Dietetic Practicum Program at Acadia University
The Acadia Dietetic Practicum Program began in 1999 and is a partnership between the School of Nutrition and Dietetics at Acadia and Nova Scotia Health Western Zone. We are accredited by EQual, through Accreditation Canada.
The purpose of the Acadia Dietetic Practicum Program is to provide accredited practical training opportunities for Acadia University’s School of Nutrition and Dietetics students (Dietetics Option). Our objectives are to ensure training environments that support achievement of the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice (ICDEP) required for success in passing the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE), and for entry-level practice as a registered dietitian.
We offer workplace-based rotations with registered dietitians in the Annapolis Valley, South Shore and Southwest regions of the Western Zone. Practicum rotations include the core areas of Nutrition Care (long term care, acute care, and ambulatory medical nutrition therapy), Management (food services and administration), Population and Public Health and Research.
Our program accepts a maximum of 11 students per year into the integrated and post-degree cohorts.
· Integrated
o Level 1: 16 weeks, May to August between third and fourth year.
o Level 2: 32 weeks, May to December after the fourth year of study
· Post-Degree
o 48 consecutive weeks, September to August after graduation with the BSN degree
Placement/Rotation and Number of weeks
Level One 16 Weeks Total
Nutrition Care (Clinical): Long-Term Care - 4 weeks
Population Health (Community) - 8 weeks
Research Project - 4 weeks*
Level Two 32 weeks Total
Nutrition Care (Clinical): Acute and Ambulatory Medical Nutrition Therapy - 18-20 weeks
Management/Food Provision Dietetic Experience - 12 -14 weeks
Application
Entry to the Practicum Program is competitive and based on strong academic achievement, participation in course work and class attendance, active involvement in volunteer activities, favourable references, and an interview process that allows you to demonstrate your readiness. The application criteria include:
· Full-time Acadia BSN (Dietetics option) student.
· A minimum GPA of 2.67.
· A minimum grade of B- in all of: NUTR 1323 (Human Nutrition 2), NUTR 1343 (Food 2), NUTR 2023 (Communications in Nutrition & Dietetics), and NUTR 3003 (Principles of Nutritional Assessment).
Applications are due in January (dates set annually), and are evaluated by a Selection Committee of preceptors from Nova Scotia Health. Interviews are conducted in February. Applicants are notified of the results of their application by the Dietetic Practicum Program Placement Coordinator.
Anticipated Expenses
Practicum students are full-time Acadia students and the training placements are unpaid. As full time students, domestic students may be eligible for student assistance if they are residents of most Canadian provinces.
Students are responsible for covering a number of costs while in the program:
· Tuition for the two practicum courses: NUTR 4033 and 4043. Tuition fees are equivalent to two (3h) courses as set in the most current academic calendar.
· Accommodation and transportation. Public transportation is limited in some areas of Western Nova Scotia. A drivers licence and vehicle is required for placements which take place outside of the facility setting. Students are required to find accommodations.
For more information on the Acadia University Dietetic Practicum Program, please contact:
Judy Lowe, MHSA, RD
Dietetic Practicum Program Placement Coordinator
Telephone: 902-585-1367
Email: judy.lowe@acadiau.ca