Dietetic Internship

San Diego WIC Internship Description

The San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,

120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995.

Phone: (800) 877-1600, extension 5400.
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director of Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). WIC is an equal opportunity provider and employer (9/009 CDC)

The San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship is a partnership of five WIC programs in San Diego County, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial Counties, Northern California WIC Programs and the California Department of Public Health WIC Program.
Annual enrollment is a maximum of eight interns. Interns will remain employed at their current California WIC agency while they complete their supervised practice hours in their region.

Graduation Requirements:

Complete all required supervised practice hours.
Successful completion of all rotations as determined by preceptors and internship director’s evaluation of intern’s performance.
Participate in and complete eRD2Be Study Program.
Completion of required Core Competencies for Dietitians and Competencies for Community Emphasis outlined in the curriculum.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. California does not have licensure at this time for RDNs. 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 this link: https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap.

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). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. California does not have licensure at this time for RDNs. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship program at San Diego State University Research Foundation WIC are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Mission Statement

To prepare highly competent and culturally sensitive entry-level
registered dietitians to improve the health and nutrition of the community.

Goals and Objectives

Program Goal 1: The San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship will provide a quality education and supervised practice , which will prepare graduates to be competent and effective entry-level registered dietitians in the workplace.

At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within 19.5 months.
Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
At least 80 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
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%.
80% of employers responding to a 1-year period post-graduation survey, over a 3-year period, will rate San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship graduates as well prepared to serve multicultural populations in their workplace, with a score of 2(Satisfactory) or 3(Excellent) on a 3-point scale.

Program Goal 2: The San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship will prepare graduates who are competent serving multi-cultural populations.

80% of graduates, responding to a 1-year post-graduate survey, over a 3-year period will rate the program a 2(Satisfactory) or 3 (Excellent) on a 3-point scale.
80% of graduates, over a 3-year period, will rate their preparation for serving a multicultural population in their workplace as well prepared, with a score of 2(Satisfactory) or 3(Excellent) on a 3-point scale.

Program outcomes available upon request.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

These minimum requirements must be met in order to apply to the San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship.

Priority consideration will be given to current California WIC employees in good standing.
California WIC employees: If you would like to be considered for the northern California region, you must be an employee of an eligible northern California WIC agency. (Please contact the Internship Director if you need clarification that your WIC employer meets this criteria.)

* Applicant must be a current California WIC employee in good standing.

* WIC employees must have a recommendation from their WIC Program Supervisor.

* The Supplement to Internship Application must be complete with original signatures and included with the application packet.

Completion of a master’s degree from an accredited university.
A Verification Statement, dated and signed by the program director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) documenting completion of an Accreditation Council For Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) approved dietetics education program within the last 3 years. Additional classes may be needed if you graduated more than three years ago. Please contact the Internship Director for more information.
Grade point average of 2.5 or higher in all college level coursework.
Three current recommendations: At least one from a major dietetics professor or DPD director, WIC employees must include one recommendation from their WIC Program Supervisor, and other work or volunteer supervisors. WIC applicants must include the Supplement to Internship Application with the application packet.
Desired criteria (preferred but not required):

* Demonstrates cultural competence through work, volunteer or life experience with multicultural populations.

* Foreign language skills.

* Demonstrated desire to stay in California and work as a registered dietitian in community nutrition or public health programs.

Reliable transportation is required.

*Please Note: The San Diego WIC Internship does not grant credit for prior learning. Additional information can be found in the Intern Handbook.

Selection Process

Criteria include current employment in ‘good standing’ at a California WIC agency with WIC employment verification, completion of program eligibility requirements and a completed application with all required documents received between July 1 and September 1.

If the eight positions are not filled with WIC employees, then selection may be opened for non-WIC applicants.

Applications are reviewed and ‘top’ rated applicants will be scheduled for an interview. The interview is conducted by a selection panel, which will include the Dietetic Internship Director, and supervised practice preceptors.
By mid-October, WIC applicants will be notified of their status for a position as a San Diego WIC dietetic intern. Selected applicants will have 24 hours to contact the San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship Director to accept the position as a dietetic intern for the upcoming class starting in March.
In the event positions are open for non-WIC applicants, those who meet the eligibility criteria will be scheduled for an interview.

In accordance with Federal law and the US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director of the Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, Dc 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). WIC is an equal opportunity provider and employer (9/09 CDC)

WIC Program Internship Application

Internship Application Form

Download the Internship Application Form
Supplement to the Application

Download the Supplement to the Application
Download the Recommendation Form

Download the Recommendation Form
Download the Intern Handbook

Download the Intern Handbook

Applications must include the following:

Completed internship application; include full name on all pages/papers.
Valid and dated Verification Statement with original signature of DPD Director.
Three recent recommendation letters completed by current nutrition professors, dietetic work/volunteer supervisors or registered dietitians with a strong knowledge of the applicant. WIC employees must include one recommendation from their WIC Program supervisor. The WIC employer must also complete the Supplement to Internship Application.
Official transcripts from all Universities or Colleges attended.
One page typed Personal Statement about why this internship is the right choice and fits your career goals.
Completed application and all required documents must be received on or before the deadline date. If applications are incomplete or received after the deadline, they will not be accepted.
Application Deadline For WIC Employees: Must be post marked no later than September 1st. Send completed packets by CERTIFIED MAIL to the following address:

San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship
SDSU Research Foundation WIC Program
9245 Sky Park Court #230
San Diego, CA 92123

Non-WIC Applications

The San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship does not participate in the centralized internship application system (DICAS) and computer matching. All applications are submitted directly to the internship. We will continue to use the pre-select process for current California WIC employees.If the eight positions are not filled with WIC employees, non-WIC applications may be reviewed
and qualified applicants will be contacted for interview.

WIC Program Internship Costs

Non-WIC intern tuition is paid in two installments. The first payment of half of the tuition is due six weeks prior to the start of the internship and the remaining balance on the first day of Orientation.

Tuition, non-WIC Employees $7,500

WIC employees may apply for the California Nutrition Corps Scholarship through the California WIC Association if employed by WIC at least six months. www.calwic.org

Other Internship Costs: The following annual expenses are related to internship participation requirements and meant as a guideline.

*Some rotations require an additional Background Check/Drug Screen prior to the start of each rotation.
Auto Insurance / Gas / Maintenance	$3,000 – $5,000
Health Insurance (if not provided by employer)	$600 – $1,200
Liability Insurance	$40 – $50
Background Check / Drug Test*	$65 – $100
Books	$100
Professional meeting or conferences	$50 – $300
CWA Attendance	$600 – $800
CAND Attendance	$600 – $800
AND Student Membership	$50
SDDA / Local Dietetic Association Membership	$20
Medical Expenses	$150

Northern California Interns, Additional Costs:
Orientation travel expenses	$600
Graduation / final evaluation travel expenses	$400

Non-San Diego southern California Interns, Additional Costs:
Orientation travel expenses	$600
Graduation / final evaluation travel expenses	$400
Didactic Day Travel expenses (classes held monthly)	$1,000

WIC Program Internship Application

Applicants must include the following:

Completed internship application; include full name on all pages/papers.
Valid and dated Verification Statement with original signature of DPD Director.
Three recent recommendation letters completed by current nutrition professors, dietetic work/volunteer supervisors or registered dietitians with a strong knowledge of the applicant. WIC employees must include one recommendation from their WIC Program supervisor. The WIC employer must also complete the Supplement to Internship Application.
Official transcripts from all Universities or Colleges attended.
One page typed Personal Statement about why this internship is the right choice and fits your career goals.
Completed application and all required documents must be received on or before the deadline date. If applications are incomplete or received after the deadline, they will not be accepted.
Application Deadline for WIC Employees: Must be postmarked no later than September 1st. Send completed packets via CERTIFIED MAIL to the following address:San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship
SDSU Research Foundation WIC Program
9245 Sky Park Court #230
San Diego, CA 92123

Non-WIC Applications

The San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship does not participate in the centralized internship application system (DICAS) and computer matching. All applicants are submitted directly to the internship. We will continue to use the pre-selected process for current California WIC employees. If the eight positions are not filled with WIC employees, notification will be posted on the internship website by the end of October.

Internship Hours and Scheduling

The program is 13 months and begins in March with a pre-internship orientation.

Scheduled supervised practice begins in April and the program ends in April of the following year.

The average time spent per week in supervised practice is approximately 22-24 hours and WIC employee interns continue to work part-time at WIC.

A minimum of 1065 hours of supervised practice will be completed. Additional time is required to complete homework, projects, reports, and attend professional meetings.

Rotation sites generally schedule supervised practice during the regular work week, but may require that the intern be available early mornings, evenings, holidays and weekends. The average hours scheduled per day are 8-9.

The San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship does not grant credit for prior learning.

This information can also be found in the Intern Handbook, available on this website.

SUPERVISED PRACTICE

Clinical/MNT 16 weeks
Food Service Administration 18 weeks
Community 14 weeks

LOCATIONS

San Diego interns are scheduled in supervised practice sites throughout the San Diego County area. The Community Concentration includes the intern’s WIC agency employer or another WIC program, San Diego County Health and Human Services, outpatient clinics and other community-based food and nutrition programs.

Northern California: The internship director will work with the intern and their WIC employer agency to develop supervised practice rotations in their local community with the same type of facilities selected for San Diego interns.

Due to the limited number of sites for rotations, interns may be required to travel within a 200 mile radius to rotations.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED APPLICANTS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE INTERNSHIP

All required documentation including background check, drug screening, medical exam and immunizations must be
completed 6 weeks prior to the start of the internship in March. The TB test is required to meet hospital
requirements and a second test may be needed. The intern must provide proof of liability, health and automobile
insurance and a valid driver’s license on the first day of orientation.

Additional information can be found in the Intern Handbook.

WIC Program Internship Handbook

The handbook is provided to help selected applicants prepare for the sstart of the internship and to successfully complete the program. Addition resources are provided online for interns to access. For more
information or a copy of the Intern Handbook, contact the internship at:

Email: breynosa@sdsuwic.org

California WIC employees that are interested in becoming a RDN can request a review of qualifications and assistance to complete the requirements to receive the RDN credential. Complete the San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship Information Request

For more information about WIC nutrition careers and how WIC is helping employees become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, go to WIC Career Corner

San Diego WIC Internship Description

Graduation Requirements:

Mission Statement

Goals and Objectives

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Selection Process

WIC Program Internship Application

Applications must include the following:

Non-WIC Applications

WIC Program Internship Costs

WIC Program Internship Application

Non-WIC Applications

Internship Hours and Scheduling

WIC Program Internship Handbook

Our Vision Statement

Where to find us

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