Dietetic Internship Program

Orlando VA Dietetic Internship

Financial Information

The OVAHCS DI Program was approved for 4 stipend positions for the fall 2025 intern class by the VA Office of Academic Affiliation (OAA). The amount provided is approximately $15.00 per hour for the entirety supervised practice. Please note stipends are subject to federal taxes. The exact total stipend disbursement may vary slightly due to exact hours worked. Dietetic interns will receive the VA stipend only during their approved weeks of supervised training and for hours worked. Paid vacation days and federal holidays are included in the supervised practice portion of the DI. All expenses directly related to the program's experiences, rotation and assignments will be covered by the sponsoring organization. The program will not be covering costs or requirements of application fees, housing, meals, physical examination, immunization, personal transportation, books, professional association dues or meeting attendance, registration exam, or supplemental resources.

Scholarships

• The Orlando VA Healthcare System does not currently offer scholarships or financial assistance to dietetic interns. Please see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics webpage org for a list of scholarships provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to the Academy scholarships, the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (FAND) may also offer scholarships for dietetic interns. Please see their website at FAND Scholarships | Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatrightflorida.org).

Student Loans

• No student loans or financial aid are offered through the VA given the OVAHCS DI Program is a stand-alone internship and is not affiliated with a university. However, interns may be eligible for a loan forbearance. Contact your loan provider for more information. The Internship Director is available to complete forms for all dietetic interns.　

Estimated Program Expenses:

• Application fees: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. Intern will need to cover all associated application fees associated with the Dietetic Inclusive Central Application Service (DICAS).
• Immunization and physical exam fees: Not covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Background check and fingerprinting: Covered and completed by the sponsoring facility. An additional expense may occur if affiliate site requires a separate background check or fingerprinting (WIC program). 
• Basic Life Support Certification: Training and certification covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Uniform: Interns are responsible for the cost of the uniform if desired.
• Lab coat: Covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Facility badge: Covered by the sponsoring facility; intern responsible for cost of replacement if lost or stolen.
• Housing: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is ~$1300/month and ~ $1800 for a 2-bedroom apartment. Rental prices are subject to change. We can help to connect with other interns to share rental expenses.
• Utilities (electricity/gas/water/internet/cell phone): not covered by the sponsor facility. Estimated at $150-$200/month.
• At-home access to a computer with audio-visual capabilities and internet is strongly recommended but not required. Costs vary by type and service provider.
• Parking and Transportation: Parking at Orlando VA Healthcare System is free. **Dietetic interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the OVAHCS and to affiliated institutions. Interns are expected to have a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.
• Meals: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. Estimated to ~$200/month.
• Resource materials and supplies (for patient and/or NFS benefits): Covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Professional membership in AND: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. $58
• Health insurance: Dietetic interns are eligible for health insurance benefits at the VA however would be deducted from stipend paycheck.
• Car insurance: Not covered by the internship program, varies.
• Professional liability insurance: Covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Professional meetings - Not covered by the sponsoring facility. $65-150
• Registration examination - Not covered by the sponsoring facility. $225.