Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for 2025-2026 Class

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
  • Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Graduate degree OR proof that the applicant has completed at least 80% of credit hours towards a graduate degree with a signed attestation form from the applicant and program director/academic advisor that the applicant is anticipated to graduate within 47 weeks from the internship start date
  • If pursuing graduate degree during the internship, students must be able to participate in supervised practice during typical business hours (8 AM - 4 PM) Monday - Friday
  • Overall graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Degrees granted more than 5 years prior to the application must be updated with appropriate DPD coursework 

To Apply

International Applicants

  • VUMC does not sponsor international students. 

Selection Committee

  • A selection committee with intentional diversity (consisting of preceptors, internship faculty, a representative from the Center for Programs in Allied Health) reviews online applications. Each committee member individually considers GPA, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experience, personal statement, and references.  

Prior Learning

  • During internship orientation, students will complete a non-punitive practice exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.  Additionally, students complete a compentency survey which lists ACEND's five domains and fifty competencies. Students self-reflect their perceived readiness to practice in each competency area: highly prepared, prepared, somewhat prepared, or unprepared.  The practice exam and the competency survey provide both the student and the internship faculty an assessment of the student's prior learning and perceived skills at the start of the dietetic intership. No VUMC Dietetic Internship Program credit is granted for prior learning. 

Immunizations

  • Click here to view VUMC Immunization Compliance Requirements (This page is for viewing purposes only. No documentation will be submitted to any links on this page. This page is reflective of VUMC policies and not those of any other organization.)
    • VUMC will manage and enforce compliance of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for the Dietetic Internship.