Additional Costs and Requirements

Professional Memberships and Activities

Students are required to be active members of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (current student membership = $58) and the Western Area Massachusetts Dietetic Association (no charge) (WAMDA). WAMDA membership automatically qualifies students as members of the Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND). Students are expected to participate in WAMDA activities throughout the program year.

Housing/Transportation/Meals/Clothing

Students 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 $1100/month.

Travel expenses can vary based on a student’s home location and distance to the rotation sites. It’s realistic to assume 10-20 miles of travel per rotation workday, which would amount to 2,240 - 4,480 miles during the program. You must have access to a reliable vehicle and/or transportation to participate in the UMass Amherst DI program.

Many rotations, particularly food service, provide free lunches to the students. Students should be prepared to purchase or provide their own meals and snacks throughout the program. Some clinical and food service rotation sites require students to wear a lab coat and/or scrubs. These can be purchased from a variety of retail or online stores and cost approximately $25-$40. It is expected that students 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 around $200.

Miscellaneous Costs

Students need to have access to a laptop with internet access throughout their time in the program. 

Students must obtain their ServSafe for managers certification prior to beginning their food service rotation. ServSafe course are available in-person and online and costs vary depending on your preference. In the past, students have used HRFoodSafe to take the course, but training for managers is offered through many vendors.

Students are NOT required to carry their own Professional Liability Insurance for their work associated with the internship as they are covered by a policy held by the University of Massachusetts Amherst.