How The Program Works

The California State University, Sacramento Dietetic Internship Program is a 9-month internship that will provide full-time supervised practice with a minimum of 1100 hours of Supervised Practice (including 1062 hours in rotations and 38 hours for some activities that will happen during our scheduled group meeting times where competencies are fulfilled), some hours of "Alternate Supervised Practice" if rotation sites are unavailable, and 24 units of graduate didactic coursework that will fulfill the Core Competencies for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. On average, interns complete 1100 hours of Supervised Practice and Active Learning activities. All competencies must be met to receive a Verification Statement, even if you exceed the minimum or average hours. You pay for the program by paying tuition.

We currently offer two pathways:

1. The first is only the 9-month internship detailed above. This option is relevant if you have completed your Master's degree or will have an anticipated completion date by the time the internship begins. Of 10 accredited spots, there will be 3 spots available for this option.
2. The second is a combined, 21-month-long Master's DI. Interns who are accepted into this combined MS/DI will complete coursework during the first year (3 classes per semester), and pay for 18 units during the first year. People enrolled in the MS/DI will be considered full-time students of the 2-year program. During the second year of the program, the MS/DI students will pay for 24 units that include Field Study, similar to the people participating in the DI-only option. Of 10 accredited spots, there will be 7 spots available for this option.

Supervised practice at a variety of healthcare and community facilities is divided into five areas:

• Clinical Dietetics
• Food Service Management
• Community Nutrition
• Outpatient Dietetics
• Concentration Areas:
  • Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
  • Advocacy and Public Policy

In addition to these areas of study, Sacramento State Nutrition faculty and a variety of guest speakers will present current topics in dietetics to support supervised practice.

Learn More About Program Concentrations Here

A signed verification form from your Didactic Program in Dietetics is necessary before proceeding with the dietetic internship. Successful completion of this dietetic internship after following a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and completion of a Master's degree allows the intern to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

A two-week vacation is scheduled during the winter holidays, taking into consideration facility accommodations. Practice sites may require some weekend and holiday work.

Program Expectations

To facilitate learning and achieve the mission of the Sacramento State Dietetic Internship, interns enrolled in the program are expected to follow all policies and procedures and expectations as reviewed during Orientation.

A variety of educational approaches are used to facilitate student learning based on the ACEND requirements, mission and goals of the program, and the local job market. Interns are required to enroll in graduate coursework.

The courses provide a variety of learning experiences provided as lectures, presentations, class discussions, unique facility tours, guest lectures, and assignments that correlate with didactic competencies. Given our program mission and objectives, classroom lectures, field trip activities, role-playing, simulations, problem-based learning, case studies, and involvement in the community, clinical and food service organizations provide a comprehensive education along with networking, exposure, training and practice experience in the various dietetic careers to accomplish each required competency. The interaction with dietitians in various settings aims to increase interns’ interest and awareness in dietetics while meeting ACEND competencies. Our program will develop personal and professional attitudes and values, ethical practices, leadership, and decision-making skills required to become a successful dietitian. Professionalism is emphasized in the supervised practice and throughout the program.

Competencies that develop leadership and decision-making skills relevant to practice include: learning to recognize and influence the legislative process in the practice of dietetics; utilizing professional communication skills in the practice of dietetics; and establishing a program for professional development. The latter includes joining professional organizations and attending professional meetings. All interns are required to attend the CA Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference and the CA Academy Advocacy Summit. Interns are also required to be members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Northern Area District.

Dietetic Internship Eligibility

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires 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 the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program at Sacramento State are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice; however, California does not require licensure at this time.