Technical Standards for the Master of Science in Dietetics Program

The technical standards outlined below are the physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities required for students to successfully complete the Master of Science in Dietetics Program.

These requirements must be met by all students, with or without reasonable accommodations, entering the program.

Students have the responsibility to self-identify as a person with a disability with a need for accommodation(s). Students who have or believe they may have a disability requiring accommodation(s) should contact the UAMS Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator at DisabilityServices@uams.edu or 501-526-5641.

Students must be able to measure, calculate reason, analyze, synthesize, integrate and remember to apply information. Creative problem-solving and clinical reasoning requires all of these intellectual abilities. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

• Apply nutrition knowledge and critical thinking skills in a variety of settings (clinical, community, administrative, etc.)
• Integrate scientific information and research into dietetics practice
• Accurately convey information and interpretation of information using one or more means of communication (verbal, written or assisted such as the use of an interpreter) to clients, the public and the health care team

Students must exercise good judgment and promptly complete all responsibilities required of the program. They must develop mature, sensitive and effective professional relationships with others. Students must be able to evaluate one’s own performance critically, accept constructive criticism and look for ways to improve. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

• Interact respectfully and effectively with peers or co-workers and faculty or supervisors
• Manage time effectively, prioritize tasks and work independently
• Utilize constructive feedback from faculty and preceptors to strengthen skills
• Exhibit professionalism by being punctual, adaptable, flexible, responsible and dependable

Students must have the ability to use multiple communication techniques (oral, written and nonverbal) to enable communication with clients, teachers and the health care team. Candidates must be able to report to members of the team; express accurate information to clients; and teach, explain, direct and counsel people.

Students must be able to observe lectures, demonstrations, research and practice situations in the practice of patient care. Observation is necessary to perform competent health assessments and interventions. Students must also be able to observe, learn from and analyze health record content, including discernment and use of clinical data displayed within the health record.

Students must demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors and must perform in an ethical manner when dealing with others. Personal integrity is required and the adherence to standards that reflect the values and functions of the profession of dietetics. Students are required to abide by the professional code of ethics for dietetics and student honor codes.

Students must have sufficient motor capacities and motilities to be able to do the following:

• Generate, calculate, record, evaluate and transit information
• Prepare assignments
• deliver public presentations to large and small audiences
• Perform basic tests and physical assessments on individuals (e.g., finger sticks for blood glucose testing, using glucometers, assessing skinfold thickness, taking blood pressure and placing feeding tubes in manikins)
• Work in institutional and food demonstration kitchens to prepare foods and direct employees involved in food services
• Conduct patient visits individually and with health care team members to provide nutrition care.

Candidates must be able to travel to supervised practice experiences.