The importance of preparing a healthcare workforce that can meet the needs of changing population demographics, those experiencing health disparities, and promoting systems of equitable and effective healthcare access has long been identified. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) has included competencies…

There is a large gap between minority representation in the field of dietetics and the United States population, and nutrition students need advanced cultural competence training in preparation for future work with diverse populations. Universal recommendations for delivering and evaluating cultural competence training in nutrition programs are…

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a nutrition expert with numerous and varied required skills which are continuing to evolve as scientific advances in healthcare occur and the food industry strives to meet consumer demands for more healthy, nutritious, and sustainable foods. The Accrediting Council for Education in Nutrition and…

In the face of a critical dietitian shortage, a decline in students, and a selective student placement process, this mixed-methods study examined the admissions practices of U.S.-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dietetic internship program directors. It revealed a complex scenario where student interest meets stringent qualifications,…

Women student-athletes' perspectives were explored through interviews in this qualitative, interpretive, multiple case study to examine how academic, athletic, peer-social, and spiritual development pathways influence their well-being. The perspectives of their coaches were also collected. Since women student-athletes may have different…

The purpose for this study was to examine the perceptions of students' preparation and development of cultural competence during university coursework in the field of dietetics. A secondary aim of the study was to examine if cultural competency training is provided in the university curriculum for prospective nutrition professionals in their role…

The education and training of future food and nutrition professionals plays a vital role in preparation for managing complex food and nutrition problems. Within food systems, food???? and nutrition professionals provide nutrition education to individuals and families and work to ensure? ?access???? to nutritious and culturally significant foods.…

As higher education becomes more prominent and prevalent across the country and around the world, its presence influences many individuals in multiple different capacities. The emphasis placed on learning within this setting can be employed not only to improve mental attributes but also physical well-being. A majority of campuses are equipped with…

Weight and eating disorder biases have been implicated as significant barriers to healthcare access and provision of appropriate care, potentially contributing to health disparities. Registered dietitians are vital constituents of multidisciplinary teams and a healthcare system dedicated to eliminating health disparities. However, research…

Idaho is facing an educational crisis, consistently ranking 50th in the nation for high school students directly enrolling in college. A startling college attrition rate results in only one out of every ten Idaho high school graduates earning a college degree. College students have been shown to possess a unique set of stressors, which can…

The goal of this study was to investigate visual sources of nutrition information relied upon by young adults, specifically college-aged students between 18-30, as this is an under-represented population within current academic literature. A sample of more than 700 18- to 30-year-old college students were surveyed regarding their use of…

Numerous studies suggest that most college students consume inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. In turn, such poor dietary habits predispose collegians to develop obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Fruit and vegetable intake provides psychological benefits throughout the lifespan; reduces the risks for heart disease, stroke, and…

Despite a shortage of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), only half of applicants currently match with a dietetic internship. A key reason is a shortage of preceptors. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to better understand RDNs' views of the preceptor role. An online survey was sent to a randomly selected sample of 10% of RDNs.…

Changing demographics in the United States to a minority-majority culture require health care professionals who are culturally competent to provide appropriate care to patients. In a university in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, a gap existed between student education and the culturally competent professional practice of entry-level…

This qualitative explorative study explored dietetic employers' perceptions, attitudes, and policies regarding hiring of online dietetic graduates; how their perceptions were formed; and factors contributing to their development. Higher educational institutions and learners have embraced online education, evidenced by increased online program…