FAQ Information

There is not a required GPA. In reviewing applications, the review committee considers the individual’s grades, work/volunteer experience, references, personal statement, etc. We look at the total person and application.

Applicants are not required to submit a GRE score. If you have taken the GRE include it, but it is not a requirement.

Applicants do not complete a phone or in-person interview. The review committee consists of 15-20 preceptors, faculty and staff. Each member of the committee reviews all internship applications. It’s not like sorority recruitment, where committee members discuss applicants. The application review process is done without discussion. Each committee member ranks each applicant. The collective ranking by committee members determines the ranking submitted to D and D Digital. The take away message from this: your application packet is very important! It’s your introduction to each committee member.

In today's economy, graduates have learned quickly that they need to go where the jobs are located! We train entry level practitioners to work in clinical management, business, and community settings. Some jobs destinations include: public relation firms, food companies, WIC clinics, teaching hospitals, community hospitals, home care agencies, outpatient clinics, contract management companies, school systems, health and wellness companies, private practice firms owned by RDNs. In some cases, the intern's first job might be their dream job. In most cases, their first job is a place to get experience, bond with a team and grow. 

At this time, Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways are not part of the Vanderbilt internship program.

In 2022, 18 interns will be selected for the 10 month internship program.

The number of applications received each year is variable. Over the past years, internship programs across the US have received an increased number of applications.

Clinical rotations are based at Vanderbilt. Some of the management, business and community rotations are off campus. The average travel time is 30-45 minutes to a variety of locations throughout Nashville and surrounding communities.

Preferably close to campus. Nashville traffic can be challenging. Soon after internship selection is completed, information is sent to the incoming class to help with housing selection. Oftentimes, interns will share apartments, houses, etc.

Each year, a committee of 15-20 preceptors, faculty, and staff volunteer their time to review all applications. Committee members represent all types of practice (clinical, management, business and community). Additionally, 2-4 interns from the current class also participate in the application review process. The application review process is done without discussion. Each committee member ranks each applicant in the areas of grades, work/volunteer experience, recommendations, and personal statement. The collective ranking by committee members determines the ranking submitted to D and D Digital.

No. Geographic location does not influence selection. In the current class, interns are from 10 different states. It is the variety of geographic locations that makes it fun, much more interesting, and diverse!

Yes. There is not a limit on the number of interns selected from a school/university. In the current class, there are 2 students from one university.

Your personal statement should be well written, including correct spelling and grammar. Content reflects you have put some thought into it and you did your homework when it comes to finding out about Vanderbilt. You clearly describe what you can bring to Vanderbilt’s internship program and why you are a good match for the program. Expressing your career plans and goals are important.

Time to re-charge is important. We feel very strongly about work-life balance! There are designated days off during the internship. 

Nashville does not have an easy mass transit system like Chicago, for example. If your rotations are on campus, you can walk or ride a bike. You will need a car for offsite internship rotations. Oftentimes, interns ride to offsite locations together to save on gas!

The internship is a busy year; like having a full-time job. However, some interns in the past have worked part time jobs on weekends. We recommend keeping the internship faculty updated on job status. 

From the 2021 class, 13 have taken the exam, and their pass rate on the first attempt is 100%.

Yes.

Generally, the work schedule is Monday-Friday. There are some scheduled weekends to work at health fairs, a community clinic, and/or community events. Interns receive rotation schedules in advance to allow for planning.

Yes! Attending professional meetings is an important way to network, learn, and grow professionally.