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Dietetic Internship Program

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VA Caribbean Healthcare System (San Juan)

Financial Information 

Stipend and Benefits:

  • The availability and amount of a stipend varies on an annual basis.
  • Current stipend - $28,200 gross pay (hourly rate is approximately $15 per hour)
  • Stipend is paid bi-weekly over the supervised practice portion of the program.
  • Annual Leave - 5 working days per year
  • Sick Leave - 13 working days per year

Transportation and Parking:

  • Dietetic interns are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the VHCHS and affiliated institutions.
  • Transit benefits may be available for using the train and public buses. However, having their vehicle is highly recommended.
  • All rotations, except for three rotations from our affiliate sites, are in our main facility at VA San Juan.
  • Parking at VA Caribbean Healthcare System is free.

Liability Insurance:

  • Interns are protected from personal liability while at VA healthcare facilities and affiliate sites.

Health Insurance:

  • Dietetic interns are eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.
  • Interns are eligible to use Employee Health for work related health problems or injuries.
  • Interns can explore other options such the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics members insurance options here https://www.academymemberinsurancesite.com/.

Financial aid:

  • Financial aid is not available, but dietetic interns are encouraged apply for different scholarships offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic and other organizations in the field.

Loan:

  • We do not provide student loans; however, interns may qualify for loan forbearance. Contact your loan provider for more information.

Estimated Minimum Expenses:

  • DICAS application- $50 for first designation and $25 for each additional designation
  • Application Fee for VA San Juan Internship- None
  • Travel from USA- $200.00-500.00 round trip (varies)
  • Housing- $600-800.00 per month (varies)
  • Transportation - $100-400.00 per month (varies) (VA provides transportation benefits)
  • Books/RDN test study materials- $600.00 (varies)
  • Uniforms - $300.00 (varies)
  • Professional meetings - $250.00 (varies)
  • Health insurance - $100.00 per month (varies)
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Student Membership - $58.00
  • Registration Examination for Dietitians following graduation- $225.00
  • Licenses in the state of Puerto Rico - $350.00 (if apply)
  • Background check- free
  • Medical/physical exam and immunizations- free when completed at VA
  • Lab coats- free provided by site

DI/Master Program Track

  • Dietetic interns in the DI/Master Program Track are responsible for their tuition at Cedar Crest College’s (CCC) Master Program.
  • DI/Master Program Track’s interns receive a 15% discount in their tuition.
  • Tuition may vary between programs. You can find more information here. 

 
CCC's Mater Program 

 Credits

 Tuition (cost per credit)

 Tuition with 15% discount

 Total with discount 
Master in Nutrition (MHSc) 36 $750.00 $637.50 $22,950.00
Master of Science in Integrative Exercise Science (MSIES) 36 $750.00 $637.50 $22,950.00
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) 30  $865.00 $735.25 $22,057.50
Master of Business Administration (MBA)  36 $865.00 $735.25 $26,469.00
Master of Public Health (MPH) 42 $775.00 $685.75 $28,801.50

  • Visit the CCC’s Financial Aid site to know more about the different options for graduate students. Visit here.
  • Loan Program: DI/Master Program Track students qualify for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program if they meet all required criteria. To qualify for the Direct Loan Programs, a student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, not in default on any education loan, maintain at least half-time enrollment status, and make satisfactory academic progress.
  • Loan deferment: Students who have prior Direct Student Loans may have them deferred while enrolled at least half-time, regardless of whether they borrow new loans while enrolled.
  • Payment options: Graduate students have payment options, including Graduate PLUS Loans. To learn more about the different payment options available. Visit here. 

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