The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers a dietetic internship with a graduate program in clinical nutrition leading to the Master of Science degree. This program is offered with support from the James H. Quillen College of Medicine. The Dietetic Internship at ETSU offers a generalist emphasis and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA)
The Dietetic Internship curriculum is designed to provide an in-depth study of clinical nutrition including 1000+ hours of supervised practice in a demanding sequence of practicum rotations. Clinical affiliates include
- Long-Term Care facilities,
- Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital,
- Diabetes Treatment Centers,
- Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center,
- Johnson City Medical Center, Tennessee Department of Health,
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
- Renal Care Centers,
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,
- The Children's Hospital at JCMC,
- Varied community sites.
Students will spend 24-32 hours/week in practicum settings and 4-7 hours/week in classes. Projects and assignments will be assigned for completion at night or after rotations. The Internship Program begins in mid-July and is completed the following May. During the program, students will complete 15 graduate credit hours of didactic nutrition and management coursework. The remaining 21-24 credits toward the Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition can be completed in 2-3 semesters with options for thesis or non-thesis routes.
Employment Opportunities Students successfully completing the Dietetic Internship program will be prepared for entry-level practice in clinical nutrition, community nutrition and food service management. In addition the students will be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians, to attain the status of Registered Dietitian (RD).
- Pediatrics and Neonatology
- Obesity/Weight Management
- Cancer Treatment
- Kidney Dialysis
- Nutrition Support
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiac Care
- Long-term Care
- Surgical Units
- Diabetes Treatment Centers
- Nutrition Director
- Clinical Nutrition Manager
East Tennessee State University:
East Tennessee State University is home to 13,000 students and boasts a 97-year history of dedicated faculty committed to excellence in teaching, a dynamic staff, a diversity of quality academic programs, a campus recognized for its year-round beauty, and the support of our many regional partners.
The Dietetic Internship Program and the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition at East Tennessee State University are offered through the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Business and Technology, which is located on the 366-acre main campus in Johnson City. There are opportunities for collaboration and training with other health professionals through the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, the College of Public and Allied Health, and the College of Nursing. This concentration of health sciences compliments the rapidly growing metropolitan area, which is slated to become the health care corridor of Northeast Tennessee. Located in the heart of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains and the TVA lake country, water recreational activities, hiking, and skiing abound in the area. Johnson City with a population over 60,000 is part of the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee, with a combined population of nearly one-half million people.
Educational Experiences:
The Dietetic Internship/MS in Clinical Nutrition curriculum provides an in-depth didactic study of clinical nutrition, including advanced normal nutrition and nutrition therapy, nutrition assessment, and biochemistry, as well as skills in oral and written communication and research methodology
Rotation Sites:
Mountain States Health Alliance
Johnson City Medical Center
Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center
Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital
J.H. Quillen VA Medical Center (Mountain Home VA Medical Center)
TN Department of Health
Fresenius Medical Services
Faculty Contact:
Beth Lowe, MS, RD, LDN, Program Director
Assistant Professor
PO Box 70671
Johnson City , TN 37614-1709
423-439-7537(office)
423-439-7539 (fax)
