James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

Financial Considerations:

Stipend

The Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) allocates a stipend for James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) dietetic interns. Interns will receive $15/hour during their supervised practice. 
Please note: 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. 


Application fees to the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (DICAS) for admission to the JHQVAMC Dietetic Internship: 

DICAS- $50.00 for first designation, $25 each additional
There are no fees required by JHQVAMC.

Expenses (estimated) during supervised practice in Johnson City, TN 

• Housing – varies (see below)
• Personal expenses – varies
• Transportation and parking for field experiences – no cost
• Student professional liability insurance for non-VA work - $35
• Personal health insurance – varies. Interns may elect health insurance benefits, which would be deducted from the bi-weekly paycheck.
• Textbooks/reference manuals - $300
• 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
• Registration Examination for Dietitians following graduation - $200
• RD Exam preparation class and material (online) - $275-400
• Opportunities to attend professional meetings will vary each year, as will the costs.
• Application fee for UA Graduate School if completing combined masters' program- $65. Information concerning paying for graduate school can be found at: Paying for Graduate School . MS/ DI interns are responsible for their tuition at the University of Alabama. The Master of Science is a total of 30 credit hours. 

Participating in telehealth appointments will require a secure internet connection, computer, camera and microphone. All of the these items are furnished by the VA while the intern is under supervised practice and may be used on the VA campus. Interns will have their own workstation at JHQVAMC with a docking station, monitors, printer and access to fax and/or scan documents. 

Housing in Johnson City, TN

Information about apartments located near the VA Medical Center can be obtained by checking various apartment locator websites online, such as those noted below. Information about relocating to Johnson City, including best areas to reside and shopping, is provided to matched interns. Becoming a roommate with another intern may be desirable and cost-effective.

 www.apartments.com

 www.tricitiesapartmentguide.com

Transportation in Johnson City

Interns are required to have a personal reliable form of transportation and a valid driver’s license. Johnson City 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 JHQVAMC 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.



* Links above will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.


Page Updated: July 2024