Technical Standards

The technical standards outlined below are the physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities required for students to successfully complete the Master of Science on 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 ADA Coordinator at DisabilityServices@uams.edu or 501-526-5641.

All students enrolled in the UAMS Master of Science in Dietetics program must possess the following abilities and skills:

Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities

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:

  • 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 use of interpreter) to clients, the public, and the healthcare team

Professional and Social Attributes

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:

  • Interact respectfully and effectively with peers/co-workers and faculty/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

Communication

Students must have the ability to use multiple communication techniques (oral, written, 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.

Observation

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.

Ethical Standards

Students must demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors and must perform in an ethical manner in 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.

Psychomotor

Students must have sufficient motor capacities and motilities to be able to 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, and conduct patient visits individually and with health care team members to provide nutrition care. Candidates must be able to travel to supervised practice experiences.