Concentration Information

For both the Spring and the Fall application cycles, this internship offers three concentrations: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), Community Leadership, and Sports Nutrition (new starting in 2026).

MNT Concentration

• The MNT concentration is for those that see themselves in clinically focused positions, or wish to gain a comprehensive, clinically challenging experience in clinical dietetics.
• MNT interns complete their major, required clinical rotations (Medicine, Nutrition Support, Advanced Clinical, and Clinical Staff Experience) at the VCU Medical Center.
• Successful graduates have taken on careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, eating disorder centers, private practices, nutrition informatics, etc.

Community Leadership

• The Community Leadership concentration is for those that still desire strong clinical training, but whose focus and career goals align more within public health and/or nutrition program management for the community.
• Community Leadership interns complete their major, required clinical rotations (Medicine, Nutrition Support, Advanced Clinical, and Clinical Staff Experience) at medical centers in the Richmond community (i.e. Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Bon Secours-St. Mary's Hospital, or HCA Henrico Doctors' Hospital).
• Potential career goals could include work with not-for-profit organizations, K-12 school and/or university-based nutrition programs, public policy, research, etc.

Sports Nutrition

• The Sports nutrition concentration is for those that are passionate about applying their nutrition knowledge to enhancing athletic performance and wellness.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) weeks of the internship is dedicated to sports-based rotations.
• Sports Nutrition interns complete their major, required clinical rotations (Medicine, Nutrition Support, Advanced Clinical, and Clinical Staff Experience) at medical centers in the Richmond community (i.e. Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Bon Secours-St. Mary's Hospital, or HCA Henrico Doctors' Hospital).
• Potential career goals could include working for collegiate, semi-professional, and/or professional sports teams, private practice, sports performance academies, consulting, etc.

Regardless of concentration, all interns receive a strong experience in all areas of dietetics. Interns partner with faculty in designing individualized experiences to pursue personal interests and learning needs, that may take place either inside or outside VCU Medical Center. Selection of a particular concentration will not limit the variety of rotation options available to round out each interns' experience.

See our Program Outline for more details on required and elective rotations.

Concentration specific requirements consist of:

• One or more rotations (minimum two weeks; eight weeks for Sports Nutrition) in a practice area related to the concentration.
• An in-depth paper and presentation on a topic related to the concentration area.

Applicants can apply to only one concentration or track. You should apply to the concentration that best fits your interests and career goals.