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Dietetic Internship Program

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Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System

Photo of an early class of the VAGLAHS Dietetic Internship. The internship was established in 1945.
Thank you for your interest in the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) Dietetic Internship (DI) Program!

The VAGLAHS DI is currently granted continued accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the 2024-2025 year, VAGLAHS Dietetic Interns earn a $15.00 per hour (total $25,200.00) stipend and are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Registration Examination for Dietitians, the final step for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). An outline of the entire path to becoming a RDN can be found here. The mission of the VAGLAHS DI program is to provide a positive learning environment and train entry-level and above entry-level RDNs in a variety of practice areas while serving Veterans and continuously improving their care. You can read comments from past grads here. More information about the VAGLAHS DI Mission and Goals can be found here.

Program Tracks: The VAGLAHS DI Program offers three different tracks; a non-degree track, a combined track with the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at UCLA, and a combined track with a Master of Science program at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) or California State University, Northridge (CSUN). The VAGLAHS DI accepts 3-4 interns for our non-degree program track and 3-4 interns for or combined-master's program track for a total of 7 interns each year. Additional information about each of these tracks can be found here. 

This graphic describes the VAGLAHS DI Tracks. The non-degree track starts in June and is 10 months in length. The Combined MPH track starts in September and is 22 months in length. The Combined MS programs at CSULA and CSUN start in August and are 20 to 23 months in length.

Curriculum: The VAGLAHS DI offers rotations in inpatient clinical care (including critical care), longterm care (at one of our Community Living Centers), outpatient care (including renal), and community care. We provide exceptional hands-on training in food service and clinical management. Interns also complete projects about public policy, advocacy, and research. Most rotations are completed at VAGLAHS with highly trained and passionate preceptors. More information about the VAGLAHS DI curriculum can be found here, and a summary of rotations can be found here. 

2024 Open House Events

There will be 2024 VAGLAHS DI open house events - one hybrid (in-person and virtual) and one virtual (Webex). If you're unable to attend, in-person tours can be arranged by contacting the DI Director. 

Application Information: The VAGLAHS DI is seeking applicants with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences. We acknowledge the history of racial discrimination and anti-LGBTQ+ biases by the Department of Defense, including Veterans Affairs. We are actively working to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all Veterans and their families, employees, and trainees. We believe that choosing interns with diverse backgrounds and experiences will improve the care of Veterans at VAGLAHS, and we strive to provide a supportive learning environment where interns of all abilities, backgrounds, religions, and outside commitments can succeed. We consider ALL work experience (not just dietetics-related) and do not have a minimum GPA cutoff. We value critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, flexibility and adaptability, and creativity and innovation in our applicants. Further information about applying for the VAGLAHS DI can be found here. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Answers to FAQ can be found here. 

If you have any questions after reviewing the website, please contact the VAGLAHS DI Director, Jillian Redgate. 
Headshot for Jillian Redgate, who is the Director of the VAGLAHS DI Program. She is white, 40 years old, and is wearing glasses and a brightly colored top. 
Jillian Redgate MS, RDN
Dietetic Internship Director
11301 Wilshire Boulevard #120
Los Angeles, California 90073
Phone: 1-310-704-2962
Email: jillian.redgate@va.gov

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