Graduate Nutrition Practicum

Course Overview

The Graduate Nutrition Practicum (SAR HS 811) is a required, three-credit course for the BU MS/DI and DPD/MS/DI programs. It is optional for the BU MS + Partnership DI programs, and the MS in Nutrition (two semester) program.

Students complete a minimum of 150 hours working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or other health care professional in an area of interest. This coveted experience provides practical experience in the field of nutrition, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and customize their graduate program.

Students can gain experience in a wide range of settings, including:

Please note:

Students who are admitted to Sargent College routinely participate in clinical education experiences as a part of the respective program curricula. To ensure eligibility for participation in clinical placements, students may be required to meet specific site-based compliance requirements. These requirements are determined by the partnering clinical sites and are necessary for placement approval. Requirements may include, but are not limited to:

  • Criminal background checks
  • Drug screening for federally prohibited substances (Note: Students with valid prescriptions that may result in a positive test should be prepared to provide appropriate documentation. Positive drug screening may disqualify students from participating in the practicum which is required for the successful completion of the MS/DI and DPD/MS/DI programs.)
  • Documentation of standard immunizations or vaccinations (e.g., MMR, TB, flu, COVID-19)
  • Students are responsible for completing all mandated compliance steps by the deadlines provided. Failure to do so may result in a delay or inability to participate in clinical placements, which can impact academic progression.
  • The institution does not guarantee the availability of alternative placements for students unable or unwilling to meet site-specific compliance requirements.
  • Students are responsible for all expenses related to clinical education including travel-related expenses and placement specific costs. Travel-related costs include access to a car or car-ride service as not all placement sites are accessible via public transportation. Additional placement costs (up to approximately $125 per placement) may include fingerprinting, lab coat or scrubs purchase, etc.

There may be some clinical placements that are unavailable to students who are non-US citizens.

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