinical rotation pro tip: don't limit yourself, LTCs count too

How to Start Finding Dietetic Internship Rotation Sites 

Whether you’re applying to BWS DI or just exploring your options, it’s helpful to understand the basics of rotation site outreach.Taking early steps to plan and connect can go a long way in building a strong schedule.

Here are a few steps to help you get started: 

    1. Define your location(s): Start by identifying where you’ll be living during your internship. When searching for sites, we aim to keep them as close to home as possible; however, you should be prepared to commute up to 60 minutes if necessary. Also, consider if you’ll be traveling or spending time in another area and want to complete a rotation there.
    2. Tap your network: Reach out to former employers, volunteer supervisors, undergraduate and graduate faculty, or local RDNs you’ve met. They may be able to offer a rotation experience or know someone who could. A warm introduction can often lead to more opportunities than a cold email.
    3. Use online tools:
      • Search for local RDNs, Clinical Nutrition Managers, and Foodservice Directors on LinkedIn 
      • Explore the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Find a Preceptor Database
      • Check the websites of hospitals, wellness centers, schools, or community organizations in your area. 
    4. Craft a strong outreach email:
      • Need help getting started? Download our free Preceptor Toolkit. It includes customizable email templates, rotation descriptions, and outreach tips to make the process easier.

pro tip: follow-up

Tips for Staying Organized While Reaching Out to Dietetic Internship Rotation Sites

Site outreach may require contacting dozens of potential preceptors, so staying organized is key.

At BWS DI, our interns use a shared Rotation Schedule Template that helps coordinate efforts between the intern, outreach manager, and faculty advisors. Even before you’re officially accepted into a program, build strong habits to manage the process effectively.

Here’s what to track as you begin outreach: 

  • Site and preceptor names, addresses, and contact information
  • Dates you reached out and any follow-ups
  • Responses and confirmed hours. 

Using a spreadsheet can help you keep this information organized and easily accessible. Not only does this level of detail help you stay on top of the process, but it also allows us to easily identify where support is needed once you’re accepted into the program. 

The BWS DI Difference: Personalized Outreach Support

While you’ll take the lead in building your rotation schedule, you’re not doing it alone. BWS DI has a dedicated outreach manager who works with every intern to help you fill in the gaps, stay on track, and troubleshoot challenges along the way. Additionally, our administrative assistant supports every intern through the paperwork and onboarding process for their rotation sites. 

Here’s what our personalized support includes:

  • Cold outreach on your behalf to local facilities in your area when needed
  • Help tracking contacts, follow-up dates, site status, and confirmed hours 
  • Access to our national network of established preceptors and alumni across a wide range of settings 
  • Email templates and support to help you get responses and effectively communicate with sites
  • Paperwork coordination and affiliation agreement processing.

Once accepted and officially enrolled in the program, you’ll schedule a one-on-one meeting with our outreach manager to review your schedule and create a game plan for finalizing remaining placements. 

Ready to Apply or Still Exploring? Here’s What to Do Next

Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to apply to BWS DI in the next application cycle, here are a few ways to take the next step:

  • Join our next Virtual Open House: Get your questions answered live and hear directly from BWS DI faculty. 
  • Explore our Website: Learn more about our flexible distance program, wellness concentration, and more. You’ll also find several application resources.
  • Visit our How to Apply page: Find step-by-step guidance for preparing and submitting your application.
  • Join our Email List: Stay up to date on new resources, upcoming deadlines, and all things BWS DI. 

Securing your rotation sites may feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes doable with the right tools, strategy, and personalized guidance. We’d love to connect with you if you’re looking for a dietetic internship program that combines flexibility with high-touch communication and hands-on support.

preceptor toolkit resource