VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Frequently Asked Questions
- I’ve heard it is very hard to get into a VA internship program because they are too competitive, and I shouldn't even bother applying. How competitive is admission to your internship program?
VA Internship Programs are known for being highly competitive. However, they are not more competitive than most dietetic internship programs across the country. VA Internship Programs are in teaching hospitals, provide a variety of hands-on experiences, have state-of-the-art resources, and offer a stipend. If you are interested in a VA Dietetic Internship Program, we encourage you to research the program to see if it aligns with your goals, mission, and philosophy. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Is the master’s degree mandatory for this internship program?
There are two track options available. For the Internship Only Track, applicants must have completed a master’s degree prior to admission. For the MS/DI Combined Track, applicants need to apply to both the University of Alabama and the VA ECHCS DI Program. Note that effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
- If I don't get accepted into the university for the Combined Master's Program Track, can I still be considered for the Non-Degree Program track?
Only if you applied for the Non-Degree (Internship Only) Program Track and currently hold a graduate degree at the time of program commencement. We can only consider applications for the track(s) you applied to.
- What is my workspace like?
Interns have access to touch-and-go spaces equipped with desks, chairs, computers, printers, and office supplies at all VA sites. Break rooms with tables, chairs, fridges, microwaves, and coffee machines are also available.
- Is there a dress code or uniform required?
The dress code for our department is business casual attire. Optional standardized color scrub uniforms are allowed for inpatient and outpatient rotations. Non-slip shoes are required for food service management. Additional dress code details will be provided during orientation.
- Are books and other materials needed?
You will need to supply your own notepaper, notebooks, pencils, and pens. A list of several recommended references will be provided in advance for your purchase.
- What will my rotation schedule be like?
Typically, your schedule will be Monday through Thursday, from either 7:30 am – 4:00 pm or 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, adjusted based on your preceptor’s schedule. During the orientation week, your schedule will be Monday through Friday with similar tour/hours. A full schedule will be provided during orientation.
“Rotations” are supervised learning experiences with a specific focus. It can range from a few days to several weeks. During the rotation you will have multiple assignments and hands-on work to master designated competencies. For example, in the surgery rotation, you work one-on-one with a RD preceptor who is responsible for the acute care surgical floor. The preceptor will teach you, discuss your assignments with you, and assess your learning. Surgical nutrition rotation assignments may include base studies, nutrition assessments for surgery patients, nutrition education, and more. Rotations require full 8-hour days and specific times depend on the preceptor and rotation.
- Will I need a car to be a VA ECHCS Dietetic Intern?
Yes, reliable transportation is highly recommended. Rotations may occur at any VA ECHCS location, as well as at affiliation sites within the Denver Metro area and Colorado Springs, CO.
- Are vaccinations required for the internship?
Yes. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Federal guidelines, specific immunizations are required. These include, but are not limited to, annual influenza, hepatitis B series, and tuberculosis screening.
Currently, the policy of VA ECHCS if that any VHA employee (including Health Professions Trainees, i.e., Dietetic Interns) or volunteer who works in VHA facilities, visits VHA facilities, or provides direct care to those we serve is required to be fully vaccinated. Exceptions are approved on a case-by-case basis, and those with exceptions must comply with workplace safety protocols (i.e., appropriate masking and testing). Exceptions related to a medical condition or a religious belief are processed as a request for reasonable accommodation to the vaccination requirement.
Exceptions cannot be reviewed or approved prior to the onboarding process. HR does not address vaccine status with employees until they are offered employment, which would be after matching occurs. There is no way to get any exemption approved in advance, and there is no way to predict if exemptions will ultimately be honored at the time of employment.
In addition to VA policies, VA ECHCS is subject to federal laws and executive orders, which means policies are frequently evolving. At any point, including after onboarding, or even after the internship has started, vaccination requirements may change and the intern may no longer be able to complete supervised practice rotations at the VA or affiliates if they aren’t vaccinated.
- Do we get a vacation?
Interns are scheduled off for all Federal Holidays and have short breaks during Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weeks. Other vacation days are typically not approved as they may cause an intern’s supervised practice hours to drop below the required 1000 hours, possibly necessitating a program extension.
VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System Website
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs
About our Hospital
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center | VA Eastern Colorado Health Care | Veterans Affairs
Should you have any questions about not answered above, please consider attending our open houses, view more information found on the “Program Information Tab” or email Shannon.Casas@va.gov
