Additional Costs

Costs

In addition to the application fees, there are a few costs associated with the Dietetic Internship (DI) program.

• The tuition for the DI program is $10,000.00. Tuition is payable in two $5,000 installments in your SPIRE account at the beginning of the fall (September) and spring (January) semesters.
• A university registration fee of $60 (per semester), is charged for enrollment in the Dietetic Practicum (NUTRITN 698A and 698B). NOTE: This should not be confused with the online MPH in Nutrition Practicum (NUTRITN 698).
• These payments can be made online at https://www.spire.umass.edu once you have your UMass SPIRE ID account established.

Housing
Interns are responsible for their own living arrangements and expenses. They must also have access to individual transportation, since many of the rotation sites are not easily accessible by public transportation. A variety of housing options are available in the Western Massachusetts area, with prices dependent on arrangement type and location. The university’s Off Campus Housing Services website maintains a list of apartments and houses available for rent in the Amherst area. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the Amherst area is $1,840/month, while the average cost of renting a similar apartment in Westfield (approx. 25 miles from Amherst) is $1,100/month.

Travel
Travel expenses can vary based on an intern’s home location and distance to the rotation sites. It is realistic to assume 10 to 20 miles of travel per rotation workday, which would amount to 2,240 to 4,480 miles during the nine-month program. You must have access to a reliable vehicle and/or transportation to participate in the UMass Amherst DI; however, there may be a rare exception depending on housing and rotation site locations.

Clothing/Attire
Some clinical and food service rotation sites may require interns to wear a lab coat. These can be purchased from a variety of retail or online stores and cost around $25. It is expected that interns will wear business casual apparel to their respective rotation sites unless otherwise specified by the preceptor. Clothing costs can range greatly. If one does not currently own business casual attire and acceptable shoes, it is reasonable to expect to spend at least $250.

Books/Supplies
There may be an occasional book or reading purchase required but this will not exceed $50. Laptops, notebooks, calculators, and other learning/educational equipment are at the expense of the intern. These costs are variable and may range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. There is no requirement for a specific laptop or software program.

Miscellaneous
The Policies and Procedures manual describes additional expenses, including health and auto insurance, and program fees. Some rotation sites require medical exams, drug testing, background checks beyond what the university conducts. These additional expenses would be at the intern’s expense. Most health insurance plans cover medical exams; however, drug testing, if required, could cost $50 to $100.

Insurance and Immunization Costs
Interns are required to carry their own personal health insurance, and are responsible for its cost. In addition, interns may be expected to complete and pass a health form/screening prior to beginning some rotations.

The UMass Amherst DI program requires proof of current vaccinations and/or immunizations. Many facilities additionally require the flu vaccination during “flu season.” Interns are expected to comply with the rotation site’s protocol and procedures on all matters, including vaccinations. Religious exemptions may not be possible. Interns MUST inform the Program Director if there are any extenuating circumstances regarding non-compliance to the program and/or rotation site’s policies and procedures. 

Documentation of the following vaccinations/immunizations, including COVID-19, must be provided to the program director prior to starting the internship (before orientation).

• Documentation of two (2) doses of mumps vaccine given at or after twelve (12) months of age OR laboratory evidence of immunity
• Documentation of one (1) rubella vaccine given at or after twelve (12) months of age OR laboratory evidence of immunity
• Documentation of two (2) doses of live measles vaccine given at least one (1) month apart at or after twelve (12) months of age OR laboratory evidence of immunity
• Documentation of one (1) dose of tetanus diphtheria acellular pertussis (Tdap) OR tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccine within the last ten (10) years
• Documentation of two (2) doses varicella vaccine OR laboratory evidence of immunity OR documentation of varicella (chickenpox) disease by a provider
• Documentation of three (3) doses of hepatitis B vaccine OR laboratory evidence of immunity
• TB screening is required annually and includes either the results of a negative TB skin test (TST) OR a negative blood assay Mycobacterium tuberculosis test (QFT or Tspot). If the TST, QFT, or Tspot is positive, a chest Xray which rules out active TB disease is required. For students with a history of a positive TST, QFT, or Tspot, an annual symptom review for active TB disease, with documentation of a negative chest X-ray anytime after the positive TST, QFT, or Tspot, is required.
• Documentation of two (2) doses of the COVID-19 vaccination

Professional and Miscellaneous Costs
Interns are expected to be student members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and our local affiliate, WAMDA (Western Area Mass Dietetic Assoc.). Additional costs may include texts and other reference books, attendance at a professional meeting (ANCE), and/or webinars/meetings necessary to obtain the program’s required eight CEUs. Student volunteer opportunities at Massachusetts Dietetic Association/affiliate meetings allow for attendance with reduced registration fees.

The UMass Amherst DI program runs a CORI (criminal background check) on interns prior to orientation. Some sites require an additional CORI check that you may be asked to pay. 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 (ServSafe for managers or comparable) at the start of the internship. It is required before beginning the food service/management rotation.