WIC Dietetic Internship Program
Dietetic Internship
Mission
To improve the health outcomes of Georgians through the promotion of quality nutrition care practice by assisting qualified employees of the Georgia Department of Public Health Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to become Registered Dietitians™ / Registered Dietitian Nutritionists™ competent to practice at entry level.
Program Emphasis
The emphasis of the Georgia Department of Public Health WIC Dietetic Internship Program is community nutrition / public health. The Internship is comprised of a minimum of 1,000 supervised practice hours in community nutrition, public health research, life cycle, health promotion, medical nutrition therapy, and school food service.
Announcements
Application Deadline for the 2025-2026 Class
March 31, 2025
Important Internship Links
Program Description
The Internship provides an opportunity for qualified state and local agency employees of the Georgia Department of Public Health WIC Program and our contracted WIC agency staff at Grady Hospital who have met the admission requirements for Registered Dietitian™ / Registered Dietitian Nutritionist™ (RD/RDN) eligibility, to complete the Core Competencies for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (CRDN) through supervised practice.
Emphasis is placed on the development of competence in providing nutrition services as integral parts of health programs, especially public health programs. Individualized study and program flexibility provide interns the opportunity to receive a customized approach focusing on high-quality interactions, confidence building, and learning abilities to successfully achieve their professional development goals. Self-assessment and faculty evaluation assist in improving practice and professional development. Interns establish a base for lifelong self-development to improve knowledge and skills.
The primary goal of the Internship is to achieve improved health outcomes for Georgians through the promotion of quality nutrition care practice. This is accomplished by workforce development aimed to increase the number of registered and licensed dietitians among currently employed nutritionists.
The Georgia Department of Public Health WIC Program and participating local agency health districts are committed to assisting those employees who wish to overcome financial, geographical, or personal barriers to become registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Graduates of the Internship are encouraged to serve as mentors and preceptors for future interns of the Internship.
Georgia Department of Public Health WIC Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (https://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 889-0040 ext. 5400.
Commission on Dietetic Registration Requirements
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 an RD/RDN. For more information about this requirement click here. 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 complete the ACEND-accredited dietetic internship program with the Georgia Department of Public Health WIC Program are eligible to apply to take the registration examination for dietitians to become an RD/RDN.
State Licensure Requirements
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: State Licensure.
For more information about educational pathways to becoming an RD/RDN click here.
Contact Information
Internship Director
Danica Carswell, MS, RD, LD, CLC
(470) 586-0570
[email protected]
Page last updated 10/28/24