University of Wisconsin - Stout

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Does the Dietetics program at UW-Stout meet ADA [American Dietetic Association] standards for accreditation status?

The Dietetics program is currently granted accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Ill, 60606-6995, 1-800-877-1600. Completion of the Didactic Program in dietetics and the baccalaureate degree meet minimum academic requirements for ADA membership, registration eligibility, and application to a dietetic internship. In order to be eligible to take the registration exam, students must complete an internship after graduation.

 

What distinguishes Stout's program from other UW programs?

 

What is the faculty student ratio?

 

Is employment available on campus or in the area related to the program?

There is student work-study and state payroll money available, and the work can be either related or non-related to the program.

Students can also find jobs in the area related to assisted living, hospitals, nursing homes and community nutrition (WIC, Office of Aging and the like).

 

 

What is the probability of finishing in four years?

If you choose to take a minimum of 16 to 18-credit load each semester, you would finish in four years. Meeting with your advisor each semester is crucial to developing and ensuring course sequencing.

 

If I were to travel and study abroad would this affect my graduation date?

Probably not, because we recommend you study abroad early in your career. This allows you to take general or humanities courses while studying abroad. It is important to know early in your college career if you will be studying abroad.

 

What skills or competencies will I develop in the Dietetics program at UW-Stout?

Where do dietitians work?

What are employment opportunities?

(This list is not all-inclusive of every opportunity)

 

 

What is a field experience?

A 320-hour field experience is required during one summer or obtained during the school year. This field experience is designed to help you obtain work experience in the field and better prepare you for an internship. Other universities do not have this experience, which gives a UW-Stout graduate a definite advantage in securing their first full-time position and in obtaining an internship.

You will be responsible for travel and any additional costs to obtain or secure the field experience as well as purchasing a lab coat as needed. Liability insurance may be required. Check with the site you have been approved to attend. An agreement (affiliation) may need to be established between UW-Stout and the field experience site. Contact the program director early enough to allow time to establish such an agreement.

Learn more here.

 

What is the employment rate of graduates of the Dietetics program?

The College of Human Development has a nationally recognized program of study with an outstanding placement rate into internships of more than 95 percent.

 

What courses in high school would be beneficial?

Three years of math, chemistry and biology would be very helpful in completion of the program.

 

What is the mission of the didactic program in dietetics?

The mission of the DPD program is to provide students with contemporary knowledge and practice skills in order to prepare them for careers in food, the science of food, nutrition, health and related industry as well as for the pursuit of lifelong learning.  Learning experiences are situated in a curricula that combines theory and practical application while infusing the use of technology.  This combination reflects UW-Stout’s “comprehensive, career focused environment where all can use applied learning, scientific theory and research to solve real world problems."

Goals of the Didactic program in Dietetics are to:

  1. Provide education in a hands-on learning environment that prepares graduates to demonstrate foundation knowledge and skills producing the competencies for dietetic registration.

  2. Prepare students to participate in community services, applied research and scholarly activity. 

  3. Equip graduates with the ability to communicate and collaborate using integrated learning to solve authentic real world problems while utilizing current technology.

Learning outcomes for students in the Didactic Program in Dietetics are:

  1. Communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of ways

  2. Think critically and demonstrate creative problem solving skills

  3. Participate in research, scholarly activity and leadership activities

  4. Develop personal and professional attitudes, values, ethical principles and decision making skills

As a transfer student what courses will be transferred to my Stout program?

It is best to meet with your advisor to determine where transfer credits will fit. Courses that are similar in content and credits are generally easy to transfer.

Course prerequisite waivers will be discussed with students based on their knowledge level and will be determined by the program director and course instructor who is teaching that particular course. This will ensure that students are prepared to enter the course and can be assured they have enough prior learning to succeed. In order for a student to progress to future coursework and graduation, a prerequisite may need to be waived. Policies regarding course work completed at another institution and transferred to UW-Stout can be found at:

I'm a "special" student taking classes at Stout. How do I become a degree-seeking student in the Dietetics program?

You will need to go through the change-of-major process with the Advisement Center, Room 11, Bowman Hall.

What if I'm a "re-entry" student?

Whether you have previously attended Stout and are seeking to get back in, or have previously attended Stout, then earned some credit elsewhere and are seeking to bring those back in with you, you'll need to re-apply using either the UW System Application for Admission or UW-Stout's Re-enty/Special Application [PDF].

Detailed information on the process is available on the Admissions website

 

What is the grade point average for graduation?

A 2.75 grade point average is required to graduate.

 

Are there any courses that require a minimum grade?

Yes. You must earn a "B" or better in FN-212 Nutrition, and grades in FN-212, CHEM-115, CHEM-125, or CHEM135 and BIO-234 Physiology and Anatomy must equal 2.5 overall. Go here for details.

 

Is there a dietetics student organization?

Yes. The Stout Student Dietetic Association (SSDA) is recognized by the American Dietetic Association and the Wisconsin Dietetic Association. The club also works with Chippewa Valley Dietitians with projects in the area of nutrition education. The club also holds social events, community volunteer activities, and sponsors the Optimal Health Fair serving hundreds of community members each year. For more information, visit their website.

 

How do I get computer-matched for a dietetic internship after I graduate?

D&D Digital is the site for computer-matching information when applying to various internships. Students will rank the internships based on first choice, second choice and so on. You'll receive more information the required FN-408 Preprofessional Development course, usually taken in the fall of your senior/last year.

 

What is a verification statement?

Program graduates who maintain a “C” or better in all FN courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 at graduation, will receive a statement from the program director that verifies that compliance with all the Foundation Knowledge and Skills requirements of the American Dietetic Association. Verification statements are mailed out to students once the registrar's office verifies degree completion. Verification statements are needed to enter CADE-accredited Dietetic internships and will be provided to all students, regardless of acceptance to an internship, who meet qualifications.

 

 

Who should I contact for more information?

Karen Ostenso-McDaniel, M.S., R.D., C.D.
Dietetics Program Director
234 Home Economics Building
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751-0790

Phone: 715/232-2394
E-Mail: ostensomcdanielk@uwstout.edu

 

For answers to questions not addressed here, contact the program director at the address, telephone, or e-mail address listed on the home page.