Dietetic Internship Program
Lexington VA Healthcare System - Program Introduction
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Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the Dietetic Internship program at the Lexington VA Healthcare System.
Our program holds Candidacy Accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), and our inaugural class graduated in Spring 2025. While we are a newly established internship, our roots run deep: for more than 30 years, the Lexington VA partnered with the University of Kentucky Hospital's dietetic internship, and our preceptors bring decades of combined experience in training the next generation of dietetics professionals.
Program Overview
The Lexington VA offers a post-master's degree Dietetic Internship designed to build the competencies required for entry-level dietetics practice and to prepare interns for the Commission on Dietetic Registration examination. Each year, we welcome three interns into a 34-week program that provides approximately 1,480 hours of supervised practice, with a strong emphasis on clinical nutrition.
The majority of rotations take place on-site, with the exception of a Community Rotation .Traveling to regional facilities may be required for some rotations. Interns also participate in seminars and experiences led by guest lecturers representing a range of specialties within the field.
Our Facilities
The Lexington VA Healthcare System has been serving Veterans since 1931. Today, we provide care to approximately 83,000 Veterans in the Lexington area, operating as a two-division medical center.
The Bowling Division provides acute care along with a range of specialty outpatient clinics, including Renal/Dialysis, Surgery, Oncology, Chemotherapy/Infusion, Cardiology, and Neurology. The Bowling Division is located on the University of Kentucky’s campus, adjoining the University of Kentucky Hospital. Given this close affiliation, the Lexington VA also hosts trainees and residents from several health professions programs at UK, further enriching the learning environment for our interns.
The Sousley Division provides primary and long-term care, along with outpatient services such as Outpatient Nutrition, Diabetes, Polytrauma/Traumatic Brain Injury, Geriatrics, Women's Health, Mental Health, and Audiology.
Our reach extends beyond these campuses through four community-based outpatient clinics in Berea, Somerset, Morehead, and Hazard, as well as through dietitians embedded in our Home-Based Primary Care program.
Program Highlights
Our program is distinguished by several key strengths:
Preceptors — Our preceptors hold many years of experience in a variety of settings. They are committed to mentorship, guidance, and hands-on training that equips interns with the competencies and confidence needed to excel across a wide range of nutrition and dietetics roles.
Curriculum — Our learning activities are grounded in evidence-based practice, with a focus on the appropriate application of the Nutrition Care Process, Nutrition Focused Physical Exam, and comprehensive provision of Nutrition Support.
Research — Each intern completes a special project, offering hands-on experience applying the scientific method within a clinical setting.
Career Pathway — We can assist graduates in pursuing employment within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States.
Dietetic Internship Accreditation
Lexington VA Health Care System Dietetic Internship
Accreditation Status: Candidate for Accreditation
Date of Initial Accreditation: 10/23/2023
Accreditation End Terms: 10/23/2027
Informaton about the ACEND accreditation standards:
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accreditation-standards-fees-and-policies/2027-standards
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 312-899-5400
Fax: 312-889-4817
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Patient Population
While our primary patient population is adult males, interns gain valuable experience across a broader range of populations through their varied rotations.
Candidate Note: Because the VA is a federal agency, applicants must be U.S. citizens to apply for and participate in this program.
Please check back regularly for information on our virtual Open House Events to be held in the fall of 2026! Dates, times, and access links will be posted to this website for prospective interns.
We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming you to our program!
Sincerely,
Melody Jones, MS, RD, LD
Dietetic Internship Director
Lexington VA Healthcare System
melody.jones@va.gov
(859) 233.4511 ext 3359
