SJSU Dietetic Internship

The SJSU DI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page has additional info regarding the SJSU DI and must be reviewed before emailing the DI Director.

The SJSU DI Brochure [pdf] provides information about the application requirements and procedures. 

The SJSU DI Handbook [pdf] provides an overview of the DI Program, includes a sample rotations schedule, and details program policies and procedures.

Please refer to the SJSU DI Brochure [pdf] and the SJSU DI FAQ page for information about the eligibility and application requirements. 

The SJSU DI is accredited for a maximum of 25 dietetic interns per year. There are two rounds of applications each year. Please review the SJSU DI Application Timeline below to determine when applications are due.

SJSU DI Application Timeline

If an applicant is not selected through the internal DI process, they may apply to other DI programs (external DIs) by working with the Didactic Program in Dietetics Director, Dr. Giselle Pignotti.

NOTE: 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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited dietetic internship program at San José State University 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. For more information about state licensure requirements: https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap 

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.

At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 10.5 months (150% of the program length).

At least 80% 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%.

Of graduates who seek employment, at least 75% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

When surveyed 12-18 months after the intern completed the program, at least 80% of employers of SJSU DI graduates will rate the graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice as “Meets Expectations” or “Exceeds Expectations” (scale = Below Expectations, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations).

When surveyed 12-18 months after the intern completed the program, at least 80% of employers of SJSU DI graduates will rate the graduate's ability to work effectively with culturally diverse populations as “Meets Expectations” or “Exceeds Expectations” (scale = Below Expectations, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations).

At least 80% of program interns will apply the evidence-based practice model to facilitate a practice change and disseminate their knowledge gained as an abstract and poster presentation within 12 months of program completion.

When surveyed 12-18 months after the intern completed the program, at least 80% of SJSU DI graduates will report life-long learning activities.

When surveyed 12-18 months after the intern completed the program, at least 80% of employers of SJSU DI graduates will rate the graduate’s ability to incorporate evidence-based knowledge into practice as “Meets Expectations” or “Exceeds Expectations” (scale = Below Expectations, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations).