VA St. Louis Health Care System
Financial Information
Income
While in the master's program at the University of Alabama, students may desire to work full or part-time. Financial aid is available from the university. While in supervised practice at the VA, university financial aid remains available and a stipend amount of approximately $25,200 (before taxes and deductions) is paid bi-weekly via direct deposit for 42 weeks. Interns may also be eligible for student loan deferments as allowed by their loan provider.
Expenses (Estimated)
• Housing – varies
• Personal expenses – varies
• Transportation and parking for field experiences - $500
• Student professional liability insurance for non-VA work - $35
• Personal health insurance – varies
• Textbooks/reference manuals - $300-1500
• Registration fees and expenses for professional meetings* - $100-300
• Student membership dues for the Academy and local dietetic professional organization (You must be an Academy student member) - $70
• Incidental supplies for assignments and projects - $200
• White shirt/blouse/sweater, black slacks/pants/skirt, and non-skid shoes for Administrative rotation - $200
• RD Exam preparation class and materials (online) - $275-400
• Registration Examination for Dietitians following graduation - $200
• University of Alabama tuition for graduate students - $440 per credit hour for the 30 credit hour program
*Opportunities to attend professional meetings will vary each year, as will the costs.
Housing
Information about apartments located near the VA John Cochran Medical Center and Jefferson Barracks campus can be obtained by checking various apartment locator websites online. Information about relocating to St. Louis, including best areas to reside and shopping, is provided to matched interns. Becoming a roommate with another intern may be desirable and cost-effective.
Transportation
Due to travel distance between facilities, interns are required to have a personal reliable form of transportation and a valid driver’s license. St. Louis public transportation to rotation sites is sparse and therefore, not encouraged. Parking at the medical center and affiliate sites is free.
Other financial information
• Interns earn annual and sick leave at the rate 4 hours per 2-week pay period. Details will be discussed during Orientation.
• Library privileges at STLVAHCS are provided. This service includes free use of all online library resources, including electronic journal titles and the most popular medical/clinical databases.
• Free access to an intern workspace, computers, and printers including internet access and numerous online reference materials and courses.
• VHA Diet Manual is available online
• Free access to the online Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Manual and eNCPT Nutrition Terminology Reference Manual.
• Lab coats are supplied by the hospital at no cost to interns.
• Employment physicals and background checks completed at the VA are free.
• Flu shots, TB testing, other needed vaccinations and titers provided at the VA are free.
• Some study materials for the RD exam are provided
• Interns may elect health insurance benefits, which would be deducted from the bi-weekly paycheck.
