Current Student Resources

Everything you need for your year in Integrated Nutrition.

Welcome to the MS in Integrated Nutrition at the University of Memphis. This page brings together the resources you will use throughout your 12-month program, from preparing for your first semester to completing your Supervised Practice Experience, applied project, graduation requirements, and preparation for the RDN credentialing examination.

Bookmark this page and come back often.

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Preparing for Supervised Practice

Before beginning Supervised Practice Experience, students must complete all required onboarding and documentation. Requirements may vary by practice site and may include:

• Background checks
• Drug screening
• Immunization and health documentation
• CPR certification
• HIPAA and privacy training
• Site-specific orientation
• Professional liability requirements
• Additional documentation requested by individual practice sites

Supervised Practice Experience

Supervised Practice Experience begins in the summer and continues throughout all three semesters of the program. Students complete more than 1,000 hours of supervised practice while developing the competencies required for entry-level dietetics practice.

Current students should refer to the Student Handbook and program materials for information related to:

• Supervised practice schedules
• Attendance and professional expectations
• Required documentation
• Competency assessment
• Preceptor evaluations
• Student evaluations
• Make-up hours
• Practice-site policies
• Professional conduct

Questions about Supervised Practice Experience should go to Sara Foley, Clinical Coordinator — sfoley@memphis.edu.

Your Applied Project

Every MS in Integrated Nutrition student completes an outcomes-based applied project as part of the graduate curriculum. The Applied Project gives you the opportunity to explore a question related to nutrition or health practice while developing skills in research, program evaluation, data analysis, professional writing, and presentation.

Students begin developing their research skills in NUTR 7010 Research Methods and complete their project through HPRO 7950 Applied Project.

Current students should use program and Graduate School resources for information related to project expectations, timelines, faculty mentorship, required forms, presentation, and final submission.

Questions about the Applied Project should go to Mary Catherine Schallert, Program Director — mcclark1@memphis.edu.

Graduate School Milestones

Graduate school comes with its own set of deadlines in addition to your program requirements. Throughout the year, students are responsible for monitoring deadlines related to:

• Course registration
• Degree candidacy
• Applied project requirements
• Application for graduation
• Graduate School forms and approvals
• Final project submission
• Commencement

Preparing for the RDN Exam

Completing the MS in Integrated Nutrition is an important step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Throughout the program, your coursework and Supervised Practice Experiences are designed to build the knowledge and competencies needed for entry-level practice and preparation for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing examination. As part of the program fees, all students also participate in an RD Exam Prep Workshop.

As you approach program completion, faculty will provide guidance related to:

• Verification of program completion
• CDR eligibility
• Registration for the RDN credentialing examination
• Exam preparation resources
• State licensure
• Continuing professional education and maintenance of the RDN credential

Professional Development and Career Resources

Building Your Network

Your professional development begins before graduation. We encourage students to become involved in professional organizations, attend conferences and educational programs, build relationships with RDNs and other health professionals, and take advantage of opportunities to present research and applied work.

Throughout the year, look for opportunities to strengthen your professional network through:

• Local and state nutrition and dietetics organizations
• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Professional interest groups
• Research and professional conferences
• Faculty research and service projects
• Community engagement
• University events and professional development opportunities

Your faculty and preceptors are also valuable resources as you begin thinking about your first position, specialty interests, additional credentials, and long-term career goals.

Career Paths

Graduates of the MS in Integrated Nutrition are prepared to pursue opportunities across the broad field of nutrition and dietetics. Career paths may include clinical nutrition, nutrition support, pediatrics, sports and performance nutrition, community and public health, food service and management, wellness and health promotion, culinary nutrition, private practice, research, education, industry, and nutrition program management.

University of Memphis Career Services is also available to assist graduate students with resumes, interviews, job searches, and career preparation.

Need Help?

You are not expected to navigate the year on your own.

For questions related to university graduate policies, graduation, forms, and deadlines, consult the University of Memphis Graduate School.