Dietetics Students Experiential Learning
Jaiden Swanson
Transferring to UConn and joining the 4+1 coordinated dietetics program has been the best decision I’ve made. The program’s structure, which involves earning two degrees in five years and completing over 1,200 supervised practice hours, is both efficient and comprehensive, preparing me to sit for the dietetics registration exam with confidence. The coursework has given me the knowledge and skills necessary for success as a dietitian. Through supervised practice, I’ve gained invaluable experience in diverse settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and schools. Additionally, conducting research on pregnancy and gestational diabetes under Dr. Molly Waring has enhanced my understanding of the scientific process, improved my writing skills, and provided unique experiences such as presenting my research at a CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics meeting. The program’s size has created personalized attention from supportive professors like Ellen, Jillian and Valerie, who have been incredibly encouraging throughout my academic journey. Additionally, I’ve built lifelong friendships and professional connections that make this program truly unique and rewarding.
Sydney Hodges
When I entered college, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be a dietitian, and the 4+1 coordinated dietetics program went above and beyond my expectations in preparing me to carry out this profession. Once I was accepted to the program my junior year, I began taking more advanced nutrition related classes such as medical nutrition therapy, food composition and preparation, food service, and community nutrition courses. These courses continued over the span of multiple semesters, and content in each semester built off the last which was extremely helpful in preparing me for my practicum rotations where I would apply the concepts learned in class to professional settings off campus.
The program also offers a handful of allied health and health promotion courses which taught me a broad range of valuable skills that will point me toward success in a professional health setting. These courses included management, counseling and teaching for health professionals, program planning and evaluation, health education for at risk populations, critical issues, and health psychology. Coordinating these courses with the dietetics program not only gave me confidence in my nutrition counseling abilities, but also gave me the skills to feel confident working in a variety of professional settings and with diverse populations.
The way that the schedule was structured allowed for overlap in courses which helped me understand concepts more clearly and make connections between topics across courses. I also felt that each semester sufficiently prepared me for what I would be focusing on in the following semesters.
The program also includes extensive research opportunities. I took research courses including community research writing, contemporary nutrition issues and research, and biostatistics for the health professional. The 4+1 program also offers a course called applied research for dietetic professionals where I was able to work one on one with my research advisor, Dr. Valerie Duffy. This course was essential in preparing me for my professional development project that I would then complete for my masters because I was able to get personal guidance in skills such as data analysis and other components of research. During that course, I became a part of the Mindful U research project which takes place on UConn’s campus, and I worked closely with Dr. Duffy and the research team. Mindful U is a program that recruits students who are in search of setting health goals and includes intervention through online tailored health messages to help participants achieve these goals. From working on this project, I gained knowledge in counseling and research interventions and was able to create a year-long project for my professional development practicum.
Through this program, I was able to complete all the previously mentioned coursework years along with the required 1200 hours of supervised practice that I need to become an RD. Ellen Shanley, the director of the dietetics program, and Dr. Jillian Wanik instructed multiple courses within the program prior to coordinating supervised practice schedules for all dietetic students. With the help of their guidance, I was prepared for my practicum hours and had the opportunity to work with preceptors in the following locations: Mansfield Nursing and Rehab Center, Hospital of Central Connecticut, UConn Health Center, the Manchester school’s Food Service Department, and the East Hartford Schools’ Food Service Department. Next semester, I will be completing my supervised practice in the ICU at Baystate Medical Center, with the UConn sports dietitian, and with Backus outpatient counselors. Lastly, I was able to complete supervised practice experiences in community nutrition settings such as food pantries, FoodShare mobile locations, a WIC office, and provide nutrition education in early learning schools and senior centers.
The 4+1 coordinated program enabled me to complete my masters and become employable as a registered dietitian within 5 years and the professors and advisors within the department ensure that students are prepared to be placed in professional settings with having met all of the necessary competencies and more.