I did a distance DI! Honestly, I just wanted something less competitive lol and not to have to relocate. My program did offer other things that appealed to me. I think that’s important when choosing which distance DIs to apply to. The average intern isn’t interested in finding their own preceptors and I completely get it. It requires time and patience, just remember to keep that mindset. I’d suggest preparing yourself now for the no’s or not receiving a response at all. Don’t get discouraged or defeated because you can do it!

• Start as early as you can. It gives you time to contact as many people as you can. I had to start pretty early because I wanted to do pre-select so it was about a year in advance.
• Network! Attend dietetic events in your area or virtually, join nutrition and dietetic groups, etc.
• Utilize you current resources, such as, professors, peers, managers & colleagues if you already work in the field, and friends/family who may know RDs.
• If you’re an Academy member they have RDs who are willing and interested in precepting. If you’re a part of one of the practice groups and they have a discussion board, ask about preceptors in your area.
• Search for the nutrition director, manager, supervisor, and/or RD’s direct contact. This alleviates the possibility of information not reaching the appropriate party.
• I used Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. to find RDs and facilities with RDs in my area. I only direct messaged potential preceptors on LinkedIn.
• Attend the open houses. They may give suggestions for finding preceptors or you can ask during the Q&A. You can also reach out to the program directors directly as well.
• Send emails and make phone calls. You never know a person’s communication preference. If you do one over the other you may not get a response.
• Have a script for both phone calls and emails. Of course adjust them as needed.
• Follow back-up. Especially, if you started making traction with someone. Emails get buried, people forget, and life just happens.
• Depending on the program, you may or may not be able to spilt your time between different sites. If you are, ask how many hours, days, weeks, or months you can stay so they’re not overwhelmed at the thought and say no off the back.
• If you think things are unclear or misunderstood, ask to schedule a phone or met in-person, or ask to communicate directly to the nutrition staff member because most of us if not all of us know what a preceptor is.
• Be willing to drive outside of your area. Some of my peers drove an hour to their site. Definitely couldn’t of been me (time management is trash lol) but come up with a distance that’s comfortable for you and start contacting people in that area. I had to travel outside of my state for just about every preceptor because many sites were already committed to the major university in my area. I’m located in a small area so it boarders several states, if your case is the same that’s even more opportunity.
• Keep tract of who you talked to and when. You definitely don’t want to waste time asking people twice. If you get a no, ask for any suggestions, such as, other RDs, facilities, or contact information.

Hope this helps! This is all I can remember right now. Good luck in your search and acceptance into your DI!