National HealthCare Corporation Dietetic Internship
Accredited since 1982, the NHC Dietetic Internship is a well-rounded program providing a variety of MNT, clinical, community, food service, and specialty experiences. Interns complete 1,000+ hours of supervised practice across a diverse network of more than ten rotation sites in Middle Tennessee, including a level I trauma center, dialysis clinics, long-term care facilities, pediatric settings, school nutrition programs, VA medical centers, and community experiences.
The NHC Dietetic Internship Program
About NHC
Since 1971, National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) has been built on a simple but powerful belief: that exceptional patient care and genuine compassion belong together. NHC's founder Dr. Carl Adams, recognized early on that nutrition plays a vital role in healthy aging — a philosophy that has shaped the company's approach to the dietetic internship program from the beginning. Today, NHC's centers provide rehabilitative care, skilled nursing, homecare, hospice, and residential and assisted living services across more than 170 facilities in nine states. For more than 50 years, NHC has pioneered new approaches to care while staying anchored to the values that have guided us from the start.
Since
At NHC, we're invested in your entire journey — from your first rotation through your credentialing exam and into your career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Our staff and preceptors are committed to creating a learning environment that is both supportive and comprehensive, because we believe the best dietitians are shaped by growth and care in equal measure.
Since the new requirements of a master’s degree, we’ve partnered with three incredible universities.
Interns who do not yet hold a master's degree, complete their graduate coursework concurrently through one of three university partners: Middle Tennessee State University, The University of Alabama, or Texas Tech University. All three programs are offered fully online, giving you flexibility without sacrificing depth.
Why the NHC Dietetic Internship?
A Track Record You Can Trust
NHC has been training dietitians for more than 40 years and has graduated over 300 RDNs. Our one-year CDR exam pass rate is 100% over 10 years.
No Tuition or Internship Fees
NHC does not charge tuition or fees for the dietetic internship program.
Monthly Stipend
Interns receive a $500 monthly stipend throughout the program totaling $4,500 over the program year.
Expense Reimbursement
NHC covers select program-related expenses including liability insurance, textbooks, and travel costs as applicable.
Flexible Program Length
Complete supervised practice and your graduate degree in 15 months — or, if you already hold a master's degree, finish the standalone internship in 9 months.
Nashville, Tennessee
Most rotations take place in Murfreesboro and around Nashville, one of the most dynamic healthcare markets in the country, with unmatched access to diverse clinical settings and learning opportunities.
Depth and Diversity of Clinical Experience
Work alongside 25+ experienced preceptors across 10+ sites — including a level I trauma hospital, dialysis clinics, a pediatric hospital, VA medical centers, school nutrition programs, WIC, and long-term care facilities.
Visiting Lecturers and Classes
Monthly, interns participate in specialty education workshops led by practicing clinicians and experts from across middle Tennessee. These classes go beyond your rotation experience to expose you to the full breadth of dietetics practice — covering areas like eating disorders, outpatient nutrition counseling, oncology nutrition, food service management, sports nutrition, diabetes management, gastrointestinal MNT, and enteral nutrition support.
Build Exam Confidence
Complete RD practice exams integrated directly into the curriculum, so exam readiness and confidence builds gradually rather than all at once. Paired with targeted study resources, our approach is designed to make sure you cross the finish line prepared and confident.
Graduate Program Options
Choose from three fully online, 30-credit-hour graduate programs through MTSU, UA, or TTU. Programs offer optional concentration in areas like Clinical Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, and Community Nutrition.
A Real Career Path
NHC actively hires RDs in clinical nutrition and food service management. Graduates of the program are eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus with a one-year work commitment, plus $1,000 in tuition reimbursement. We don't just train dietitians — we build careers.
- 38% of NHC dietetic interns chose to have a fulfilling and successful career path with NHC.
- Employers of graduates’ rate knowledge and preparedness for entry-level dietetics practice as adequate. Outcome: 100% met for the past eight years.
Accreditation
The NHC Dietetic Internship Program is currently granted accreditation status by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, Ext. 5400. (https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend ; email ACEND@eatright.org). ACEND is the only accrediting agency for dietetics education recognized by the USDE.
LIVE Online Q&A events
Please join the Dietetic Internship Director at NHC, McKel Kooienga, MS, RDN, LDN for a virtual open house where you’ll learn about the program, get your questions answered, and learn more about the application and admission process.
Thursday, September 3rd at 12pm CT
Wednesday, September 9th at 3pm CT
Friday, September 11th at 10am CT
