The Georgia Department Of Community Health 
A SNAPSHOT OF 
Dietetic Internship Program 
What is the purpose of the program? 
To improve the quality of the public health nutrition workforce in Georgia. 
What does the program do? 
The Dietetic Internship Program provides a 12-month Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) accredited internship involving clinical, community/public health, renal, pediatric, food service, and research rotations to prepare candidates for entry-level dietetics. The Internship Program is distinguished as being the only dietetic internship program in Georgia that has a strong emphasis on community/public health nutrition. 
How many interns complete the program? 
Since its inception in 1992, more than 130 dietetic interns have graduated from the Georgia Division of Public Health Dietetic Internship (GA DPH DI) program. 
Why is the program important? 
A qualified work force is essential to ensure good practice in public health and other areas of dietetic practice. Public health nutrition is a growing field and one that contributes greatly to the health and well-being of the community and as a component of multi-disciplinary teams. This internship is the only internship in the state that provides an emphasis on community nutrition, health promotion and disease prevention. 
Who is eligible? 
Applicants must meet all admission requirements, namely a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, a grade point average of 2.8 or higher, Verification Statement for completion of CADE accredited didactic program, completion of recency of education requirements if Bachelor's degree is more than 5 or 10 years old, and an employee (full or part-time status) of the Georgia Division of Public Health (length of employment prior to the start of internship varies by district). 
Where are rotations located? 
There are currently 33 approved rotation sites statewide including local health departments, schools, hospitals and other health care settings, worksite wellness, state and federal agencies. 
Goals 
 The GA DPH DI will appoint qualified applicants who will successfully complete the dietetic internship program and become registered dietitians. 
 The GA DPH DI program graduates will function as members of the nutrition care services team in community settings. 
 The GA DPH DI will prepare graduates who will continue to practice in community nutrition care services in Georgia after program completion and increase the number of registered dietitians in the DPH system. 
Legislative authority 
None. There are national and state initiatives addressing recruitment and retention of Public Health Nutritionists. 
2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga 30303 w www.dch.georgia.gov January 2011