Dietetic Internship

GENERAL INFORMATION

Patton State Hospital Dietetic Internship Program is currently granted an accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association. For reference to its approval status, please contact:

American Dietetic Association
Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995

The program is full-time and 11-months (approx. 46 weeks) in duration starting in August.  There are six (6) intern positions available next year.  Work schedule generally consists of 40 hours/week (5 days, 8 hours/day) with additional time required for completion of projects and assignments.  A one-week vacation is provided during the winter holiday season in addition to all the state approved holidays.

Upon successful completion of the program, the intern will receive Verification Statement. This enables the intern to take the Registration Examination, the final step towards becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) and an active member of the American Dietetic Association.

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the Patton State Hospital Dietetic Internship Program is to prepare entry-level dietitians for service to the community and society as a whole.  The program is committed to educating interns in developing skills to promote health and prevent diseases utilizing evidence based practice.  The program will provide various supervised practice settings to interns to help empower optimum nutrition to every persons served.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OUTCOME MEASURE

1. The program will prepare competent, entry-level dietitians for employment in local community.
   • Outcome Measures:
     1. Eighty percent (80 %) of the graduates will pass the registration examination on the first try.
     2. At least 33% of the graduates will be employed in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
     3. At least one new graduate will be employed at Patton State Hospital every year.
     4. After a year of employment, 85% of the graduates will rate equal in performance to graduate dietitians from other dietetic internship program
2. The program will provide exposure to variety of settings for supervised practice.
   • Outcome Measures:
     1. The program will utilize at least seven rotation sites for supervised practice for every intern.
     2. Ninety percent (90%) of program evaluations completed by interns will state that the program provided experience in a variety of settings.
     3. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the interns who start the internship will complete the program within allotted time.
3. The program will maintain effective and efficient communication between the internship program, the sponsoring organization administration, the affiliates, and the local dietetic association.
   • Outcome Measures:
     1. Advisory Committee (comprised of program director, site coordinators, administrator, and others as appropriate) Meeting will be held every year.
     2. Site coordinators will provide site orientation to interns prior to starting the rotation.
     3. Program director and interns will participate in local dietetic association.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Interns will demonstrate effective communication skills.
2. Interns will demonstrate their ability to use efficiently and effectively the techniques and tools for managing foodservice systems.
3. Interns will provide comprehensive evidence based nutrition care through accurate and complete assessment and follow-up.
4. Interns will gain knowledge and skills in business plan and leadership to successfully manage financial, human, and physical resources.
5. Interns will be able to utilize a broad knowledge of food and food related issues (including social, public policy, health and disease) to promote optimal intake and healthy life styles for wellness in the community.
6. Interns will model professional behaviors, including ethical practice, participation in professional activities, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

1. Satisfactory completion of required supervised practice hours.  Satisfactory completion includes level of performance, competence, completion of all assigned activities, and the actual number of required supervised practice hours.  Hours must be completed on a full-time basis.  Employment outside of this program is not permitted during internship. 
2. Attend all assigned orientation classes, didactic classes, workshops, seminars, meetings, and field trips.
3. Satisfactory completion of all assigned assignments and projects.
4. Compliance with the Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice for the Profession of Dietetics, Patton State Hospital Administrative Directives, Policies & Procedures of the Nutrition Services, and Policies & Procedures of the Affiliates.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the American Dietetic Association approved didactic program and a baccalaureate degree
• Verification Statement from the Director of Didactic Program in Dietetics
• Official transcripts of all college course work and/or graduate studies (minimum GPA 3.0 for cumulative and core courses required).  Foreign students must have visa valid for internship year and the curriculum catalog sent with the transcripts.
• Recency of education
• Three (3) letters of recommendation (1 each from school instructor, work supervisor, and personal friend [not family or relative])
• Handwritten letter of application (approximately 500 words) on personal philosophy, career goals, strengths, skills or interest, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.
• Non-refundable application fee of $50.00 payable to PSH Patient Benefits Fund
• Participates in D&D Digital Systems Computer Matching
• Personal interview at Patton State Hospital for selected finalists

For complete admission requirements, request for application packet directed to:

Diane H. Tran, MS, RD
Director, Dietetic Internship
Patton State Hospital
3102 East Highland Ave.
Patton, CA 92369

Phone: (909) 425-7575
Fax: (909) 425-7069
Email: Dtran2@dmhpsh.state.ca.us

 

FINANCIAL & HOUSING INFORMATION

 

Pre-program Fees:
1.	Program Application Fee	$  50.00
2.	D&D Digital Systems Computer Matching Fee	$  50.00
3.	Air Travel and accommodations for interview process (will defer depending on travel location)	$ 700.00	(est.)
Upon admission, the following fees are required:
Program fees:
1.	Shared on-ground housing $520.00(est.) per month (including utilities)	$ 5720.00	(est.)
2.	Materials and supplies to be spent as needed    -intern must own a calculator, books, etc.	$ 500.00	(est.)
3.	ADA Student membership fee	$  49.00
4.	CDA Inland District membership fee	$   10.00
5.	Professional Liability Insurance	$   35.00
6.	Estimated expenses incurred during program year    -includes lab coats, clothing, shoes, as needed by intern	$ 500.00
7.	Daily transportation costs	$ 3000.00	(est.)
8.	Automobile insurance	$ 1000.00	(est.)
9.	Health insurance	$ 1800.00	(est.)
10.	Personal expenses	$ 2000.00	(est.)
Total estimated cost for the year		$ 14,614.00	(est.)

Upon acceptance to the program, physical exam and finger prints are provided to future interns free of charge. Clearance for physical exam and finger prints is required prior to starting the program. Financial compensation as Graduate Student Assistant during the rotation at Patton State Hospital may be available.

THE INTERN MUST HAVE A CAR, CAR INSURANCE, MEDICAL INSURANCE, AND PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE.

ROTATION FACILITIES

Clinical rotations at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Patton State Hospital, and Lanterman Developmental Center

Administrative (Foodservice Systems) rotations at Patton State Hospital and San Bernardino City Unified School District

Community nutrition rotation at San Bernardino County Public Health and San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department

Business & Entrepreneur rotation at MEG Enterprises

Patton State Hospital Dietetic Internship is a part of the Greater Los Angeles Dietetic Intern Consortium.  The consortium provides valuable seminars to broaden the interns’ experience/exposure in dietetics.  The program is committed to offer interns a broad education basis, to bridge academics and practice, to provide diversified experience, encourage professionalism, and to prepare entry-level dietitians.