Dietetic Internship

Track 2: Dietetic Internship

The Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship provides a wide variety of supervised practice experiences for applicants who already have a master's degree. The planned learning experiences meet the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) competencies and requirements. These experiences also provide a strong foundation in dietetic knowledge and practice, which are keys to future career mobility.

Hands-on rotation experiences are provided in the areas of Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition and Food Systems Management. During the internship rotation year, classes are held each Monday. Classes are either in-person, at our WIC Training Facility, or conducted virtually using Zoom. Classes include presentations by internship staff and guest lecturers. Group discussions, projects and in-person training are an integral part of the classes, to build collaboration, knowledge and skills in the field of dietetics.

Applicants who apply by October 1, 2024, and who are selected for the program, will start their rotations in the Fresno/Central Valley area in January 2025. Rotations are scheduled between January and October.

Admission Requirements

Current employment with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) WIC Program. Applicants also need to have worked for WIC for at least six consecutive months prior to the preselection deadline.
Demonstration of successful completion of a master's degree, as indicated on an official transcript. The master's degree concentration can be in any area.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Verification Statement indicating completion of an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the last 5 years. If more than 5 years have passed since the student completed the DPD program, the student may be able to take additional classes to qualify for internship application. Please contact the Internship Coordinator for more information.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on last 60 semester/90 quarter units. (The previous eligibility requirement of a B grade or higher in MNT and Advanced Nutrition has been removed.)
If native language is not English and applicant did not graduate from a college or university in the United States, a minimum TOEFL score of either 560 (paper-based test), 241 (computer-based test), or 83 (internet-based test) is required.
Three letters of recommendation: 1 from a work supervisor (from a paid work position), 1 from a college/university instructor, 1 from a person of applicant's choice. WIC employee applicants must have letter of recommendation from their WIC Supervisor and be an employee in good standing.
Demonstration of desire to stay and work in the Central Valley of California is a desired criteria, but not required.
Applicants who have worked as paid employees for the CDPH WIC Program for 6 consecutive months, prior to the pre-selection deadline, will be eligible for the pre-selection process.
Reliable transportation is required.
We are unable to accept international students at this time.

Technology Requirements

Interns are required to have their own laptop, reliable internet access, webcam and microphone. Interns are also required to have their own personal mobile hotspot at their rotation sites.

Scholarships and Tuition

California WIC employees are eligible to apply for a California Nutrition Corps (CNC) Scholarship through the California WIC Association at www.calwic.org. Additional scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.dietitian.org.

There is no tuition for the Dietetic Internship.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of a minimum of 1134 supervised practice hours.
Successful completion of all supervised practice rotations, competencies, didactic assignments as determined by preceptors, the Internship Director

The dietetic internship for interns who already have a graduate degree is 10 months long. If the intern is not able to complete the program in 10 months due to illness or other authorized reasons, the internship may be extended to a maximum of 150% (24 months/2 years) of time, per ACEND requirements.

Interns who meet the graduation requirements above, and upon validation by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, are eligible to take the registration exam for dietitians. Interns are required to participate in a free Registration Exam Study Program after completing all supervised practice hours. The study program is a structured, online program provided by the California WIC Career Development Coordinator. Guided instruction and support, as well as access to valuable study materials, are given to interns to help prepare them for the exam.

RDNs are required to be licensed/certified in some states. This requirement is not applicable in California, because California does not offer licensure to RDNs. State licensure requirements can be found on the CDR website.

Requirements to Become an RDN

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 a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete a graduate degree prior to entering the dietetic internship, and supervised practice hours provided by the Central Valley WIC Dietetic Internship, will be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.