Cost and Stipend

No Tuition

There is no tuition required for the NHC supervised practice portion of the dietetic internship.

The NHC Dietetic Internship Program provides interns with a full-tuition-free supervised practice experience, without any reduction in program quality, breadth, or rigor. Interns are placed with the same experienced preceptor network and rotation sites that have supported our program's 43-year history and consistent 100% CDR pass rate — proof that a financially accessible program can still deliver exceptional outcomes.

NHC Stipend

A stipend of $4,500 (total for the year) during the supervised practice portion of the program is provided by NHC. Monthly checks of $500 will be mailed to each intern during the nine months of supervised practice.

Insurance

Interns are required to obtain their own health insurance and professional liability insurance while completing the NHC DI program. Interns provide proof prior to beginning the internship. The cost of the recommended liability insurance premium will be reimbursed once the intern starts the program. Interns are responsible for all medical expenses incurred during the internship, including having a physical exam and all required vaccinations. Interns are required to have automobile insurance and assume their own liability while traveling to and from internship practice experiences and classes.

Graduate Degree

A graduate degree is required to sit for the dietetic exam. NHC has three university partners from which interns may choose to obtain a master’s degree. The University of Alabama offers a Master of Science (MS) in Human Nutrition with a Clinical, Community, or Generalist concentration available. Texas Tech University offers an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics with Nutrition and Healthy Weight, Nutrition and Sports, or Nutrition in Lifecycle concentrations available. Middle Tennessee State University offers an Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Leadership Nutrition.

All programs can be completed within 15 months, and all classes are completed online. Interns begin taking graduate courses during the summer prior to starting supervised practice rotations and continue taking courses concurrently during the supervised practice portion of the program. Please see each program’s website for additional information.

Graduate Degree Tuition

If applicable, graduate school tuition and fees (textbooks not included) for each partnering institution are listed below in estimations.

MIddle Tennessee State University

MTSU Graduate school tuition and fees are listed below. In-state students pay in-state tuition and fees, and out-of-state students pay the e-rate in the two summer semesters when they are not on their supervised practice rotations and in-state tuition during the spring and fall semesters while they are in middle TN for their supervised practice rotations. Fee schedules will be updated yearly so please check the MTSU website for updated fees. Tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 sessions were approximately:

Summer (9 credit hours): $6,624 (for in-state interns), and $7,965 (e-rate for out of state interns)
Fall (6 credit hours): $4,416 (in-state and out-of-state interns)
Spring (6 credit hours): $4,416 (in-state and out-of-state interns)
Summer (3 credit hours): $2,208 (for in-state interns), and $2,655 (e-rate for out of state interns)

Tuition for the 6 DI credits is free for NHC dietetic interns. MPS total tuition fees for in-state would be approximately $17,664 and $19,452 for out-of-state. Please see the MTSU Tuition site for updated information: https://www.mtsu.edu/tuition/

The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama graduate school tuition and fees are listed below. Students enrolled in a UA Online program pay the graduate e-rate of $480 per credit hour; for the 30-credit hour requirement this is approximately a total of $14,400. Fee schedules will be updated yearly so please check the University of Alabama website for updated fees. For

Please see the University of Alabama Tuition site for updated information: https://online.ua.edu/tuition-financial-aid-scholarships/tuition/

Texas Tech University

The Texas Tech University graduate school tuition and fees per semester are listed below. Tuition schedules will be updated yearly so please check the Texas Tech University website for updated rates. Tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 sessions were approximately:

Summer (9 credit hours): $4,194 (e-rate for out-of-state interns)
Fall (6 credit hours): $2,796 (e-rate for out-of-state interns)
Spring 2025 (6 credit hours): $2,796 (e-rate for out of state interns)
Summer 2025 (9 credit hours): $4,194 (e-rate for out of state interns)

Approximately $13,980. Please see the TTU Tuition site for updated information: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/ns/masters/online_masters.php

Financial Aid

Interns may apply for NHC DI scholarships of $1,000 each to assist in the payment of education expenses during the program. Scholarships are awarded to applicants demonstrating professional potential in long-term care. Interns who choose to work for NHC will also receive a $2,000 recruitment bonus at graduation. The recruitment bonus is available to graduates’ accepting employment with NHC up to one year after graduation.

Once interns are accepted to the NHC DI and applied to at least one of the partnering graduate programs, they may complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information on how to apply for FAFSA may be found at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Interns should inquire about other opportunities for financial aid through their respective graduate program’s financial aid office.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics typically releases a student scholarship application for student Academy members from September to February of the following year. Traditionally, the scholarship application must be completed and postmarked by February 15, but please check the website for updated deadlines. https://eatrightfoundation.org/why-it-matters/scholarships/. Dietetic interns may also contact their state dietetic association to inquire about other available scholarships.

Meals

During assigned training only, lunch will be provided on most rotations. Interns will be responsible for meals on class day and when attending meetings.

FNCE or other National Meeting

Attendance is required at a national meeting. The dates and location will be discussed upon acceptance into the program. Registration and hotel are paid by NHC. Interns are responsible for paying for their travel (gas or airfare) and meals while at the meeting.

Holidays/Vacations

Interns are permitted a two-week vacation during late December and early January, and a one-week vacation during March. The holidays for the year will be Labor Day, Thanksgiving (2 days), Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Housing

Interns will be responsible for all housing costs during all training, except the weeks of FNCE and Memphis. Numerous apartment complexes are available in Murfreesboro and Nashville. Monthly rental for one or two-bedroom apartments is approximately $1000 to $2000 per month, depending on location and roommate availability.

Supplies

Some supplies for special projects are reimbursed. Supplies purchased must have a receipt and be turned in on the proper form to the internship director. This does not include routine daily supplies, e.g., paper, pencils and pens, which are the responsibility of the intern. Some textbooks are provided for the dietetic intern but are to be returned upon program completion.

Interns will be responsible for buying scrubs and lab coats but will be reimbursed in the amount of $100.00. NHC will provide the interns with NHC embroidered polo shirts which can be worn on most rotations if desired. All copying should be done at NHC’s corporate office if possible.

The cost of the textbooks and supplies for the graduate courses will be the intern’s responsibility. Interns are required to have a laptop computer (not a tablet or iPad) for completion of RD exam practice tests, projects, internet research, and e-mail communication to use outside of rotations, as well as, during internship classes.

Transportation

Interns must have access to a vehicle at all times. All maintenance and mileage expenditures will be the responsibility of the intern. Facilities are in Middle Tennessee including Murfreesboro, Nashville, and surrounding area except for the Memphis pediatric rotation. A gas allowance is given for some rotations. Monthly transportation costs can range from $200-$500 depending on where you live and gasoline prices.