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Student Resources

Prospective Students

We invite you to learn more about the programs we offer in the Clinical Nutrition master's and internship programs. Before you begin exploring our site, please note the following requirements for becoming a registered dietitian.

The credentialing process to become a registered dietitian:

  1. Completion of a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and DPD course work approved the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
  2. Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a food service corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate students. The University of Memphis Clinical Nutrition master's program /Dietetic Internship is an ACEND accredited supervised practice program.
  3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  4. Complete 75 hours continuing professional educational requirements every five years to maintain registration.
  5. Maintain State Licensure  

Current Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to our program. We welcome you to the Tiger family and there is a lot to know before you begin classes, so check out these resources to make sure you are prepared.


Intern Assistantships

While we attempt to fund all Clinical Nutrition students with a Intern Assistantship (IA), it is not always possible. An IA is not guaranteed for all students. Students should consult with Tracy Bruen for more information.

If an IA is provided, it will require that a student work approximately 20 hours each week of the semester (except for university breaks) and it will pay a monthly stipend for the first academic year of study (fall and spring semesters only: payments typically made Sept.-April). The stipend amount varies depending on IA location but generally ranges from $6500 to $8000 for the academic year (approximately $10-12 per hour). The IA does not include any tuition or fee payment. Therefore, students will be required to pay the tuition/fee rate during the time in which they are funded through an IA.

In nearly all cases, the IA is limited to only the first year of the program (fall and spring). During the final semester (fall semester of year two), students will no longer receive a IA and will be expected to pay the out-of-state tuition/fee rate, assuming they do not qualify for the in-state rate based on residency. In rare cases, an IA may be available during the second year. Students will have an option to rank their interest in the various IA sites and may be required to interview for selected sites. Students should inquire with Tracy Bruen for more information regarding IAs.


Clinical Nutrition Careers & Intern Handbook

Students graduating with an MS degree are well-prepared to seek advanced degrees or begin employment within the following areas:*

  • hospitals
  • nutrition support
  • long term care facilities
  • diabetes centers
  • administration
  • clinical nutrition management
  • food systems management
  • school food service
  • corporations
  • WIC
  • public health
  • wellness
  • general pediatrics
  • nutrition faculty
  • medical sales

Note: Prospective interns should seek the guidance of the program director with regards to needed pre-requisite courses for graduate school admission.

For additional information on career options in nutrition and dietetics, visit the Student Center at the AND website.


Student Testimonials

Geordan Stapleton "The combined MS/DI program at the University of Memphis allowed me the opportunity to explore many realms of dietetics and find my passion! I love that the program gave me the opportunity to set up rotations in areas that I was interested in. The directors and coordinators cared about our interests and that was very evident throughout the duration of the program." - Geordan Stapleton '18
Lisa Evanoff "The University of Memphis professors, preceptors, and staff truly invest in each intern and design the internship to highlight each person's interests and goals.  My experiences not only prepared be to be a well-rounded dietitian but a leader within the healthcare community." - Lisa Evanoff '19
Hannah Cox Peters  “This program gave me incredible mentors and friends that continually give me the confidence and encouragement to be the best dietitian I can be. Whether that is when seeing patients, educating people on social media, or getting involved with the Memphis Association of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND), I know that I can always go to them with questions and support.” - Hannah Cox Peters '18
Brittany Lubeck  "The Clinical Nutrition program provided me with all the tools I needed to launch my career as a registered dietitian. The connections the UofM had with the hospitals in Memphis meant I was able to have first-class clinical rotation experiences in such areas as pediatrics, nutrition support, dialysis and oncology. The professors and staff knew me by name and were extremely supportive throughout the entire process!" - Brittany Lubeck '18
Tara Toll "One thing that really makes the UofM dietetic internship stand out is the opportunity to work as a graduate assistant in your first year as an intern. I was able to gain so many valuable experiences and learn so much from my GA position that really helped prepare me for rotations and my career as a dietitian!" - Tara Toll '20
Kaitlyn Phillips "The University of Memphis Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program strongly prepared me for the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam, as well as clinical and foodservice dietetics experience.  I owe my entire career to this program, and definitely recommend it to those looking to make a confident difference in the dietetics society!"  - Kaitlyn Philipps '15
Katie Hinton "I cannot express enough how much I loved my time in the dietetic internship program at University of Memphis. From the friendships I made, to the mentors I gained, and especially the knowledge I acquired through the classes as well as the rotations - I would never have gotten where I am today without this program. I recommend this program to anyone who is striving for success in the dietetic field!" - Katie Hinton '16
Christina Ralston "I really enjoyed how the MS/DI program was a well-rounded, fast-paced curriculum which taught me how to work efficiently and effectively. Since the City of Memphis is located in the heart of a medical district, I felt well-equipped once I graduated as I was exposed to a handful of different types of hospital systems and clinics. The program was a blast, faculty/staff truly want the best for you and your career and Memphis is a fun place to live!"  - Christina Ralston '16
Samaria Grandberry "The UofM Graduate Dietetic Internship allowed me the flexibility to create the most memorable and challenging rotations! I will never forget the sacrifices our clinical coordinator made for us! The experiences I gained as an intern, plus the amazing connections I made in Memphis has launched my career forward in such little time!" - Samaria Grandberry '19