Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Handbook

The Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences prepares students to provide high quality health care within their respective fields. In collaboration with community-based partners, students acquire professional skills together with proficiency in critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and service learning. Through their focus on wellness, prevention, injury or illness recovery, functional adaptation, and community participation, our programs share a commitment to improving human performance and well-being across the lifespan. The Department faculty value and engage in innovative teaching, service, scholarly activity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership.

The mission of the Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Graduate Coordinated Program at the University of Cincinnati in the College of Allied Health Sciences is to prepare entry-level registered dietitians who are qualified to successfully practice in diverse settings in an evolving field.

Prepare graduates to be professional, competent, entry-level registered Dietitians. 

1. At least 80% of Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist (ADN) students complete program/degree requirements within 4.5 years, and at least 80% of Masters in Clinical Nutrition with Supervised Practice Certificate (MS-CN) students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years.
2. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. (ADN and MS-CN)
3. 100% of employers who complete the employer survey will rate program graduates (ADN and MS-CN) as competent entry-level dietitians by giving a mean score of “satisfactory” or higher on related questions.

Prepare dietitians who adopt a commitment to excellence in practice and life-long learning.

1. At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. (ADN and MS-CN)
2. Of graduates who seek employment, 75% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months. (ADN and MS-CN)

*program outcome data is available upon request. 

This innovative graduate coordinated program is a 5-year combined bachelor's plus master's program that provides a foundation in nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, health promotion, and wellness. Completion of the didactic coursework meets the academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (coursework to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or RDN), set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  This program also fulfills the 1000 hours of supervised practice experience and the graduate degree requirement for RDN credentialing exam eligibility.

The Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition Sciences – Clinical Nutrition (CN) concentration combined with supervised practice was designed exclusively for students wanting to obtain the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential.  The MS-CN contains graduate coursework integrated with supervised practice experience. At the completion of this program, students will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration national credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

1.  Acute Clinical (12 weeks = 384 hours)
2. Summer Community Dietetics (6 weeks = 240 hours)
3. Food Systems Management (6 weeks = 192 hours)
4. Specialty Rotation (6 weeks = 192 hours)
5. Alternative Experiences (NUTR-5031 = 200 hours)

TOTAL = 1208 Hours

*These are approximations and should be used as a guide only. The program reserves the right to change these at any time based on current availability and need.

• Be a UC Dietetics major 
• Have a minimum overall cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Have no more than 54 undergraduate credits left to complete
• Obtain strong letters of recommendation
• Have professional volunteer experience  

Students must submit an internal application for admission. Due to limited space availability for Supervised Practice Experience, admission is competitive.  Once admitted, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to transition into the MS-CN.  

A BS degree will be awarded after completion of 121 undergraduate credit hours (end of fall semester year 2). An MS degree will be awarded after the completion of 44 graduate credits.  Students entering the program must have no more than 54 hours of undergraduate courses left to complete at the time they enter the program in the fall. Following admission, students must complete their remaining undergraduate requirements during the first 3 semesters of the BS/MS Program. Five credits of Supervised Practice Experience will be completed in the summer semester following the first year of the BS Program.  

To qualify for the Clinical Nutrition concentration, you must have a baccalaureate degree and a verification statement for completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements of a nutrition and dietetics education program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

• Complete all didactic course requirements (earn no less than a B- in the following NUTR courses: Nutrition Care Planning, and Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II.  Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the ADN).
• Earn no less than a B- in the graduate course: NUTR 7020 Macronutrients in order to carry the credits into the graduate portion of the program. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program; but the student may be still successfully able to graduate with my undergraduate degree. 
• Earn no less than a C- in any science courses and Advanced Nutrition;
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all subsequent semesters of study. Students that do not maintain a 3.0 following the completion of the semester, will be placed on program probation during the next semester. In any subsequent semesters including the last semester of didactic work if the GPA falls below 3.0 it will result in dismissal from the program;
• Complete the graduate didactic coursework in the final 3 semesters including a quality improvement project for a capstone experience while in supervised practice rotations
• Complete and submit a state and federal background check
• Complete the physical form in its entirety, including proof of all immunization and vaccinations including an annual TB test, and will be required to be vaccinated against influenza at the appropriate time of the year
• Be responsible for their own transportation and must be prepared to travel to supervised practice sites within a one hour driving distance of the university.
• Not have outstanding financial or other program obligations
• Complete program requirements within 3 years.  

The total cost of tuition and fees will vary depending on the time required to complete the program—students in the Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist program complete both undergraduate and graduate coursework. Additionally, students who delay completion of the program may be responsible for additional tuition and fees or costs incurred.

• Books and supplies: estimated at $500.00 per semester
• The CDR exam review course (Jean Inman) is required and costs $399.  
• Background check is required through UC Safety Office and is $66
• Physicals, immunizations, and flu shot begin at $35 and varies depending on your insurance
• Student membership to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) $58
• Student membership to Greater Cincinnati Dietetics Association (GCDA) $10
• Health Insurance (variable)
• Lab Coat $35 (variable)
• Drug screen $28, if applicable (most clinical sites now require drug screens for interns)
• Students are responsible for their own transportation and must be prepared to travel to supervised practice sites within a one-hour driving distance of the university.

The University of Cincinnati, through its Office of Risk Management and Insurance, maintains a comprehensive program of self-insurance and commercially purchased insurance, covering property, casualty and liability exposures to the University and its employees, agents, and volunteers, while acting on the University’s behalf. Students are covered under this program for Professional (patient care) liability only, while engaged in clinical rotations at the request or direction of the University through a health care education program and for General Liability while engaged in internships, for liabilities arising within the scope of those internships. The University of Cincinnati does not cover students/interns while in route to their destination due to the fact that the University does not cover personal vehicles of students/interns. Normally, coverage (professional liability) begins upon arrival to the destination.

• Non-discrimination Policy 
• Privacy of Information Policy 
• Diversity, Equity & inclusion 
• Student Religious Accommodations Policy

Absences will not be permitted.  Absences may be made for illness or emergencies only.  All missed supervised practice time must be made up, unless the facility is unable or unwilling to schedule for this. Punctuality is required without exception. The student is to be at the facility at least ten minutes before they are expected and is not to leave until excused by their clinical supervisor. Students will adhere to their rotation schedules, not the University schedule. Should the intern become ill and need to miss a scheduled rotation, the intern will:

• Email using the official UC email the preceptor copying the program director as soon as possible to notify the preceptor that the student will not be at their scheduled rotation that day.
• A physician’s note will be required for more than 2 days of missed supervised practice.

The student/intern will notify the facilitator/preceptor immediately if injured or if becoming ill while at the supervised practice/experiential learning site. 

If injured or ill due to an occurrence on-site, the student/intern will:

• complete paperwork as requested by the site as soon as possible,
•  seek medical attention, and
• notify the Undergraduate and/or CP Director as soon as possible.

Per the university’s affiliation agreement with the supervised practice/experiential learning site, the site “will provide emergency care to students or faculty for any accident, injury, or illness that occurs at Site’s facilities. The student or faculty member or their respective health

insurance can be billed for any Emergency Department service. Responsibility for follow-up

care remains the responsibility of the student or faculty member.”

Should the student intern become ill due to a non-work-related reason and needs to return home, the student will:

• notify the supervised practice preceptor,
• seek medical attention, if necessary, and
• notify the DCE as soon as possible.

Interns are expected to go to their assigned rotations regardless of what the status is at the University unless the student feels their safety is at risk if they attempt to travel to the supervised practice site. It is recommended that, if inclement weather is in the forecast, the intern discusses this possibility with the preceptor beforehand. Some preceptors may indicate that the intern is considered “non-essential personnel” and attendance is not required, other preceptors may remind the intern that the facility is open 24/7 and they are expected to report. 

Should the rotation site be closed due to inclement weather, students may be required to make up the time up at the preceptor’s and/or DCE’s discretion. Both the DCE and the preceptor at the rotation site must be notified of the intern’s absence and/or tardiness.  The preceptor must be notified prior to the start of the shift if possible and the DCE must be notified that same day.

All ADN and MS-CN students are required to carry health insurance. Students who register for six (6) or more credit hours are automatically assessed health insurance coverage unless they previously have waived coverage during the then current academic year. A copy of the current health insurance card or policy information confirming coverage must be uploaded to Typhon before the start of any semester that contains supervised practice courses.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) does not dictate rules about recency of education; rather it prefers that each program determine its own rules. Guidelines for the ADN to grant equivalency are as follows:

• Biochemistry must have been taken within the last 7 years
• Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) course must have been taken within the last 5 years
• Nutrition Care Planning (Nutrition Assessment) must have been taken within the last 5 years

Specify if it's when you start the internship or when you are accepted into the program (if applying to CP, would make a year difference between coursework and internship) This rule applies to students intending to apply to the ADN as well as MS CN pathway as well as students and/or interns who wish to return to the ADN following a personal, medical, or other approved leave of absence.

An Articulation Agreement for the transfer of courses is in place for students transferring from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and Sinclair Community College. Course equivalency, which has previously been determined through articulation agreements with other programs, does not require additional verification assuming that the content for the course being substituted and the substituting course has not changed.

Please review the College of Allied Health Sciences computer requirements to ensure you are in compliance with the program's technology requirements.    

Supervised practice activities prepare student interns for professional practice with patients/clients with various conditions. In addition, these activities utilize the nutrition care process with various populations and diverse cultures.

These learning activities occur in various settings including, but not limited to: inpatient and outpatient care, long-term care, public health/community programs, and schools and healthcare food systems. The supervised practice experience is educational in nature and not intended to provide staff relief and replace employees at rotation sites. All supervised practice sites must have a contract with the University of Cincinnati before a student can perform a rotation in that facility.

All placements are arranged by the Director of Clinical Education that communicates regularly with the sites to arrange specific student intern placements. This process is extensive and complex and attempts to place each student in a situation where they can best develop as a dietetic professional. The DCE makes every effort to take a student’s preferences under consideration, placement is not made based on these preferences.

Many rotation sites are close to the University of Cincinnati, but students must be prepared to complete supervised practice rotations anywhere in the Greater Cincinnati area. Students are responsible for their own transportation and must be prepared to travel to supervised practice sites within a one hour driving distance of the university.

Individual student intern supervised practice hours in the professional work setting, during simulation, case studies, and role playing is tracked using the Typhon group AHST Tracking System software. The Typhon system functions as a complete and secure electronic tracking system with an evaluation component, student scheduling, student electronic portfolios, student and preceptor databases, clinical site database and secure document management.

It is the student’s responsibility to submit required documentation by the stated deadline to the department or other appropriate parties by uploading them into the Typhon system. Failure to do so may result in termination from the program or the cancellation of a clinical assignment which may result in a delay in progression through the program. In the rare instance that an original, submitted document has been lost or misplaced, the student is responsible for submitting a copy of the original form. Therefore, students are required to make a copy of the documentation prior to submitting it. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain these copies on file and in Typhon until completion of the program.

Student Interns are expected to practice acceptable standards of personal hygiene and grooming, as well as assuring that clothing chosen for wear during supervised practice is in accordance with the site dress code standards and consistent with safety and sanitation standards. If an intern’s attire is unacceptable, they may be dismissed for the day and will need to make up the supervised practice day later at a time as scheduled by the preceptor. 

• Clothing: The dress code excludes short skirts, anything exposing a midriff, low-cut revealing shirts/blouses, jeans, leggings (unless covered by dress or skirt), and shorts.
• Shoes: In clinical and food service settings, closed-toe shoes are required. No tennis shoes at clinical sites.
• Hair/hats: Hair must be neat, clean, and well-groomed. During the food service rotation hair coverings are required, however, at all other sites caps or hats (other than headwear worn for religious reasons) are not permitted.
• Tattoos and piercings: Tattoos and body piercings may need to be concealed in patient care areas. If tattoos are on a body part that cannot be concealed by clothing, the tattoos cannot be offensive, i.e. including obscene or offensive language or subject matter.
• Fragrance: One’s person and clothing are to be free of offensive odors (e.g. smoke, heavy fragrances)
• Nails: Nails should be well-manicured and clean. Artificial nails are not allowed while working in food service areas or if providing direct hands-on care
• UC ID badge must be worn at all times unless otherwise specified.
• White lab coat will be required at some affiliations.  Students are expected to purchase the lab coat and to make sure that it is clean and wrinkle-free each day.  The length of the coat and coat sleeves is at the discretion of the intern. Some supervised practice experiences will require the use of an impervious lab coat or protective gloves or goggles; these must be worn when required and will be provided by the affiliation site.

Students, at their own expense, must have the following completed and signed by a licensed healthcare professional prior to the beginning of supervised practice experiences:

• Physical examination and required Physical Exam Form
• Immunizations Form for Health Professions Student Requirements
• Annual TB testing (with initial and annually afterward)

Many supervised practice/experiential learning site require drug testing. These must be completed prior to the first day the rotation is scheduled. Students should refer to the information in Typhon and on the Affiliation Information document to determine if the site they are scheduled for requires drug testing.

Additionally, while the use of Medical Marijuana is permitted as specified under Ohio law, marijuana remains an illegal substance under Federal law and is a prohibited “Drug” under the terms of this policy.

• State Background Check (Ohio Bureau of Identification) - $33.00
• National Background Check (FBI) - $34.00

Once your background check is received it will be scanned and uploaded into Typhon. 

Note that some sites may want to conduct their own background check on the intern and may pass the charge along to the intern.

These may vary from site to site. The examples below are from an area healthcare system and are not meant to be an exhaustive list.

• Any violent felony convictions of homicide
• Crimes of violence (assault, sexual offenses, arson, kidnapping, any crime against an at-risk adult or juvenile, etc.)
• Any offense involving unlawful sexual behavior
• Any crime, the underlying basis of which has been found by the court on the record to include an act of domestic violence
• Any crime of child abuse
• Any crime related to the sale, possession, distribution or transfer of narcotics
• Any felony theft crimes
• Any misdemeanor theft crimes
• Crimes of moral turpitude (prostitution, public lewdness/exposure, etc)
• Registered Sex Offenders
• More than one (1) D.U.I. in the 7 years immediately preceding the submittal of the application.

“Remediation” is an academic intervention with the goal of assisting student interns who are underperforming to meet the competencies set forth by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ accreditation body ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics).

Intern. An intern may request additional interactions with patients, clients, or residents if the intern feels his/her competence in a certain area is not meeting the required benchmark.  This is dependent on whether a rotation site can be secured for the intern-requested remediation.

Preceptor. A preceptor may indicate the need for remediation by comments on evaluation(s) or by scores on those evaluations that are below the required benchmark indicators.

Director of Clinical Education. The DCE may decide that remediation is necessary following the review of a preceptor or instructor’s evaluation(s) of a student. Generally, this would be done if concerns were raised by the preceptor or instructor if the student’s performance was subpar.  However, the DCE may independently decide that remediation is necessary.

Regardless of who identifies the need for remediation, these steps must be taken:

• A learning contract focused on the specific area(s) to be remediated will be discussed, written, signed, and dated, and each party will retain a copy of the contract,
• The intern may choose to remediate in lieu of part, or all of his/her specialty rotation hours. 
• The intern understands that the need for remediation may alter the intern’s intended graduation date from the program.

Remediation during supervised practice

• Remediation steps may include, but are not limited to, lengthening the amount of time that an intern spends in a particular rotation (i.e. clinical), moving an intern from one affiliation site to another (for additional time in a specific rotation and dependent on whether or not an additional rotation site can be secured), assigning the intern to a different preceptor (provided that a different preceptor is available), and/or requiring the intern to redo an assignment/project or complete additional assignments/projects.
• The need for remediation as identified by a preceptor or by the program director is limited to one occurrence during supervised practice in ONLY one of the major rotation categories of clinical (acute care, long-term care, pediatrics), food service management, and community. 

Failure in either type of remediation will be addressed through the following process:

• The intern, DCE and program director will discuss preferably in person (or virtually) the failed remediation; the program director will suggest that the intern meet with his/her assigned advisor from the Department of Academic Affairs to discuss switching from the Coordinated Program into the Dietetics major depending on the intern’s current academic progress; and the program director will document the conversation in writing and share the documentation with the  intern within 3 business days; 
• Within 3 business days, the intern may submit to the program director a written response to the failed remediation;
• The intern’s case documentation (program director’s written documentation and the intern’s rebuttal if submitted) will be referred to the Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Science’s Admission, Progression, and Dismissal Committee for consideration and response 4 business days after sharing the documentation with the intern; and
• The intern will be notified in writing of the Committee’s decision within 5 business days.
• Should the intern wish to appeal the decision of the Committee, the intern shall notify both the Program Director and the Department Head within 5 business days and provide his/her rationale for appeal.
• The Program Director will forward the intern’s case documentation (program director’s written documentation, the intern’s rebuttal if submitted, and the written decision of the Committee) to the Department Head for review.
• The Department Head will notify the intern and the Program Director of his/her decision in writing within 5 business days from time of receipt of appeal notice from the intern.
• Should the intern refuse to engage in remediation as recommended by the Preceptor or Program Director, the intern can appeal the remediation decision to the Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Science’s Admission, Progression, and Dismissal Committee and Department Head, as indicated in the process outlined in 4 above.

If the decision for remediation is upheld and the intern still refuses remediation, he/she would not successfully complete the rotation, and would fail that section of supervised practice.  The intern would then have the option to:

• Reenroll in and pay tuition for that section of supervised practice, and do the particular rotation over again, or
• Meet with his/her assigned advisor from the Department of Academic Affairs to discuss switching from the Coordinated Program into either the Dietetics or Food and Nutrition major depending on the intern’s current academic progress.     

Visit the University of Cincinnati Student Resources Page to get connected to services and programming aimed at removing obstacles from student's educational journey.

Students are required to review the Student Code of Conduct to become familiar with academic integrity policies and definition of misconduct. Students who violate any of these regulations including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, aiding or abetting misconduct, violating ethical or professional standards or fail to meet expectations and standards in fulfilling required learning or supervised practice experiences, are subject to dismissal from the program.

Performance, behavior or attitudes deemed inappropriate by the Program Director, DCE and/or Preceptor will be brought to the attention of the intern for remediation unless the intern’s actions/ behavior is deemed grievous enough for immediate dismissal. Reporting to work or class while under the influence of or while impaired by alcohol, illegal substances, or prescribed or non-prescribed controlled substances is prohibited. With all situations concerning student warnings and termination, an appeal process is available. 

Reasons for a student’s disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the program include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to meet defined standards of ethics, practice, and professional performance;
• Violation of the University’s Student Code of Conduct (SCOC);
• Disciplinary action for, and a description of both academic and nonacademic misconduct, is described in the Student Code of Conduct.
• Inadequate progress in meeting ACEND competencies and/or student learning outcomes;
• Inability to meet the essential program-related functions
• Failure to comply with policies and procedures of the program and/or those of the rotation (affiliation) sites;
• Failure to complete or submit required assignments and projects;
• Fabrication of supervised practice hours
• chronic tardiness and being unprepared for rotations
• leaving the facility without permission/ notice
• insubordination to faculty or supervised practice site staff
• theft or pilferage
• unethical or unprofessional behavior at rotation sites, workshops or classes
• Being asked to leave a rotation site and not return due to the intern’s misconduct; and
• After completing remediation that was not self-requested, being identified by a preceptor or the program director as needing additional remediation in one of the major rotation categories of clinical (acute care, long-term care, pediatrics), food service management, and community. Note that the need for remediation as determined by a preceptor or the program director is limited to one occurrence in total; not once per rotation category.
• Positive results from any drug screen required during supervised practice experiences will be grounds for disqualification from entering or continuing in the program.

Other behaviors may be deemed worthy of a formal warning or immediate dismissal, upon consultation with Preceptors and CP Director.  Interns may be subject to random drug/alcohol testing at any point in the program.  The previously described warning procedures are appropriate for minor offenses that can be identified, monitored, and resolved. Should an intern display severe insubordinate, unprofessional or unethical behaviors and/or attitudes, the intern will be immediately dismissed from the Program regardless of the disciplinary action described above.

1) First Formal Warning

The preceptor and Director of Clinical Education will meet to discuss issues/problems with the intern. Issues or problems identified may result from preceptor concerns and/or below-standard academic, professional conduct, or ethical standards of performance. A formal written warning will be issued at this time. The written warning will outline inappropriate behaviors, attitudes, and/or performance. Expectations will be outlined for changes in the intern’s behavior, attitude, and/or performance, along with a monitoring timeline. A copy of the warning will be given to the intern and site preceptor, and placed in the intern’s permanent file. Continuation of inappropriate behaviors will result in a second written warning. In some cases, meetings may occur via electronic means or phone. Copies of warnings will be sent electronically at the time of the meeting.

2) Second Formal Warning

The DCE will meet with the intern and preceptor to discuss issues/problems with the intern. Issues or problems identified may result from preceptor concerns and/or below-standard academic performance. A formal second written warning will be issued at this time. The written warning will outline inappropriate behaviors, attitudes, and/or performance. Expectations will be outlined for changes in the intern’s behavior, attitude, and/or performance, along with a monitoring timeline. A copy of the warning will be given to the intern and site preceptor, and placed in the intern’s permanent file. In some cases, meetings may occur via electronic means or phone. Copies of warnings will be sent electronically at the time of the meeting.

3) Termination

Should the identified behaviors, attitudes, and/or performance continue despite warnings, a final internship termination conference will be held. When it has been determined that the intern has not made sufficient progress toward correction of identified behavior, attitudes, and/or performance, despite previous formal warnings, the Program Director and the Chair of the Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Science will hold a final internship termination conference and notify the intern verbally and in writing that s/he is being terminated from the program. An appeal to the termination decision can be sent in writing to the Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences who will review the request and form an Appeal’s Committee of three unbiased faculty members to hear an explanation from the Program and the intern.  The final decision regarding an appeal of Program termination, heard by the Appeal’s Committee, will be final and binding.

Examples of inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to:

• chronic tardiness and being unprepared for rotations
• leaving the facility without permission/ notice
• insubordination to faculty or supervised practice site staff
• theft or pilferage 
• unethical behavior regarding assignments and evaluations
• unethical or unprofessional behavior at rotation sites, workshops or classes

Other behaviors may be deemed worthy of a formal warning or immediate dismissal, upon consultation with Preceptors, the DCE and CP Director.  Interns may be subject to random drug/alcohol testing at any point in the program.  The previously described warning procedures are appropriate for minor offenses that can be identified, monitored, and resolved. Should an intern display severe insubordinate, unprofessional or unethical behaviors and/or attitudes, the intern will be immediately dismissed from the Program regardless of the disciplinary action described above.

An intern terminated from the Graduate Coordinated Program for inappropriate behavior, attitudes, and/or performance will not be considered for future internship placements with the Program. Dismissal from the program will be communicated to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration to determine whether the dismissed intern is eligible for entrance into other accredited programs in the future.

All students enrolled in the ADN will be required to have a signed copy of the following form on record at the beginning of the program:

All Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist (ADN) students enrolled in the Graduate Coordinated Program must demonstrate the ability to perform at least safely, reliably, and efficiently the functions listed below, in compliance with legal and ethical standards during their didactic education and supervised practice.

1. Perform duties within the Scope of Dietetics Practice while observing the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics.
2. Successfully complete the Competencies (CRDN’s) for the Coordinated Program. (Successful completion is indicated by a score of 3 or 4, on an evaluation tool that scores from 0-4, or on a comparable evaluation tool indicative of a score of 75% or greater.)
3. Tolerate attending class for approximately 20 hours per week, attending supervised practice for approximately 40 hours per week (plus time outside of the rotation site for homework and projects), and have the ability to sit and/or stand or walk for several hours at a time.
4. Have the intellectual skills to recall and comprehend large amounts of didactic information under time constraints and apply this information to the practice of dietetics and food service management. 
5. Utilize appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication with patients, residents, clients, families, preceptors, health care professionals outside of our discipline, and others.
6. Perform the Nutrition Care Process, or NCP, (as described in the ACEND – Required Core Competencies for the RDN – CRDN 3.1).
   1. CRDN 3.1: Perform Medical Nutrition Therapy by utilizing the Nutrition Care Process including the use of standardized nutrition terminology as a part of the clinical workflow elements for individuals, groups, and populations of differing ages and health status, in a variety of settings.
7. Perform the NCP, complete research projects, and prepare patient case studies using Evidence-based Nutrition Practice Guidelines.
8. Recognize the ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic needs of the patient and family when implementing the plan of care and during the evaluation and monitoring components of the NCP.
9. Communicate pertinent information to other healthcare professionals as appropriate and monitor the implementation of the plan of care.
10. Counsel in a manner that is appropriate for the individual’s disease state(s) and his/her desired goals.
11. Record pertinent nutrition information in the medical record according to established guidelines.
12. Possess the ability to manage a full patient load by the end of the supervised practice rotations.
13. Apply teaching/learning theories and methods in health care and community environments with the goal of health care promotion and prevention.
14. Demonstrate management skills, including planning, organizing, supervising, and delegating.
15. Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
16. Complete a quality improvement graduate project.
17. Develop responsibility for lifelong professional growth and development beginning with active participation in the local dietetics organization.
18. Represent and promote the University of Cincinnati Dietetics Program in a professional, positive manner.
19. The above require that students/interns have no restrictions in the following: climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing (carts), lifting (20 pounds of less), carrying (20 pounds or less), fingering (writing, typing), feeling (particularly with fingertips, i.e. for skin turgor), talking, hearing, and seeing. 
20. Prior to the start of supervised practice students are required to pass a physical exam that includes proof of all current vaccinations required by rotation sites including but not limited to Hepatitis B, MMR, and to be vaccinated against influenza at the appropriate time of the year.

When students sign their ADN application form they acknowledge that they are able to fulfill the essential functions. ADN student interns will again be required to sign and date that they are able to fulfill the essential functions at the start of their supervised practice.

ADN Students will need to sign and date the receipt of the program handbook annually.