Dietetic Internship

December 27, 2007 - NEW Fees for 2008-9 set: $6500

Program Fees

Program fees for the 11-month program for 2008-9 are $6,500.00, payable in two installments - in August before the start of the internship, and the second installment by November 1. A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is paid upon acceptance of a match to the program. This deposit is credited to the program fee due in August. A registration fee, estimated to be $40.00/semester for 2008-2009, is charged for enrollment in NUTR 698, Nutrition Practicum, in which all interns are enrolled for both fall and spring semesters.

Housing/Transportation/Clothing

Interns are responsible for their own living arrangements and expenses, and they must have access to individualized transportation, since many of the field sites where interns receive the majority of their training are not easily accessible by public transportation.

A wide variety of housing possibilities is available in the Amherst area, with prices dependent on specific type of arrangement and location. The Commuter Services and Housing Resource Center, located in the Student Union, maintains lists of apartments and houses available for rent in the area. That office can be contacted at (413) 545-0865, or accessed at their website. Click on the Housing tab to search for available rentals.

Clinical and some food service management field sites require a lab coat worn over professional clothing, which interns must provide.

Transportation costs can vary based on an intern’s home location and that distance to sites and seminars. Often, interns carpool to distant seminars to share expenses.

Insurance

Interns are required to carry their own personal health insurance, and are responsible for its cost. You will be expected to complete a health form for some rotations. Some facilities require proof of immunizations or titres, which you would be expected to provide or pay for yourself.

Professional/Misc. Costs

Interns are expected to be student members of the American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org. Additional costs include texts and other reference books (total $300-$500), and attendance at a few professional meetings during the internship year. Registration costs for these meetings can vary from about $25 to over $100, although many professional meetings cost in the range of $40-$90 plus travel costs. Student volunteer opportunities at Massachusetts Dietetic Association/ Affiliate meetings allow for attendance with reduced registration fees.

Some sites require a CORI (criminal record) check that you will be asked to pay. It is approximately $15. Other sites may require a drug test (urine). You will be notified of these specific site requirements when the rotation schedule is distributed.

Interns are expected to be certified in safe food handling by the completion of the internship. Many interns complete the ServSafe Certification during the summer prior to the start of the internship. It is helpful to complete the certification before the Food Service/Management rotation. Certification can be provided through the University of Massachusetts Extension Nutrition Education Servsafe program. A fee, which includes reference materials, class, and examination, can approximate $175.00. For more information on the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Servsafe program visit their website or contact us. Many other programs are available.