Central Texas VA Medical Center
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The VA is a non-profit entity and will not collect money from interns. The VA coordinates with the Office of Academic Affiliation to provide stipends for trainees and covers the cost of background checks as well as access to electronic medical texts. Interns enrolled in the program will be responsible for paying their own room and board, insurance, transportation, dietetic association dues, attendance to professional meetings, uniforms, meals, and personal computers/phones as outlined below.
Estimated Minimum Expenses
Application Fee for Internship: NONE
D&D Digital Computer Matching fee: $65
DICAS: $50
Dues for Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) student membership: $58
Dues for Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership: $15
Liability Insurance: estimate $30-$45 (can be purchased through AND)
Health Insurance: Varies; dietetic interns are eligible for health insurance benefits at the VA however would be deducted from stipend paycheck.
Apartment Renal: estimated at $900/ month (1 bedroom apartment)
Utilities (electricity/gas/water/phone): estimated at $150-$200/month
Food, uniform, and personal supplies: varies
Parking: Free at all Central Texas VA facilities
RD Exam Review Course: provided by the internship program
RD Exam Application Fee: $200
Books, papers and other supplies: none required
Stipend
The availability and amount of a stipend position varies on an annual basis. The CTVHCS DI Program was approved for 6 stipend positions for the fall 2024 intern class by the VA Office of Academic Affiliation (OAA). The amount provided annually is approximately $15.00 per hour for the entirety of the 46 week internship program. Please note stipends are subject to federal taxes.
Scholarships
The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System does not currently offer scholarships or financial assistance to dietetic interns. Please see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics webpage eatright.org for a list of scholarships provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to the Academy scholarships, the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND) may also offer scholarships for dietetic interns. Please see their website at eatrighttexas.org for additional information.
Student Loans
No student loans or financial aid are offered through the VA given the CTVHCS DI Program is a stand-alone internship and is not affiliated with a university. However, interns may be eligible for a loan forbearance (discuss with your loan institution for more information).
