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Finding sites and preceptors

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Acceptable sites for MNT rotation included acute care hospitals, long term care facilities, Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) facilities, or rehab care centers. The MNT rotation is 12 weeks in length and must include experiences in critical care and outpatient counseling, either in the primary site or an alternate site depending on the facility. Interns are required to perform at least one week of staff relief at the end of the MNT rotation to demonstrate competence at an entry-level. The facility must have a minimum of one full time Registered Dietitian to serve as the primary preceptor.

Management rotation is 5 weeks in length. Acceptable sites include health care facilities, such as hospitals, long-term care, assisted living or rehab centers, or school food service. The rotation may be completed in one or more facilities. Preceptors are not required to be Registered Dietitians but must demonstrate competence in the areas of food service and management through their work experience, academic training or both. Interns are required to complete at least one week of staff relief at the end of the food service management rotation to demonstrate competence at an entry level.

Community nutrition rotations (5 weeks) may include WIC or Head Start experiences, outpatient counseling (if not covered in the MNT rotation), wellness and LTC (if not covered in the MNT rotation) in addition to public health/community programs. The length of stay in the various community rotations will be determined by the availability and accessibility of the required experiences and must be approved by the UHDI program director. Rotations must be at least two weeks in duration.

Elective rotation is 4 weeks in length and can be in an area of the intern's choosing. Competencies for the elective rotation will be developed as a collaboration between the program director, preceptor and intern. Preceptors don't necessarily have to be Registered Dietitians. Questions about the acceptability of elective sites should be sent to Ms. Ferrell at cdgoins@central.uh.edu

Prospective preceptors are encouraged to contact the UHDI Distance Track Coordinator for additional information:

Carla Ferrell MS, RD, LD
cdgoins@central.uh.edu