Bay Pines VA Healthcare System
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Launch Your Nutrition Career at Bay Pines VA
The Paul M. Russo Dietetic Internship at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (BPVAHCS) combines hands-on clinical training, mentorship, graduate education opportunities, and a paid stipend - all in beautiful Bay Pines, Florida.
Unlike many internships that require students to work unpaid while balancing school and expenses, our program provides a stipend throughout the supervised practice experience, helping support you while you build your future.
The program specializes in Medical Nutrition Therapy and offers a variety of learning experiences designed to prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities in nutrition and dietetics.
Our program provides three pathways: a Master of Public Health/Dietetic Internship (MPH/DI) option, a Master of Science in Human Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) option, and a Verification Statement only option.
1. The MPH/DI program allows interns to simultaneously earn a 42-credit Master of Public Health with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics through the University of South Florida over 21 months, alongside their 47-week supervised practice experience in the second year of the program. During the supervised practice academic year (August to July), interns will complete a total of 18 credit hours at USF. Enrollment in USF for graduate studies is a mandatory component of the MPH/DI.
2. The MS/DI program allows interns to simultaneously earn a 30-credit Master of Science in Human Nutrition through the University of Alabama over 14 months, alongside their 47-week supervised practice experience. During the supervised practice academic year (August to July), interns will complete a total of 21 credit hours at UA. Enrollment in UA for graduate studies is a mandatory component of the MS/DI program.
3. For applicants who already hold a Master of Science in Nutrition (or a related field, with approval), we offer the Verification Statement only option, allowing interns to complete the required supervised practice experience in a 47-week program.
Some distinctive features that set our internship apart:
Small Cohort. Big Support.
With only six interns accepted each year, you'll receive individualized mentorship from experienced Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who are invested in your success. Most rotations pair interns one-on-one with a preceptor, creating a highly personalized learning environment that allows you to ask questions, develop professionally, and grow your confidence as a future RDN.
Dedicated Office Space
Interns have their own desk and dedicated office area. During the supervised practice experience, interns receive a VA-isssued laptop, enabling secure access to the VA network and applications even when offsite. Additionally, interns can utilize virtual IT support, training resources and library services both on-site and during off-site affiliate rotations.
Curriculum
Our hospital-based program offers comprehensive rotations in a wide variety of specialities:
- Cardiology
- Critical care
- Diabetes care
- Geriatrics
- Home-based care
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Outpatient counseling
- Weight management
- Whole health
- Food service administration and management
- Communitry nutrition
Build Your Future
We are committed to supporting your career placement, whether in the government or private sector. Additionally, with nearly 170 VA Medical Centers nationwide, the VA system offers strong career opportunities and pathways for future employment after graduation.
Application Information
Applications must be submitted through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) by January 15, 2027. Applicants must provide proof of completion (or intent to complete) an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Applicants entering through the Verification Statement only pathway must complete all graduate degree requirements before the internship begins.
Open House Opportunities
Interested in learning more? Join one of our virtual open houses:
- Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Friday December 4, 2026
Both sessions begin at noon Eastern Time.
RSVP to sharon.hickman@va.gov at least one week before your preferred session date to receive the meeting link.
Accreditation
The Paul M. Russo Dietetic Internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Telephone: (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400
Questions?
Sharon Hickman, MPH, RDN, LD/N
Dietetic Internship Director
Bay Pines VAHCS
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Office: (727) 398-6661, ext. 14449
sharon.hickman@va.gov
