Estimated Expenses of a Dietetic Internship
Pre-internship Expenses
D&D Digital Systems computer matching fee: $55
The D&D Digital Internship Matching is the clearinghouse to help applicants match to a dietetic internship from their rankings and also help dietetic internship directors choose applicants from their choices.
Dietetic Internship Application Fee: $50-$100 per program you apply to
This is an application fee that’s required when applying to dietetic internships. You will have to pay this fee for each program you apply to.
Flu shot and TB test: $25 and up (depends of healthcare coverage)
Most hospital and clinics will require interns to have recommended immunizations before starting rotations at their facilities.
Background check and drug screening: $50
Failing a drug test or having a criminal record is a no no.
Health Insurance: price varies depending of the type of insurance coverage
Each intern must provide proof of health insurance with a hospitalization component to the Internship Director on the first day or orientation. The cost of insurance will vary.
Liability insurance: $35-50
Interns are required to obtain professional liability insurance at their own expense. The intern must provide the Internship Director with a valid insurance certificate on the first day of orientation. Interns should contact the carrier recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
During Internship Fees
Tuition: $4,000-$30,000
This is one of the most expensive costs of the dietetic internship. The price can vary greatly depending on if you go to a private school, go out of state, or attend an internship that combines a Master’s Degree. Going out of state can result in you paying 3x as much tuition as an in-state resident.
Certifications (CPR, ServSafe): $70-$120
CPR certification is not always required but may be needed for your clinical rotations. CPR classes may be offer for free at certain hospitals. Similar to the CPR certification, ServSafe is not always required but may be need for your foodservice rotations.
Academy Membership: $58
Student membership of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is mandatory in order to access the Evidence Analysis Library (EAL), tutorials, journal articles and other resources.
Local Dietetic Association Membership: $25
You may be required to participate in the dietetic association located in the city you’re doing the internship in.
Food and Nutrition Conference Expo (FNCE): $800-$1200
This is the national conference for dietitians and you may be required to attend during your internship. Expect to pay for the cost of admission, a hotel, plane tickets, food, and for other entertainment around the city.
Books (MNT textbooks, pocket guides: varies with students
MNT textbooks are always a good resource to refer back to when preparing for your rotations. To reduce the cost of these books, either keep all of your nutrition books from undergrad or buy older additions online.
Clothing: $200
During your internship you will be required to wear specific uniforms during your rotations. This will consist of a lab coat and either shrubs or a polo shirt with dark pants.
School supplies: $100-$200
During the internship one of the most surprising expenses will be computer ink. Most internships require you to assemble thick binders that consists of all of the work you’ve done during your rotations. It may be a good idea to invest in a laser printer, because you’ll immediately figure out that ink cartridges run out fast. Other supplies you need will be binders, paper, pens, poster boards, and flash drives.
Post internship
Registration Examination for Dietitians prep materials: $127.00 – $499.99
There are many study materials to assist in preparing for the RD exam. Some of the most popular include the Jean Inman Review, Breedings and Associates, RD in a flash, Visual Veggies, and EatRightPrep.
Registration Examination for Dietitians exam: $200
The last step in the process of becoming an RD. This is computerized exam consisting of 125-145 questions that will test how competent you are on the principles of dietetics, nutrition care for individuals and groups, management of food and nutrition programs and services, and food service systems.
Other Fees
Housing (rent and utilities): $600-$1200 per month varies depending on city
Other than the price of tuition, this will be your major cost. In addition to monthly rent and utilities, you’ll need to invest in furniture, televisions, appliances, and cookware. This cost can be eliminated if you go to an internship that’s close to home and you move back in with your parents.
Transportation: monthly cost varies
The cost of gas is an expense that can be expensive, especially if you have to travel long distances to go to rotations. Other car expenses you can expect include car notes, car insurance, oil changes, and general maintenance.
Food: $300 per month
This expense can vary greatly depending on if you like to cook or if you’re a person that like to eat out. Lucky most hospitals at will allow you to eat for free or at a discounting price during your clinical rotations.
Cell phone: $40-$100
This fee really needs no explanation. In today’s society you can’t function without a cellphone.
