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Program Policies and Costs

A Virginia Tech Nutrition and Dietetics Intern smiles with another person as they prepare food.

Program Costs

The internship program fee is $9,000. The fee for ISPP interns is $10,000.

Interns who simultaneously pursue Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Agriculture and Life Science (OMALS) will also pay tuition according to the bursar’s fee schedule.

Per the 2023-2024 rates, the total cost of the OMALS degree is approximately $30,000. The tuition is the same regardless of state residence. Virginia Tech DPD students who decide to dually enroll in the OMALS program for up to 9 credits during their final year can reduce their costs proportionally.

Other Estimated Expenses

Virginia Tech internship application fee: $50

Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) fee: $50 for first program and $25 for each additional program

Computer matching fee: $65 (one-time fee paid to D&D Digital). This fee does not apply to pre-select applicants who do not participate in the match.

Rent: $700-1100/month in Blacksburg/Roanoke, $1000-1400 in Northern Virginia plus utilities*

Food: ~$100/week

Transportation expenses (gas, insurance, parking, etc.): varies**

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership: $58

Textbooks: $250 (varies, depending on books retained from DPD program)

Health insurance: varies

Pre-placement immunizations and physical exam: varies***

Background checks, drug screening, basic life support training:~$200 (varies)****

Laptop computer, printer (or reliable printing access) and reliable internet access: varies

Lab coat: $25

*In order to stay within this range, a roommate would likely be needed.

**Many rotations are not easily reached by public transportation. A vehicle or other means of private transportation is needed to get to most supervised practice sites and some classes. The actual expenses incurred will depend on the living location of the intern and the travel necessary to reach each supervised practice site. Interns are encouraged to discuss geographic considerations prior to committing to housing to reduce transportation demands.

***Interns must provide documentation of all required immunizations, including COVID-19, in order to meet affiliation agreement requirements of our supervised practice sites. Inability to meet these requirements will result in dismissal from the program.

****Interns must successfully complete a background check and drug screen; inability to successfully pass may result in inability to be placed in practice sites and ultimate dismissal from the program.

Financial Aid

Individuals pursuing Virginia Tech’s OMALS program or another graduate degree program can seek federal financial aid. Individuals seeking information about loans and deferments during Virginia Tech’s non-credit internship program may find this document helpful.

Assessment of Prior Learning Policy

Interns with substantial prior learning experiences may be eligible for a waiver towards a portion of their supervised practice hours. To evaluate and award credit for prior learning experiences, interns should discuss with the program director if they have either or both of the following:

  • At least one year (or 2,000 hours) of employment in a pertinent professional setting.
  • Graduate level research, practicum, or field experience related to food, nutrition, or public health

If a waiver is granted based on evaluation of prior learning experiences, interns are still expected to attend all class meetings or substitute with equivalent learning experiences. 

Verification Statement, Exam, RDN Credential, and Licensure

Interns must achieve all competencies identified in the Accreditation Standards for Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Programs established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Program graduates will receive a verification statement enabling them to register for the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) exam to earn the registered dietitian nutritionist credential. 

While RDNs practicing in the state of Virginia do not need additional state licensure/certification, RDNs who intend to practice out-of-state may need to apply for state licensure/certification depending on state requirements. Licensing requirements vary by state and can be found here. The internship provides 1000 hours of supervised practice, which meets typical state requirements for licensure. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides information on the requirements and pathways to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.