Benefits and Financial Information

UCSF Dietetic Interns receive the following benefits:

• Annual stipend of $15,660 (subject to change).
• There are no tuition fees for our internship program.
• Meal allowance at Moffitt Cafeteria when on duty.
• Health insurance, medical care and dental care are provided by UCSF Student Health Services.

For additional information about benefits and financial information, please visit the links below:

• Stipend
• Estimated Minimum Expenses
• Student Health Services
• Arriving in San Francisco
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• Parking and Transportation

Stipend

UCSF Dietetic Interns receive an annual stipend of approximately $15,660 (subject to change). The estimated monthly balance is $1305 per month prior to taxes (about $1000 per month after deductions for a single person). The stipend is planned to cover only minimal expenses. You will need another source of funds if you feel your expenses will be higher.

Approximately $87/month is placed in a pre-tax retirement (Defined Contribution Plan –DCP) account (this is a mandatory deduction). At the end of the internship, this money may be “rolled over” into another tax-deferred retirement account, or is returned to you. Federal law requires penalties be assessed if you are under 59 ˝ years of age at the time you withdraw these funds. Once withdrawn, the funds are taxable.

Estimated Minimum Expenses

There are no tuition fees for our internship program. The stipend is planned to cover only minimal expenses. You will need another source of funds if you feel your expenses will be higher. For detailed information about Estimated Minimum Expenses, please click here

Student Health Services

Health insurance, medical care and dental care are provided for dietetic interns by UCSF Student Health Services (SHS). For dental coverage, Student Health Insurance covers 80% for preventative services and 50% basic services; overall costs are lowered if an intern visits an in-network clinic (firstdentalhealth.com). SHS offers confidential counseling services. Additional health care insurance policies are usually not needed unless interns have pre-existing health problems. Student Health Services does not cover pre-existing health problems. Information about medical coverage provided by Student Health Services can be obtained on the SHS website: http://shs.ucsf.edu If an intern is injured while in the course and scope of assigned duties, either on-site or off-campus, workers compensation insurance coverage is provided.

Arriving in San Francisco

It is recommended that interns arrive with at least $1000 to cover the expenses of the first month and an additional $2000-2500 for rent and a security deposit. Most apartments require a first and last month’s rent and a security deposit. If the apartment is unfurnished, there may be additional expenses for furniture. The first paycheck is not received until mid to late August.

Scholarships

The American Dietetic Association Foundation and many state dietetic associations have excellent scholarship programs. You should contact your advisor, the Foundation, or your state dietetic association for further information. The California Dietetic Association (CDA) Foundation has a scholarship program for students who attended a California academic program. For more information, contact: California Dietetic Association, 7740 Manchester Avenue, Suite 102, Playa del Rey, CA 90293-8499.

Student Loans

As a dietetic intern, you are not a registered student, so you cannot be eligible for student loans. However, you may receive deferments for outstanding loans, if allowed by your lender. We can provide documentation of your status as a dietetic intern, or complete documents from the loan agency, to verify your status in an accredited certificate program.

Parking and Transportation

Public transportation within San Francisco is good. Interns do not need an automobile for any required learning experience in the internship. However certain elective and community nutrition experiences are not accessible by public transportation and are only open to those interns with a car. Parking in the city and especially near the hospital is at a premium. Off-street parking at the hospital costs $22.00 per day; therefore, most interns live within walking distance or use public transportation. If you plan to commute by bus from a location in San Francisco, a monthly bus pass is $45. Public transportation from locations outside San Francisco would be significantly more expensive. There is free shuttle bus service between the UCSF and Mount Zion campuses Monday through Friday.

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