Program Requirements

Pre-Placement Requirements

• DPD Verification Statements: Graduate student interns must present an original copy of their DPD Verification Statement before or at the program's start (August). These statements are generated by the student’s DPD program director. The DPD Verification Statement is granted after the student has completed the necessary curriculum and standards set forth by the granting institution.
• Final Transcripts: All graduate student interns must submit a final official transcript to the Program Director before or at the program's start. The transcripts must indicate the type of degree awarded and the date.
• Immunizations and Health Clearance: All interns are required to provide evidence of being current on all the necessary vaccinations and immunizations. Documentation of a physical examination that takes place June-August of the year of the internship start must also be provided. The intern’s most recent tuberculosis (TB) test must be negative and completed within the past year or more recently, according to the partner agency/placement. Required immunizations include MMR, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Chicken Pox vaccine or documentation of chicken pox. The intern is required to carry his/her personal health (medical) insurance throughout the internship. As of the academic year 2017 -18, interns will be covered by the student health insurance offered by Augusta University. Immunizations must be submitted to Student Health prior to enrollment.
• Transportation: Graduate student interns are responsible for their transportation to and from affiliated facilities, including attending classes, professional meetings, and conferences. Public transportation may be limited in the Augusta area. It is required that graduate student interns have their mode of reliable transportation. The intern must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, registration, and license.
• Background Checks and Drug Screening: Graduate student interns will work in facilities (i.e., hospitals, schools) requiring criminal background checks and/or drug screens. The program will accept the site's policies if an intern is rejected due to criminal background checks and drug screening issues. Once admitted to the program, the graduate student interns will be required to obtain a criminal background check and drug screening. Results must be sent directly to the Program Director by the agency conducting the testing. Rotation sites may request copies or verification of background checks and drug screening results from the Program Director. The graduate student intern is required to sign a consent form to permit the sharing of the intern’s information with affiliated rotation sites. Also, the graduate student interns will disclose their date of birth and social security number to assist facilities with their background checks and clearance to access patient or client information. During the program, all graduate student interns must self-disclose criminal convictions that occur within three business days of the conviction. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program.
• Liability Insurance: Graduate student interns must maintain dietetic practice liability insurance throughout the program at a minimum of $1/$3 million. Augusta University will provide liability insurance to graduate student interns at a nominal fee.
• Professional Memberships: Graduate student interns are required to maintain and update Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership and the Augusta Area Dietetic Association memberships during the program.