Dietetic Internship

CDR mandates that all Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in California complete education that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

The educational tracks to become an RDN in California are through a Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP) or through a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).

California State University, Chico offers the DPD track that results in either an undergraduate or graduate degree which must be followed by separate supervised practice rotations [a Dietetic Internship (DI)].

After completing your DPD coursework to become an RDN, you must complete a DI which is offered at CSU, Chico.

The CSU, Chico DI follows a pre-select process (the DI Program does not participate in the DICAS match process) and priority is given to CSU, Chico Graduate students (Undergraduate students may apply if all slots have not been previously filled by Graduate students).

The CSU, Chico DI consists of 1000 hours of supervised practice and is 9 months long. The DI is a full-time, non-degree program with an emphasis in Nutrition Education and consists of supervised practice rotations in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Foodservice Administration, and Community Nutrition.

During the DI, the Intern will gain valuable experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

At the completion of your 1000 hours, the DI Director will provide you with a Verification Statement indicating that you are eligible to sit for the RDN Exam.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires that you pass the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam to practice in California. You will receive an email from CDR when you have completed steps 1 and 2 above indicating you are eligible to take the exam. You have one year from your date of eligibility status to complete the exam.

The exam payment is $200.00 and once received, you will be sent an email from PSI Exams Online, the centers that host the online exam. Exam Centers near Chico, California include Redding and Sacramento, California.

To maintain your CDR certification in California, you must complete 75 continuing professional education units (CPEU's) every five-year cycle. One unit every five years must be in ethics.

According to the California code, dietitians must be registered if they want to practice in the state. RDN's practice under California Business and Professions Code Section 2585-2586.8. California does not have a state licensure requirement for RDN's.

Use Summer and Winter Breaks Wisely

Try to gain as much experience in the field of nutrition (clinical, community, foodservice) as you can during these times. Even if you’re only able to volunteer or work for a month or so, that qualifies as experience and is looked upon highly by internship directors.

Get As Much Work and Volunteer Experience As Possible

Consider obtaining these experiences in your hometown where there may be more experience opportunities than in Chico. Visit with NFSC professors to inquire about various externship opportunities in Chico and the surrounding communities.

Think Outside the Box

Explore towns surrounding Chico such as Red Bluff, Paradise, Oroville, and Orland. There are many job opportunities there that may be unsought by Chico State students. Take advantage of any available opportunity.

Think Clinical

Clinical experience is often highly regarded, whether it’s through a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Don’t be afraid to make cold calls asking if they need any volunteers or employees at their facility.

Study

Realize EARLY ON that grades matter! Competitive GPA’s fall within the 3.5 to 4.0 range. Students with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.5 are sometimes matched if they have strong work experience in the field of nutrition and foodservice. Other applicant qualities, such as a double major, are bilingual/bicultural, or have shown strong leadership skills.

Some programs emphasize dietetic coursework and science coursework. Most programs have a science GPA minimum of 3.0. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize your time wisely so that you study hard for classes such as chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and advanced human nutrition. In addition, many programs look highly on achieving A’s in your MNT course series.

Impress Your Professors and Managers

It is very likely that you will be asking your current manager, preceptor, mentor, and NFSC professors to write letters of recommendation for you in the future. It’s best to get to know them as early as possible. Go into their office during office hours and ask them about additional externship and volunteer experiences in nutrition and research. They are there to help you.

Become Well-Rounded

Selection committees look for well-rounded candidates who are involved in diverse activities such as student government, clubs, sports, sororities/fraternities, and professional organizations. For example, the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

Seek Leadership Opportunities

Run for a leadership role in clubs or student government on campus. A great club to get involved in is the Nutrition and Wellness Association.

Expand Your Horizons

Seek experiences with culturally diverse groups. Cultural diversity experience can include studying abroad or working with minority groups in community nutrition or healthcare setting. In addition, seek opportunities to become more educated about various cultures.

Network

It’s important to get to know nutrition professionals and internship directors. Attend a variety of professional meetings including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND).

While at conferences and symposiums, approach nutrition professionals and internship directors. Most are more than willing to spend time with future colleagues. Ask them how they got started—you will be amazed at the variety of paths people have taken. Introduce yourself including your name, school, and what excites you about the profession of dietetics. Next, ask them a question such as, “What is it that you do in the area of dietetics and how did you become interested in that area?” If you are speaking to a dietetic internship director, come prepared with specific questions about their program such as, “What can you tell me about the rotations in your internship program?” or, “What tips do you have for applicants?”

Variety, Balance, Moderation

Just as with obtaining a variety of foods in your diet, you want your work and volunteer positions to include a variety of diverse audiences and experiences. A variety of experiences, including work experience, extracurricular and volunteer activities, look the best on applications. You need to balance these experiences with studying, socializing, and having fun.