KADDI Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) – A Doctoral-Level Route to Become an RDN
The Keith & Associates Distance Dietetic Internship (KADDI) offers a specialized ACEND-accredited Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP), providing a direct route to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential for individuals who hold a doctoral degree—with or without a DPD verification statement.
This flexible, remote internship model is ideal for highly motivated professionals who seek to apply their doctoral-level academic and research training toward becoming a credentialed RDN.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for KADDI’s ISPP track, applicants must:
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Hold a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution
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Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended, including documentation of the doctoral degree conferral date
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Complete the ISPP Application, Handbook Review, and Tuition Agreement
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No DPD verification statement is required
Program Structure & Flexibility
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Minimum of 1,000 total hours required
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At least 700 hours must be supervised practice
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Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) credit may count toward this total
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Interns work with KADDI to design a customized rotation schedule
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Rotations may include:
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Clinical Nutrition
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Community/Public Health
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Foodservice Management
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Interns select their own qualified preceptors, enhancing alignment with personal goals and career focus
Graduation Requirements
To receive a verification statement and qualify for the RDN exam, ISPP interns must:
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Complete all supervised practice hours
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Finish all curriculum assignments and submit preceptor evaluations before leaving the site
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Demonstrate achievement of ACEND Competencies for RDNs (CRDNs)
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Score at least 70% on the KADDI Final Exam
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Fulfill all financial obligations to the program
A Recognized, Accredited Pathway
ACEND formally introduced ISPPs in 2011 to expand access to supervised practice training for individuals with advanced degrees. KADDI’s ISPP program builds on this model, providing academic rigor, structure, and strong mentorship while supporting the unique needs of doctoral-level interns.
Forms & Additional Resources
Mission
The Keith & Associates Doctoral ISPP aims to train individuals with doctoral degrees to become competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists, delivering the highest possible standard of quality for patient care and also the highest standard of professionalism and customer care.
OBJECTIVES
Prepare graduates to become competent entry-level dietitians.
Prepare graduates to deliver the highest possible standard of quality for patient care and the highest standard of professionalism and customer care.
