Advance Your Nutrition Career with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a dedicated Registered Dietitian looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who served our nation? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Clarksville, Tennessee, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Clinical Dietitian to join its dynamic healthcare team. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide high-quality care, utilize evidence-based practices, and support the "Whole Health" journey of our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Dietitian, your primary responsibility is to coordinate nutritional care in an outpatient setting. You will work directly with Veterans, their caregivers, and other health care professionals.
- Nutrition Assessment: Utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to diagnose and treat nutritional concerns.
- Patient Goals: Developing individualized, patient-centered nutrition plans.
- Virtual Care: Leveraging technology to expand access to nutrition education and counseling.
- Performance Improvement: Collecting and analyzing data to improve the quality of care within Nutrition and Food Services.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline standards:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Credentialing: Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Accreditation: Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
- English Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
Grade Level Comparison
| Level | Experience/Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-7 | Entry-level, developmental; meets basic educational requirements. |
| GS-9 | One year of lower-grade experience or a Master’s degree. |
| GS-11 | Full performance level; requires one year of experience as an RDN. |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $50,460 to $97,087, depending on experience, qualifications, and the assigned grade level.
Benefits
The VHA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- Federal pension plan and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Professional growth opportunities and continuing education support.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA and upload it into the required field.
- Be Specific: Describe your volunteer and paid experience clearly to ensure you receive full credit.
- Prepare Your Documents: Have your DD-214 (if applicable), transcripts, and licensure information ready before starting the application.
Serving our Veterans is a profound responsibility and an incredibly rewarding experience. If you are ready to contribute your skills to a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply for the Clinical Dietitian position in Clarksville today.
Why This Dietitian (Clinical) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country by joining the VA as a Clinical Dietitian. Build your career in a supportive, mission-driven environment in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Dietitian (Clinical) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to provide high-quality nutritional care to our nation's Veterans. Working within the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, you will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to develop patient-centered nutrition goals, interpret research, and utilize virtual care technology to improve health outcomes. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to serve Veterans in a community-focused, innovative healthcare setting.
Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
- Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)
- Experience in clinical nutrition therapy and application of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP)
- Proficiency in utilizing virtual care platforms to deliver nutrition education
- Ability to analyze data for performance improvement initiatives
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment
- Master's degree in Nutrition or a related health field
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Stable, mission-focused career environment
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art medical systems and resources
💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement and required documents checklist.
- Download and complete the mandatory Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA.
- Upload your resume, CDR registration, and relevant transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of July 31, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your experience; the VA does not make assumptions.
- Ensure your resume clearly aligns with the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
- Apply early to allow time for technical troubleshooting.
- Double-check that all required documents, including DD-214s or SF-50s if applicable, are uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not yet a U.S. citizen?
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position in Clarksville, Tennessee, though it offers ad-hoc telework flexibility.
What is the role of the trial period?
Selected candidates must serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period to evaluate fitness, conduct, and contribution to agency goals.
Is there an age limit for this position?
*A: No, the VA is an equal opportunity employer.*
Can I use my state driver's license for employment ID?
*A: Only if it is REAL ID compliant.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) serves over 146,000 Veterans across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. We pride ourselves on innovation, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to providing compassionate care to the heroes who have defended our country. Working for the VA means becoming part of a community that values excellence and service above all else.