Dietetic Internship

NOTE: Only employees of the Virginia Department of Health are eligible for this internship.

Publications/Materials

This program provides the supervised practice requirements for registration eligibility with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Upon successful completion of the program, the nutritionist will be able to write the Dietetic Registration Examination. Upon passing the examination, the nutritionist will become a registered dietitian.

The Dietetic Internship Program is managed by the Division of WIC & Community Nutrition Services for the Virginia Department of Health. The program is accredited by the American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.

See below to learn about how the program works, admission requirements, health department benefits, how to apply, and download components.

How the Program Works

The Program is completed in 46 weeks.


• Each student works one-on-one with a preceptor for each rotation.
• The nutritionist spends 20 hours of his/her workweek committed to completing the community nutrition learning activities for 28 weeks of the program.
• They also participate in two, six-week off site rotations to complete the clinical and foodservice management learning activities.
• Additional personal time is required to complete reading assignments.

Admission Requirements

• Both part-time and full-time nutritionists employed by the Virginia Department of Health or state health contract agency are eligible to apply.
• Verification statement confirming completion of academic requirements for an American Dietetic Association Didactic Program in Dietetics (Plan V).
• A minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
• A valid driver's license or access to transportation.
• Memorandum of Understanding signed by Health District Director.
• Health insurance, Automobile Insurance and Liability insurance (available at start of internship for a small fee).
• Resource fee of $750.00.
• A passing grade in an advanced Medical Nutritional Therapy, 3 credit hour course if applicant has graduated greater than five years prior to application.

Benefits to the Health Department

• Improved skills of existing staff at limited cost to the district.
• Improved community visibility and networking with private and public agencies.
• Increased staff stability - employees will be committed to staying during and after the program.
• Nutritionists who are up-to-date on current nutrition developments. As Registered Dietitians, they must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials.

How to Apply

• Download a copy of the information about the VDH Internship Program: VDH Guidelines for Application to the Dietetic Internship *
  ( * requires Acrobat Reader )
• An internship application packet may be obtained by contacting the Dietetic Internship Program director, or by going to the website www.depdpg.org. The Internship Application and Recommendation forms are available for download.*
• To download the Memorandum of Understanding go to www.vahealth.org/wic/mou.pdf.*
• Applications are due July 1 of each year. Applicants are notified of acceptance August 15.

The Dietetic Internship at the Virginia Department of health is currently granted Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetics Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606, 312/899-4876.

Kathleen Sergent, MA, RD
Dietetic Internship Director
(804) 864-7832
E-mail: kathleen.sergent@vdh.virginia.gov