Program Overview
Your passion is to help others bring about a healthier lifestyle through their diet and nutrition. We provide experiences to prepare you to become a registered dietitian through supervised practice and graduate level coursework. Whether your interest is clinical, outpatient, community, wellness, sports nutrition or food service operations, we’ll ensure you reach your goal. Gain in-depth experience through Lipscomb University’s 39-week internship in dietetics.
Expect excellence in the classroom and in your supervised practice settings. We've designed a graduate level curriculum that will help you advance in competencies expected for entry level dietitians. Gain invaluable experience by serving the community and becoming committed to the Code of Ethics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. You'll gain at least 1,220 hours of practice experience along with your coursework from August to May.
When you complete our program, you will have the skills and experience necessary to take the next steps in your career as a dietitian — and live out your calling to help others live healthier lives.
See Our Handbook
Admissions Requirements
- Completed one of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accredited undergraduate or certificate nutrition programs providing a verification statement.
- Minimum DPD GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Verification statement from an approved undergraduate or certificate program in dietetics
- Excellent reference/recommendations, with one from your DPD Director or academic advisor
- Applicable nutrition courses and GRE from within the past five years
- GRE cumulative scores equal to or greater than 300
Courses
Our requirements include 12 hours of graduate study:
- NUGR 5403 - Special Topics: Medical Nutrition Therapy
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NUGR 5013 Dietetic Internship Experience I
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NUGR 5023 Dietetic Internship Experience II
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NUGR 5153 Nutrition Research
These may be applied towards a Master of Science degree in Lipscomb's Exercise and Nutrition Science (EXNS) graduate program, one of dietetics most exciting new areas of dual-discipline study. These credits may also be transferred for graduate study at most accredited universities in the country. It is the responsibility of the intern to determine the total number of transferable credits allowed at the institution of choice. The Dietetic Internship Certificate Program is eligible for federal financial aid as a graduate level certificate program through completion of six graduate credits per semester during the program.
Internship orientation, assigned graduate classes and practicum rotations make up the program which begins in early August and ends mid-May.
Tuition & Aid
As you consider the cost of your internship, here is a comprehensive list of all the costs related to this Lipscomb University program.
- Application Fee: $35
- Tuition: $985 per credit hour - $5,910 per semester
- DI Fees: $2,500 per semester
You should also expect some professional expenses:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership: $58
- Student Malpractice Liability Insurance: $24
Obtain student AND member coverage here. Once your application is complete and paid, you will receive the certificate of liability immediately. Follow instructions. If you are a DTR, you will apply as a professional and your cost will likely be between $70 and $80. - Items such as background checks, immunizations, titers, TB skin tests, drug tests, personal health insurance, and individual malpractice liability insurance are requirements for participants.
- Interns are responsible for food and miscellaneous personal expenses incurred during attendance at the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic's annual meeting, as well as transportation and meals during rotations.
- Slip-resistant shoes and appropriate foodservice attire are required for certain rotations. Professional clothing, lab coat, and closed-toe dress shoes are the accepted attire for clinical and community rotations, unless scrubs and tennis shoes are facility approved.
- A laptop computer, personal printer and scanner, textbooks and online resources, as well as other school supplies are necessary for successful completion of program expectations.
Financial Aid
The Lipscomb Dietetic Internship Certificate is eligible for financial aid. Please contact Deidra Cummings in our financial aid office with questions you may have concerning your eligibility for financial aid once you have filed your FAFSA and have been admitted to the university.
Graduation Rate
RD exam pass rate over 5 years
Our Faculty
Health & Community Partnerships
Career Paths
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.
Agricultural and Food Scientists
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
Exercise Physiologists
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility.