P76 Innovations in Dietetics Education: An Educational Case Study

Abstract

Objective To demonstrate the benefit and innovation of the Marshall University (MU) Department of Dietetics’ relocation from campus to downtown. Use of Theory or Research Moving downtown allows Universities to develop state-of-the-art teaching facilities, productive group learning spaces, and active community-research agendas. Additional benefits include program growth, moving students closer to potential employers, preserving city history, and developing a “downtown footprint”. Target Audience Dietetics faculty/students, dietetic interns, SNAP-Ed administrators/educators Program Description Marshall Dietetics integrated with the department s SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program (NEP) when both programs moved to a downtown location in 2016. The downtown location provided for student and intern professional growth through the use of the shared teaching/community-outreach Kitchen, Huntington s Kitchen. Undergraduate students are immersed in nutrition education through coursework, while dietetic interns provide NEP lesson delivery, providing new mentorship and networking experiences. Evaluation Methods Qualitative - case study evaluation. Results Benefits of the move include incorporation of the SNAP-Ed NEP in all curricula. A distance dietetic internship and online graduate program were developed, addressing the profession s internship shortage. Program integration meets competency-based accreditation standards and provides for opportunities like community outreach classes, school garden development, and promotion of the Smarter Lunchroom/Pantry Movement; allowing students, NEP dietitians, the community, and SNAP-Ed recipients to benefit from evidence-based initiatives. Marshall Dietetics demonstrates how to connect students and dietitians with mentorship and networking experiences. Conclusions Innovative and integrative teaching strategies should be the norm in dietetics education. Marshall Dietetics is on the cutting edge with integrated programs, a contemporary foods laboratory, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Having both Dietetics and NEP in the new downtown location has allowed for the development of a distance dietetic internship and online graduate program, providing for program growth and meeting the needs of the profession. Using the Future Education Model as a benchmark, we have expanded outreach and enhanced partnerships creating unique opportunities for many stakeholders. Funding Marshall University.