DSH - Atascadero: Dietetic Internship Program

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist you need to:

• Complete a minimum of a master’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.
• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For more information regarding the examination, please refer to the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • 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). For more information about this requirement please visit Commission on Dietetic Registration. 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).
• State licensure is required to practice dietetics in some states; however, state licensure is not required in California. While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at the Commission on Dietetic Registration . 
• Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is located on the beautiful Central Coast of California and is a secure forensic mental health hospital. The majority of the all-male patient population is remanded for treatment by county superior courts or by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

The Dietetic Internship Program is a 10-month generalized program with a concentration on mental health nutrition that accepts four interns per year. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Guided by its standards, the program provides the didactic and supervised practice experiences needed to meet eligibility requirements and to increase the intern’s understanding of professional practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Interns qualify to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians upon successful completion of the program.

Virtual Tour (.wmv version)
DSH-Atascadero Dietetic Internship Program, click on virtual tour.  

Contact Information
Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(312) 877-0400, extension 5400
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

The Dietetic Internship Program is a 10-month program; the program year begins in early January and concludes in early November each year.

The program’s mission is to promote lifelong learning in nutrition and dietetics, promote development of professional skills and attitudes and prepare interns for future practice as competent entry-level registered dietitians who are well-rounded, culturally sensitive and contributing members to the field of dietetics in both service to the community and the profession. The program is committed to educating interns in developing skills to promote health and prevent disease utilizing scientific evidence based practice. The program’s goals and objectives are:

1. Prepare graduates to be competent for practice as entry-level registered dietitians and obtain employment in dietetics-related positions.
1. At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within 15 months (150% of the program length).
2. 80% of program graduates take the CDR Credentialing Exam for Dietitian Nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
3. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. 
4. Of graduates who seek employment, 75 % percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
5. 10% of graduates will be employed in a nutrition and dietetics related position within the Department of State Hospitals or other California State institution.
6. When surveyed 18 months after graduation, 75% of graduates will give a score of at least 3.0 (ready) for readiness to work as an entry-level dietitian.
2. Prepare graduates who demonstrate professional skills and a commitment to professional growth, including service to the community and the profession of dietetics.
1. When surveyed, at least 80% of employers of DSH-A DI graduates will rate the graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice as at least 3.0 (meets standards).
2. When surveyed 18 months after graduation, at least 60% of graduates will indicate they have participated in at least one event sponsored by a dietetics-related professional organization.
3. When surveyed 18 months after graduation, at least 60% of graduates will indicate they have participated in a dietetics-related or community service activity that has aided in professional growth.  

We are proud to have a 100% one-year pass rate on the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Program outcome data is available upon request.

Supervised practice experience is provided in food service administration, clinical dietetics and community nutrition. Interns have the opportunity to participate in several unique learning experiences, including providing nutrition care for adults with mental illness.

The program experiences include:

• Orientation (to hospital and rotation sites) 3-4 weeks
• Food Service Administration - 8 weeks
• Mental Health Clinical Nutrition - 10 weeks
• Acute Care Clinical Nutrition - 8 weeks
• Community Nutrition - 10 weeks
• Staff Experience - 3 weeks
• End of program planned activities - 1 week
• A one-week vacation is typically scheduled during the 4th of July holiday in addition to all State observed holidays.

Professionalization Seminar
Didactic classes, usually held each Monday, are planned to supplement the supervised practice. Classes are taught by the Internship Director, preceptors and guest speakers on updated nutrition information and help to prepare interns for planned clinical and community experiences.

Food Service Administration
DSH-Atascadero provides services to ~1,200 patients daily using a cook-serve production system. Interns gain hands-on experience with menu planning, large-scale food production & service methods, purchasing, personnel, and management and cost-control techniques. Learning is facilitated using written assignments and oral presentations based on the ongoing needs of the department.

Clinical Nutrition
Clinical rotations are designed to provide practical experiences using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation of nutrition care. The intern actively participates in patient/client education as well as interdisciplinary team meetings. Clinical practice involves patients in both long-term care and acute care medical settings. The intern gains experience in medical nutrition therapy and nutrition support. Clinical experience includes areas such as endocrine disorders, cardiology, renal disease, critical care, geriatrics, oncology, HIV/AIDS, dysphagia, malnutrition and GI disorders. Interns prepare and present two written and oral case studies and other projects are assigned to reinforce nutrition principles in the clinical setting. Clinical rotation hours will include time at DSH-Atascadero and other hospitals.

Community Nutrition
Experiences in this rotation are planned to provide understanding of the role of the dietitian in the community setting and as a resource for respective agencies and programs. In addition to hands-on experiences, learning is facilitated by reading and written assignments. Community rotations will include a variety of locations such as WIC, County Health Departments, Food Banks, Head Start/Early Head Start and a private practice nutrition business.

Staff Experience
The intern will be given the opportunity to work independently and use the skills and knowledge gained during the clinical and food service administration rotations by completing a three week staff relief experience at DSH-A at the end of the program year.

The internship program usually begins at the beginning of January and continues through the end of October/first week of November. Although the program functions largely during the work week, occasional work and projects may need to be completed on weekends and after work hours.

There is the option of reduced-cost housing available to interns on hospital grounds (housing is subject to availability and is not guaranteed).

Interns will be provided a salary as state employed Student Assistants while completing didactic, supervised practice and staff experience hours at DSH-Atascadero. The current financial compensation as Student Assistant during the didactic, supervised practice & staff experience at DSH-A is approximately $20,000 over the length of the program; please note that compensation will vary month to month. Interns will not receive a salary while completing supervised practice hours at program affiliated facilities (e.g. Food Bank, WIC, acute care community hospital, etc.). Salaries are subject to change.

Use of a private vehicle is required since transportation to off-site locations is the intern’s responsibility. The affiliations are located within a sixty-mile radius of Atascadero and public transportation is not available. Carpooling cannot be depended on as a means of transportation since each intern’s schedule is different.

Health insurance is required. The DSH-Atascadero Return to Work Office (i.e. occupational health clinic) and Employee Assistance Program offer limited services and are available to the interns at no expense.

Dietetic interns are not eligible for student loans through the program. However, deferments for outstanding loans can be made if allowed by your lender. DSH-Atascadero can provide documentation of status as an intern.

Program Costs
Fees and expenses include estimated expenses for travel, housing, books, study materials, liability insurance, medical exams and application fees.

Pre-Program Fees:
Program Application Fee	$65.00
DICAS Fee	$50.00
Air Travel and accommodations for in-person interview	Cost Varies
Other Internship Related Expenses:
Professional Liability Insurance*	$25-35
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Affiliate Membership**	$50.00
CAND Annual Meeting, hotel & transportation	$400-600
Materials & Supplies as needed (books, computer, Internet, lab coat, local meetings,  etc.)	$1,000
Background check/fingerprinting/Drug testing	$0-500
TB test and Hepatitis B Vaccination	$0-500
Medical Exam	$0-200
RD Exam study materials (e.g. The Jean Inman review course)	$400+
Registration Examination (after internship; fee subject to change)	$200
Living Expenses (based on 10 months):
On-ground Housing (if available; includes rent & utilities; additional $200 security deposit required)	~$4,000
Off-ground Housing (may not include utilities) Interns must make their own living arrangements; estimate is for renting a room, sharing an apartment or a one bedroom or studio	$8,000+
Meals/Food	~$3,000
Transportation*** Interns must provide their own transportation. California law requires that all drivers carry a minimum of collision and liability insurance.	Cost Varies
Personal Health/Medical Insurance**** Personal health insurance is required and is not provided by DSH-A.	Cost Varies

Salary

Salaries are subject to change. The current financial compensation as Student Assistant during the didactic, supervised practice & staff experience at DSH-A is approximately $20,000 over the length of the program; please note that compensation will vary month to month. Interns will not receive a salary while completing supervised practice hours at program affiliated facilities (e.g. Food Bank, WIC, acute care community hospital, etc.).

*Professional Liability insurance must be carried throughout the entire length of the program. Information on obtaining professional liability insurance is available on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website at www.eatright.org. Proof of insurance coverage needs to be brought to the first day of orientation.

**Affiliate membership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required. Bring a copy of your Academy card/membership identification number to the first day of orientation.

***A car and driver’s license is required for the internship. Automobile insurance that complies with the State of California regulations must be carried. The name of the company and copy of the policy number must be brought to the first day of orientation. Carpooling cannot be depended on as a means of transportation since each intern's schedule is different.

****Health/Medical Insurance is required. The name of the company and copy of the policy number must be brought to the first day of orientation.

Eligibility:

1. Students must have a Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited Nutrition & Dietetics Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the past 5 years* or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE) and have earned at least a bachelor’s degree granted by a regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent.
   
   Students with degrees obtained outside the United States and its territories must review ACEND’s guidelines for international applicants. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires individuals with foreign degrees to meet specific requirements to obtain the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Please refer to ACEND’s website for International Students: International Students (eatrightpro.org)
   
   AND


2. Master’s Requirement (Two Options)
   • Option 1: Completion of a master’s degree by the first day of the internship (January 1).
   • Option 2: Master’s degree in-process
     • Must submit proof of enrollment in graduate degree program with application materials.
     • Must have completed a minimum of 20 graduate credit hours by the first day of the internship (January 1); submit proof with application materials.
     • Students must submit a coursework plan and agreement to complete remaining coursework during the dietetic internship or within one (1) year after completing the competency and supervised practice hour requirements of the internship (i.e., students must complete their master’s degree within 12 months following the internship graduation) with application materials.
     • If completing master’s degree coursework during internship program, coursework shall be asynchronous or otherwise able to be scheduled around the internship schedule (i.e., interns must be available to attend didactic classes and complete supervised practice hours at internship rotation sites Monday-Friday, 7 am to 5 pm).

Successful internship candidates will be dedicated to the field of dietetics, have a strong interest in working in the field of mental health, are self-motivated & self-starters, and team players who can also work independently. The DSH-Atascadero Dietetic Internship Program does not assess prior learning and does not apply prior learning credit toward meeting dietetic internship requirements.

Selection criteria will be based on the following:

• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and DPD and graduate GPA of 3.0;
• Paid and volunteer experience in the field of dietetics outside classroom field assignments. Other experience will also be considered;
• Three letters of recommendation. One must be from an employer or supervisor at a paid or volunteer position (preferably an RD) and two from professors in the DPD or FDE program;
• A personal statement. Quality will be evaluated for passion in the field, career goals and why Department of State Hospitals, Atascadero, is a good match;
• Leadership and participation in professional, social and school organizations are highly desired;
• In-person interviews for top rated applicants.
• *If the date on the DPD Verification Statement is more than 5 years prior to the start date of the internship, the applicant must take or have taken at least 9 semester or 12 quarter credits in upper-division or graduate level dietetics-related coursework within the last 5 years at a university with an approved DPD or coordinated program. At least one course in medical nutrition therapy is required.

Completing the recommended requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DSH-A Dietetic Internship program.

Once selected:

Each intern, upon acceptance to the DSH-A Dietetic Internship, must meet the following criteria:

• Provide a final original transcript documenting the highest degree earned and the date conferred. The final original transcript must be submitted on the first day of the Dietetic Internship Program.
• A foreign degree equivalency statement is required for each international student who is accepted to the DSH-A Dietetic Internship, and must be submitted as part of the DICAS application.
• Students are required to bring an original Verification Statement signed by the Didactic Program Director on their first day of the Dietetic Internship Program.
• Interns must undergo a California State Criminal Background Check and pre-employment health clearance (physical exam) before starting the internship. These services are provided by Department of State Hospitals—Atascadero, and must be completed by the date specified in the intern notification packet. An intern will not be allowed in the program if they do not pass the background check and/or physical exam per DSH requirements for employees.
• According to their policies for intern training, affiliate organizations may require interns to undergo additional background checks, drug screens, physical exams and tuberculin skin tests. Efforts will be made to accommodate those prerequisites during the scheduled rotation, however, completion of prerequisites may be required before starting the rotation. The intern is responsible for all costs associated with background checks, drug screens, physical exams and tuberculin skin tests required by affiliate organizations.
• Some affiliates require a full complement of childhood immunizations or proof of immunity through blood titers. Interns must have vaccinations or blood titers for Mumps, Rubeola, Rubella, Varicella, Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertusis (Tdap), Hepatitis B, COVID, Influenza (or declination), as well as a 2-step tuberculin skin test. These services, immunizations and titers are provided by DSH-A free of charge but will not be reimbursed to the intern if services are provided elsewhere, or if required at offsite facilities.
• Prior learning, including coursework and/or experience, is not assessed for credit toward program requirements.

For completion:

Interns must attend all assigned orientation classes, didactic classes, workshops, seminars, meetings and field trips. The intern must successfully complete all planned supervised practice components and assignments within 15 months. The intern must receive written performance appraisals that reflect at least the level of “meets standard” in all core competencies.

Interns must also comply with the Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice for the Profession of Dietetics, DSH-Atascadero Administrative Directives, DSH-Atascadero Nutrition Services Policy & Procedures and the policies and procedures of our affiliate sites.

Employment outside of the internship program is discouraged given its impact on program performance.

Upon successful completion of the internship program and earning of the graduate degree*, the Director will issue a signed Verification Statement and submit CDR eligibility to take the Registered Dietitian examination.

* For those in the process of completing a master’s degree during and/or after the internship program, the master’s degree must be finalized before the intern is issued a verification statement. The intern must reengage with and inform the Internship Director when they have completed the graduate degree requirement and provide documentation of the conferred graduate degree to the Internship Director.

Application Information:

The program uses the online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). DICAS can be contacted by email at DICASInfo@DICAS.org or http://dicas.liaisoncas.com.

The program accepts applications in the Fall only. To apply to the DSH-Atascadero DI for the Fall 2024 Application Cycle, applicants must complete their DICAS application by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on September 25, 2024, but individuals can submit their applications in DICAS as early as August 5, 2024. The fee to use DICAS is $50 for the first application submitted and $25 for each additional application.

The Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero Dietetic Internship Program requires the following information be provided by all applicants:

• Completed DICAS application. Your application will not be considered if your work and volunteer experiences are not included in the applicable section of the application. Applicants are encouraged to include all work and volunteer experience, not just those that are nutrition-related.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Three letters of recommendation - one must be from an employer or supervisor at a paid or volunteer position (preferably an RD) and two from professors in the DPD or FDE program. Letters should be from individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths and weaknesses.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Personal statement that addresses the questions outlined in the DICAS application, your passion for the field of nutrition & dietetics, career goals and why DSH-Atascadero is a good match.
• Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree and Academy Minimum Academic Requirements or DPD Program Verification Statement.
• Applicants must mail (postmarked by September 25) a non-refundable $65 application fee made payable to “Department of State Hospitals, Atascadero.” Only a cashier’s check or money order will be accepted as form of payment; the student name must be indicated in the memo/note section. We cannot accept personal checks. We do not recommend sending the application fee by certified or registered mail since this can slow the processing time. Please mail to the following:

Rachael Drake, MS, RD, Dietetic Internship Program Director
c/o Nutrition Services
Department of State Hospitals, Atascadero
PO Box 7001
Atascadero, CA 93423-7001

Selection Notification Information

NEW: Effective Spring 2024, the computer matching process provided by D&D Digital has been discontinued.

Successful applicants will be notified directly by the Program Director on or before November 1, 2024, that they have been selected for the DSH-Atascadero Dietetic Internship Program.

Selected applicants MUST accept appointment to the DSH-Atascadero Dietetic Internship Program on November 15, 2024.