Requirements

Time Commitment

Interns are required to be on site for a minimum of 30 hours per week for most rotations, with the exception of staff relief, which requires 40 hours per week. On-site experiences are generally scheduled as six hours a day, Monday through Friday. Specific times to be on site vary by rotation and will depend on preceptor preferences, facility hours of operation, patient care activities and other learning opportunities.

Although the onsite practice experience requirement is 30 hours, the internship is considered a full-time commitment. Interns are responsible for a number of projects, assignments, and rotation preparation, which must be completed outside of the required onsite hours. While the schedule does allow for some outside employment, interns must ensure that employment does not interfere with participation or performance in program activities.

Sample schedule- example of rotation schedule, as new opportunities and experiences become available, the schedule is updated.

Costs to Interns

Interns are responsible for the following costs (all costs are subject to change):

Tuition of $10,000 due the first day of the internship
Additional costs include scrubs (~$80), lab coat (optional) (~$40) and general supplies (~$50).
Lunch is provided for a nominal fee at many program facilities, but interns must cover costs for room, board, and travel. Ongoing expenses include rent (~$1000/month) and car travel (~$120/month).
Interns must have medical insurance (~$600), professional liability insurance (~$50), and car insurance (~$600). There are no support services available during the internship.
Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required ($58).
Additional costs, including University of Arizona tuition, are required for interns enrolled in the Professional Science Master's program. Tuition is $650 per credit, for a total of $19,500 for the degree. Information on costs can be found on the PSM program webpage and in the PSM program handbook.

Interns enrolled in the PSM's program are eligible for federal student loans.

UA Graduate College application fee $85

UA Graduate College tuition $650 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

Student AND membership $58

RDN Exam registration $225 for one attempt, or test bundle voucher for two attmpts for $325

Professional liability insurance $20

Other personal expenses Varies

Technology Requirements

Device and operating system

A laptop or desktop computer running Windows 7 and above or macOS 10.10 and above. Chromebooks (Chrome OS), iPads (iOS), Android devices, and iPhones are not recommended for doing projects or completing study guides. These types of devices may be used for some coursework but should not be a primary device.

Memory: 4 GB or higher (RAM)

Hard Drive: 60 GB (macOS High Sierra and Windows 10 require 16 GB)

Processor: Intel i3 (equivalent or higher)

Browser

Mozilla Firefox or Chrome are preferred browsers.

Note: Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer may be used for some coursework but will not give students the best experience overall.

Hardware/Peripherals

A built-in or external microphone and webcam.

Note: Some students have found it helpful to possess additional peripherals, such as a printer and headphones or a headset, although these are not required.

Access (Frequency and Permissions)

Students will need regular access to their machines and peripherals. Daily access is recommended.

Students should have full administrative rights to these machines to install and download applications as required by their classes.

Internet Connection

Must have consistent access to the internet.

At least 2 MB upload and download speed; a high-speed broadband connection is recommended.

Recommended software and applications

Microsoft office Suite

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Graduation Requirements
Interns must meet the following conditions within 17 months of starting the program in order to graduate from the internship:

Interns must pass each rotation by performing at an appropriate level of competence in all rotation activities and assignments, and complete a minimum of 1000 supervised practice hours. No credit will be given for prior learning experiences, although those with prior learning in certain areas may be assigned more advanced activities relative to her/his capabilities and interests. More than 1000 hours are provided by the program but only 1000 is required to meet ACEND requirements for graduation. All other competencies must also be acheived.
Interns must complete all group and individual projects, including case studies, food service and clinical administration projects, in a timely and satisfactory manner.
Interns must demonstrate competence in all 2022 Core Competencies as defined by the ACEND, in addition to the three program-specific competencies.
Interns must demonstrate no misconduct, academic or non-academic, and must perform ethically in accordance with the values of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Upon graduation from the Carondelet Health Network Dietetic Internship and completion of a Master's degree, interns will be given a verification statement of program completion and will be eligible to sit for the Dietitian Registration Exam.