Dietetic Internship Program
Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System - Financial Information
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Financial Information
There is no application fee for the SAVAHCS DI Program. The VA covers background checks, physical exam, and certain immunizations for trainees. Liability insurance is covered while working at the VA but may be required for affiliate sites. Drug testing is not required for VA but may be for affiliate sites and interns are responsible for that expense. As UA graduate students, you are eligible to apply for financial aid and scholarships through the respective school, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and affiliates, as well as other private entities.
COVID-19 vaccination is required for all federal employees.
Estimated program expenses include:
| Arizona Graduate College application fee Alabama Graduate College application fee |
$85 $65 |
| Arizona Graduate College tuition Alabama Graduate College tuition |
$650 per credit hour (30 hour degree) $440 per credit hour (30 hour degree) |
| Housing | $800-1000 per month (varies) |
| Utilities | $150-250 per month (varies) |
| Meals and personal expenses | Varies |
| Textbooks and supplies | $300-500 (varies) |
| Health and car insurance | Varies |
| Transportation | Varies |
| Parking | No fee |
| Student AND membership | $58 |
| Professional meetings | $0-50 |
| RDN Exam registration | $225-325 |
| Professional liability insurance | $20 |
| Other personal expenses | Varies |
Stipend
The VA stipend amount for dietetic interns for academic year 2024-2025 is $19,000 for the year. Hours spent working for the internship supervised practice are paid $15 per hour.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is free at SAVAHCS and affiliate sites. Personal vehicles are strongly encouraged as public transportation in Tucson is limited. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to the main VA campus, affiliate sites, offsite VA clinics, UA related activities and other professional meetings. Arizona requires proof of automobile insurance.
Housing
The VA does not provide housing. The Program Director will assist you in finding areas of Tucson to search for housing or connect you with other interns for roommate options, but you are responsible for securing housing.
