About Hines
Description of Program
Director's Message
Goals
Mission, Vision, & Values
Curriculum
Expenses & Transportation
Admission & Graduation
Requirements
FAQ's
How to Apply
Application &
Recommendation Form
Nutrition & Food Service
Open House Information
For more information
contact:
Sharon P. Foley, MS, RD, LD
Director, Dietetic Internship
(708) 202-2343
sharon.foley@va.gov
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: My DPD-Director told me that it's very hard
to get into a VA internship program because they are
too competitive. My DPD- Director told me I
shouldn't even bother applying. How competitive is
it to get into your internship program?
A: VA Internship Programs have earned a reputation as being "too
competitive". All Dietetic Internship Programs are
competitive, and VA Dietetic Internship Programs are not more
competitive than most internship programs throughout the country. VA
Internship Programs are in teaching hospitals, provide a variety of
hands-on experiences, have state-of-art resources, and the VA pays a
stipend. Candidates interested in applying to a VA Dietetic
Internship Program should find out about the program, and see if the
program matches the candidate's goals, mission, and philosophy.
All interested persons should apply to a VA Dietetic Internship
Program. There is no application fee to apply to a VA Dietetic
Internship Program.
Q: What is your first-time pass rate on the registration
examination?
A: Although this changes slightly from year to year, we
currently have 96% first time pass rate over the past 5 years.
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Q: What is your patient population? A: The
Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center (DVAMC) provides health
care to men and women who have served our country. Our patient
population is made up of Veterans from World War II, Korean
Conflict, Vietnam, Persian Gulf Wars, and the Operation Iraqi
Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom. Our patient population is 97%
male and 3% female. The dietetic interns develop strong clinical
skills from working with a variety of patients with complex medical
and social needs. There is adequate exposure to women and children
in our community nutrition and pediatric rotations. Keep in mind
that disease entities such as pancreatitis, esophageal cancer, etc.
manifest similarly in both genders. Q: Does your
internship program offer opportunities to work with other
populations? A: Yes. Our outside affiliations
allow interns to work with women and children in the Women,
Infants, and Children program (WIC). Our pediatric rotation
exposes you to infants, children and their parents. The wellness
rotation gives you the opportunity to work with individuals who do
not have chronic disease but rather an interest in disease
prevention and health maintenance. The Vital Bridges rotation
exposes you to individuals living with HIV and AIDS. The USDA
rotation provides the opportunity to do some work with school age
children. Back to top Q: What areas of dietetic practice are
graduates from your program currently working in?
A: Our generalist program prepares future dietitians to work in
a variety of areas in dietetics. Graduates from our program have
found dietetic-related jobs in clinical nutrition, including
specialty areas such as renal nutrition, nutrition support and
eating disorders; outpatient counseling; community nutrition,
including working with patients with HIV and AIDS and the WIC
program; sales for pharmaceutical companies; positions in food
service management; and other positions in a variety of areas,
including sports nutrition, culinary settings, and higher education.
Q: Do you have a Grade Point Average Requirement (GPA)?
A: Yes, we require a minimum of a 3.0 overall GPA.
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Q: How are interns selected, and what other criteria are you
looking for in an ideal applicant? A: A
selection committee that consists of the dietetic internship
director and staff dietitians serving as preceptors is involved in
the selection process. The committee is looking for hard working,
dedicated individuals who are well-rounded and possess a solid
knowledge base and awareness of the profession. Since our program is
a generalist program with a nutrition therapy emphasis, we are
particularly interested in candidates whose interests align with
ours. Criteria used for selection of applicants
include:
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Personal Letter of
Application: Please tell us about yourself, why you
want to become a dietitian and why you are interested in our
program. What are you most interested in at this time and
what are your long-term and short-term goals? Please give
examples which demonstrate your work ethic and dedication to
the field. your letter will also provide us with evidence as
to how well you can communicate in writing. |
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Work and/or Volunteer
Experience: Previous paid or non-paid dietetic
related experience is a factor in the selection of
candidates. Non-dietetic related work experience may
also be included on your application. If the bulk of
your work experience is not related to dietetics, you
may wish to explain in your personal letter of
application. |
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Letters of
Recommendation: We are looking for 2
references from professors in your food, nutrition,
and dietetics courses, and I reference from a work
or volunteer experience supervisor. Chosen
references must complete the standard ADA
recommendation form and may also attach a formal
letter of recommendation if so desired. It is highly
recommended that your chosen references know you
well enough to address your academic achievements,
work ethic, communication skills, and personal
attributes. |
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Grade Point
Average: As previously mentioned, an
overall GPA of 3.0 is required. We also take
into consideration your GPA in the DPD
curriculum courses as well as the science
courses. However, please keep in mind that the
selection committee will rate you on your entire
application package rather than grades alone. |
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Q: Do you require GRE scores?
A: GRE scores are not required, but we ask
that you include them if you have taken the GRE
within the past 3 years.
Q: I am not a U. S. Citizen. Can I still apply
to your program?
A: In order to considered for our dietetic
internship program, you must be a U. S. Citizen at
the time of application.
Q: How much is your application fee?
A: There is NO APPLICATION FEE for our
program.
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Q: What is life like in Chicago?
A: Chicago is a fabulous place to live, a
town with something for everyone. Its natural beauty
as a city on the shores of Lake Michigan is enhanced
by the architectural beauty found in its buildings.
The diversity of the people who inhabit the city
offers rich cultural opportunities to explore.
The Chicago Symphony has been acclaimed by many
as the world's greatest orchestra. The Lyric Opera,
Ravinia Summer Festival, and Open Air Concerts in
Grant Park, on the city's lakefront, provide varied
entertainment for music lovers. There are many other
professional musical and dance companies. Legitimate
theater is plentiful.
Visits to the Museum of Science and Industry, the
Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Adler
Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Lincoln
Park Zoo, and the Brookfield Zoo are exciting and
educational.
The Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks and
Chicago Fire provide year-round major league
entertainment for sports fans. There are parks,
forest preserves, golf courses, yacht clubs,
racetracks, and bathing beaches in the Chicago area.
In addition, there is plentiful summer boating and
winter skiing in a multitude of resort areas in
Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, just a short
drive from the city.
Superb restaurants, shops, and stores abound.
Chicago has something for everyone to enjoy.
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