Department of Health and Human Performance

Department of Health and Human Performance The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Didactic Program in Dietetics Student Handbook

2016-2017 Table of Contents

Welcome 3

Overview 3

Mission & Goals 3

Program Description 4

Program of Study 4

Costs 4

Acceptance into the Dietetics Program 5

Policies and Procedures 5

Advisement 6

Student Portfolios 6

Student Grievance Procedures 6

Student Insurance 6

Student Organization 7

Preparing for Internships 7

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)

Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND) 8

Chattanooga Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND) 8

Contact Information 8

Appendices

A. Suggested Program of Study Clear Path 9

B. Core Knowledge Requirements for the RD 10

2 Welcome

Congratulations, you have selected an exciting and dynamic education program and a career with unlimited potential. Nutrition and Dietetics is a vibrant field of study with professionals working in acute and long term care health facilities, wellness programs, food corporations, private practice, and hospitality venues. Your education program is rigorous with a strong focus on the natural and biological sciences, nutrition and food science. However, there is also a commitment to application with several courses having a practicum component. You are encouraged to take an active role in the student organization and professional organizations to maximize your university experience. Additionally, we encourage you to interact with the Nutrition and Dietetics faculty as advisors and mentors in your academic career. For further information about the dietetics profession in general see: http://www.eatright.org/BecomeanRDorDTR/content.aspx?id=8092

Overview

The University of Tennessee’s Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 5400. http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/ The Dietetics Program is located within the Department of Health and Human Performance in the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.

University Mission

University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) Mission Statement The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is an engaged, metropolitan university committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the region through strategic partnerships and community involvement.

College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies (CHEPS) The College of Health, Education and Professional Studies prepares liberally educated, technologically efficient scholars and practitioners for life in a global society. The College is committed to:  Enhancing the bodies of knowledge in each of its disciplines  Promoting the values and ethics of a truth-seeking, caring community  Serving diverse populations by providing family and social service experts, health and lifestyle professionals, leaders, and teachers for the 21st century

Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) With a focus on active living and healthy eating, the Department of Health & Human Performance concentrations prepare students for professional careers, the ability to conduct successful applied research, and to appropriately engage our communities and professions in the venture of enhancing health-related quality of life.

3 Dietetics Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the dietetics program is to provide the highest level of preparation for graduates of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, so each graduate has the knowledge, attitudes, and practice skills to serve individuals and communities with excellence in the area of food and nutrition. The program prepares students for the pathway to become a Registered Dietitian.

Goals: 1. The program will prepare graduates to be competent for entry into the supervised practice or other post-graduate programs through high-quality educational offerings. 2. The program will attract and retain well-qualified candidates with an appreciation for community service. 3. The program will promote excellence in practice among its graduates.

Dietetics Program of Study

The program of study provides dietetics students with a broad based foundation in the physical, biological, chemical, social, and communication sciences with an emphasis on advanced knowledge in the nutrition discipline. Appendix A, Suggested Program of Study Outline identifies the recommended plan of course completion. Aspects of study include food and nutrition relationships to: health, wellness and disease treatment throughout the life cycle; research and the changing role of nutrition; public policy; food procurement and production; education of individuals and groups; and utilizing an entrepreneurial approach to providing food and nutrition services. The competencies to be achieved by graduates of the Didactic Program in Dietetics are identified in Appendix B, Core Knowledge Requirements for the RD. The syllabus for each food and nutrition course in the program identifies the competencies to be met by the student upon successful completion of the course.

An education from the University of Tennessee is a real value when compared to the cost of education in the adjacent state universities. The following website link provides updated information on the fee schedule for the current academic year: http://www.utc.edu/Administration/Bursar/fees.php

In addition to the basic tuition costs, the dietetic student will incur the following charges: 1. Lab fees (set by UTC) 2. Liability insurance (purchased through the bursar’s office for off campus community, foodservice, and clinical experiences as needed) 3. Transportation costs to off campus community, foodservice, and clinical experiences as needed 4. Lab coats (for food science lab and clinical shadowing experiences as needed)

4 5. UTC Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics fee (recommended all academic years) 6. Student membership in Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (required during NUTR4370 & NUTR4390 – Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II)

Financial aid information can be found at: http://www.utc.edu/Administration/FinancialAid/

Acceptance into the Didactic Program in Dietetics

There is an acceptance process for the Dietetics Program. Pre-Dietetic students are required to apply to the Dietetics Program by March 1st. The steps must be completed for the application process: 1. Turn in a completed application form, available on your MyMocs account or on UTC Learn beginning January & ending March 1st (if you are a Pre- Dietetics major). 2. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above out of 4.0 with no grade lower than a C and a science GPA of 2.8 or above out of 4.0. 3. Complete the following General Education and Cognate Foundation courses*: 6 hours of English Composition 6 hours of required general education courses PSY 1010 MATH 1130 or higher An approved General Education Statistics course CHEM 1110/1110L, CHEM 1120/1120L, CHEM 3010/3010L NUTR 1350, 2210 *Students may have a maximum of two of the above listed courses in progress at the time of application 4. Submit a letter of recommendation from a non-dietetics faculty member. Any other university faculty/community organization advisor or employer is acceptable. If you have difficulty finding an individual, check with a DPD faculty member for additional sources. 5. Participate in an interview with DPD faculty (if requested). Candidates will receive written notification of their admission or denial into the program no later than April 1st (dates may be subject to change). Check the Dietetics program website in the HHP Department for more information. Acceptance into the didactic program does not ensure acceptance into a post-baccalaureate internship program. However, maintaining high academic standards and being fully engaged in recommended opportunities and experiences will likely improve your chances of selection.

Policies and Procedures

1. Learning Assessment - The Dietetics Program utilizes several formative assessments to determine student learning outcomes. These venues include but

5 are not limited to tests, written papers, case studies, projects, lab participation etc. These criteria provide the faculty adequate opportunity to assess student learning outcomes. Students who complete each course are given a grade, which measures their mastery of content. During each semester, the faculty of record for each class ensures that assessments are given on a timely basis. 2. Continuation Standards – once accepted into the Didactic Program in Dietetics, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average with no grade lower than a C in any required program course. A student receiving a grade lower than a C in any required course would be placed on probation. The student on probation may remain in the program until she/he is able to repeat the course at its earliest offering. If the student fails to receive a C for the course or their GPA remains below 3.0 she/he will be dropped from the program. 3. Program Completion Requirements – students will be expected to complete the program requirements within 150% of the allowed time or 4.5 years from the initial acceptance into the Dietetics Program. 4. Verification Statements – students who successfully complete the requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics will receive a written verification statement from the Program Director upon graduation.

Advisement

It is the responsibility of each student to meet with their advisor during the regular advisement period prior to registration each semester. Using the program of study guide, students should develop a tentative schedule prior to advisement. This allows the time spent with the advisor to be more effective and productive for the student.

Student Portfolios

Each student is expected to keep a portfolio of their work as part of their professional credentials. Course syllabi will note those assignments, projects and papers which should be kept for portfolios. Students will review their portfolios in NUTR 4210, Senior Seminar.

Student Grievance Procedures

If you have a concern about a course you should always speak to the instructor as soon as possible. If your concern is grade related, especially a final course grade, you must speak to the instructor within five days of receiving the grade as stated in the Grade Appeals Procedure of the UTC Student Handbook. If you do not resolve your concern you should then meet with the Department Head. If you still have not resolved your concern you may file a formal Grade Appeal to the Faculty Grade Appeal Committee as stated in the UTC Student handbook. For problems other than grade issues speak with your advisor and/or the Program Director; if your problem is still unresolved speak with the Department Head. If the Department Head is unable to assist you he/she will direct you to the Dean or the appropriate University Administrator.

6 Student Insurance

Students are required to carry student liability insurance during semesters they are registered for courses with outside clinical work experiences including NUTR 3360, 4330, 4370, and 4390. Insurance coverage is for one year (July-June) and covers injury or illness while in a facility for supervised practice. A fee must be paid at the Bursars Office at UTC prior to entering any facility. Students must show proof of insurance to the departmental secretary and/or course instructor before they will be allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Drug testing and/or criminal background checks may be required by a designated facility prior to beginning a supervised experience. Each individual student is responsible for transportation to and from facilities for outside clinical work experiences and are responsible for auto liability insurance coverage for designated trips. These clinical experiences are for learning purposes only and do not serve to replace regular employees.

Student Organization

Students are strongly encouraged to join the Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SAND) which is open to all Pre-Dietetics and Dietetics majors. Students do service projects in the community such as Breast Cancer Walk, present education programs, participate in health fairs, promote nutrition in the UTC community, take field trips to area internship programs, and plan social activities. A membership fee is required.

Internships/Supervised Practice Experiences

To become a registered dietitian a student must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university program, complete a post baccalaureate dietetic internship/supervised practice experience, and successfully write the national registration exam for dietitians. There are no internship programs in the Chattanooga area. However, there are several within a close proximity to Chattanooga as well as distance internship options. Prior to or during the fall of their senior year, students should review internship//supervised practice experience programs and select programs to which they wish to submit applications. To be a competitive applicant, a student should have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, a science GPA of 2.8, and a DPD GPA of 3.0 or above. Additionally, students should have some food and nutrition work experience or volunteer work experience. Some programs have requirements of 200 hours completed at the time of program application. Further, many programs look at leadership roles and professional commitment e.g., being a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and/or being and officer in a student organization. Internships-Master’s Degree programs and many internship/supervised practice experience programs alone require students take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and submit those scores at the time of application. Each program also has a fee which can vary.

7 Internships/supervised practice experience programs are typically nine to ten months in length and include 1200 hours of supervised practice along with classes. During their internship/supervised practice experience, students work in a variety of health care and community facilities. For specific information about program requirements review the current Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice Experience in the HHP Dietetics Program Director’s Office. Additional information may be obtained by viewing program web sites or speaking with the Nutrition/Dietetics program director.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)

Students are encouraged to become Associate Members in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the professional organization for registered dietitians. They are also encouraged to attend AND. and other professional continuing educational meetings and functions when geographically possible. Website: http://www.eatright.org/

Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND)

The Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the state affiliate organization under AND. Students are encouraged to attend the spring and fall meetings of the TAND. Website: http://www.eatright-tn.org/district-dietetic-associations

Chattanooga Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND)

The Chattanooga Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the local affiliate of AND. CAND meets several times in the fall and spring to provide members with continuing education opportunities and to update them on current issues relevant to practitioners. Students are encouraged to become members of CAND and attend meetings. Attending meetings introduces students to local professionals and potential employers as well as provides an opportunity to observe models of lifelong learning. Website: http://www.eatright-chatt.org/

Contact Information

The UTC Didactic Program in Dietetics is a part of the Health and Human Performance Department located in the Metropolitan Building, 518 Oak St. If you have further questions about the Dietetics Program or would like to make an appointment, please contact:

Diedri White, DrPH RDN LDN Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics Office: 309 Metropolitan Bldg (UTC) [email protected] Phone: 423-425-5781

8 9 Please Note:

 39 of the 120 hours must be completed at the 3000-4000 level.

 Minimum 2.0 GPA required in all HHP courses

Appendix B:

Core Knowledge Requirements for the RD

1. Scientific an d Evidence Base of Practice: Integration of scientific information and research into practice

a. KRD 1.1 – the curriculum must reflect the scientific basis of the dietetics profession and must include research methodology, interpretation of research literature and integration of research principles info evidence- based practice.

2. Professional Practice Expectations: beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors for the professional dietitian level of practice.

a. KRD 2.1 – the curriculum must include opportunities to develop a variety of communication skills sufficient for entry into pre-professional practice.

b. KRD 2.2 – the curriculum must provide principles and techniques of effective counseling methods.

c. KRD 2.3 – the curriculum must include opportunities to understand governance of dietetics practice, such as the Scope of Dietetics Practice and the Code of Ethics for the profession of Dietetics; and the interdisciplinary relationships in various practice settings.

3. Clinical and Customer Services: development and delivery of information, products and services to individuals, groups and populations

a. KRD 3.1 – the curriculum must reflect the principles of Medical Nutrition Therapy and the practice of the nutrition car process, including principles and methods of assessment, diagnosis, identification and implementation of interventions and strategies for monitoring and evaluation.

b. KRD 3.2 – the curriculum must include the role of environment, food, nutrition, and lifestyle choices in health promotion and disease prevention.

c. KRD 3.3 – the curriculum must include education and behavior change theories and techniques.

10 4. Practice Management and Use of Resources: strategic application of principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations.

a. KRD 4.1 – the curriculum must include management and business theories and principles required to deliver programs and services.

b. KRD 4.2 – the curriculum must include content related to quality management of food and nutrition services.

c. KRD 4.3 – the curriculum must include the fundamentals of public policy, including the legislative and regulatory basis of dietetic practice.

d. KRD 4.4 – the curriculum must include content related to health care systems.

e. KRD 4.5 – the curriculum must include content related to coding and billing of dietetics/nutrition services to obtain reimbursement for services from public or private insurers

5. Support Knowledge: knowledge underlying the requirements specified above.

a. KRD 5.1 – the food and food systems of the dietetics profession must be evident in the curriculum. Course content must include the principles of food science and food systems, techniques of food preparation, and application to the development, modification and evaluation of recipes, menus and food products acceptable to diverse groups.

b. KRD 5.2 – the physical and biological science foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in the curriculum. Course content must include organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, statistics, nutrient metabolism and nutrition across the lifespan.

c. KRD 5.3 – the behavioral and social foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in the curriculum. Course content must include concepts of human behavior and diversity, such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology

11 Acknowledgement of Student Handbook

I, ______hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of the University of Tennessee Didactic Program in Dietetics student handbook.

I accept the responsibility to abide by and uphold the program content and policies as set forth in the handbook.

______Print Name

______Signature

______UTC ID# Date