Description of the Program

The internship program's supervised practice and didactic components, which take place virtually and in person, enable students to utilize the knowledge, skills, and techniques that are needed to work effectively within their communities to improve the quality and availability of food and nutrition services to all people. Interns will need a personal computer and access to internet in order to complete the distance education components of the internship program.

Interns successfully completing this program will:

• Receive a comprehensive overview of community nutrition and public health programs
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities in all areas of dietetics for entry-level practice
• Receive a Verification Statement to be eligible to take the Registration Examination

Length of the Program

• 12 months - January to December
  • includes RD exam review
  • CSV Holidays observed
• Part-time - 24 to 40 hours weekly
• 1,376 supervised practice hours
  • ​Community Nutrition Management
  • ​Hospital Food Service Management
  • Outpatient
  • Clinical
  • Community Nutrition
• Sample rotation schedule 

Program Completion Requirements

1. Intern must be at expected level for each competency at least 100% of the time.
2. All didactic coursework must be completed and submitted to the Coordinator within 90 days of program completion.
3. Program must be completed within 18 months.

Estimated Fees/
​Expenses

Intern Responsibilities

• Transportation - $1500
• Liability Insurance - $70
• Housing - $650 to $1000/month
• Technology (personal computer and internet) for distance education components of program - $800
• Miscellaneous - $200

CSV Responsibilities

• Required training costs
• Professional Meetings
  • California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference
  • California WIC Association Annual Meeting

Educational and Professional Requirements to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

RDNs are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RDN credential:

• Completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and coursework accredited by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an RDN
• Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a food service corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.
• Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. (In some states, RDNs are required to be licensed/certified. This is not a requirement in the state of California.)
• Completed continuing professional education requirements to maintain registration.

For more information about the requirements for becoming an RDN, and Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR), visit Become an RDN or NDTR.

Financial Aid

The following are opportunities that CSV Dietetic Interns may be eligible for and must pursue independently, if interested:

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships
California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships
California Nutrition Corps Scholarships