Eligibility and Selection
This CSU, Chico Dietetic Internship is only available to CSU, Chico students.
All applicants to the CSU Chico DI are pre-selected (both graduate and undergraduate students) with priority being given to the CSU, Chico graduate students. If all slots to the CSU, Chico DI are not filled by graduate students, undergraduate students may apply.
In the last four cycles of the internship selection process, six out of 27 students selected for a CSU, Chico dietetic internship slot were undergraduate students.
Brochure and Selection Criteria
The DI Program Outcomes data are available on request.
Fully Accredited
The California State University, Chico Dietetic Internship is Fully Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)(opens in new window) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312-899-0040 - ext. 5400
312-899-4817 (fax)
Apply to Graduate Program
Learn how to Apply to Graduate Program and about selection criteria.
How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in California
There are four steps to becoming an RDN in California:
1. Complete an ACEND Accredited Dietetics Program
CDR mandates that all Registered Dietitians 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 Programs 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)].
2. Complete a Dietetic Internship
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.
3. Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Certification
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires that you pass the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam to practice in California. You will receive an e-mail 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 e-mail from PSI Exams Online, the centers that host the online exam. Exam Centers near Chico, California include Redding and Sacramento, California.
4. Maintain Your California (CDR) Certification
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.
