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Dietetic Internship Program

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Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System

Photo of an early class of the VAGLA Dietetic Internship. The internship was established in 1945.


Thank you for your interest in the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program (VAGLAHS DI)!

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, VAGLA 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 either California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) or California State University, Northride (CSUN). The VAGLAHS DI accepts 3 interns for our non-degree program track and 4 interns for or combined-master's program track each year. Additional information about each of these tracks can be found here. 

This graphic describes the VAGLA 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 at CSULB starts in August and is 24 months in length. The Combined MS program at CSUN starts in August and is 30 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. 

Open Houses: The 2023-2024 VAGLAHS DI Open Houses will take place on Webex (virtual). In-person tours can be arranged by contacting the DI Director. The first open house will take place on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 11am PDT (for the Combined-MPH and Non-Degree tracks) and Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11am PST (for the Combined-MS and Non-Degree Tracks). Pre-Registration is required. 

Click here to view the recording for the Open House on Monday, October 16, 2023 (password: OpenHouseOct2023!)
Click here to register for the Open House on Monday, January 8, 2024.

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. 
 
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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