Practicum

Practicum

  • A practicum is an in-depth supervised experience in an approved nutrition-related organization requiring a minimum of 200 hours at the site.
  • Students may select from a wide array of organizations and agencies in which to conduct their practicum. This may include but is not limited to:  federal, state or local government agencies, trade/professional/volunteer organizations, think tanks and management consulting firms, community health and nutrition centers and organizations, hospitals, senior care facilities, and others. International projects have also been considered.
  • Students are supervised in the practicum by the academic advisor, practicum coordinator and a host agency preceptor/mentor.  The preceptor/mentor of record must have a minimum of a master's degree in nutrition or a related discipline.
  • Students are expected to begin their preparation for the practicum at least one semester prior to registering for the course.  Preparation begins with enrolling in the pre-practicum course, NUTR 788. 

Recent Practicum Experiences

  • Advanced Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine Chiropractor
    Project:  To educate groups and patients to obtain peak health, improve treatment and symptoms of patients through diet and nutrition interventions
  • Feeding America, National Hunger-Relief Organization, Public Advocacy Program
    Project:  Commitment Survey Project, Editing Feeding America publications, and Updating Congress Members Policy Advocacy Matrix
  • USDA ARS Practicum Experience, What We Eat in America, NHANES, Dietary Collection, Coding, and Data Processing
    Project:  Instructional Training and Data Collection
  • President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    Project:  Develop strategies to better promote and expand current programs and initiatives, support ongoing local programs and initiatives and support partners to engage, educate and empower Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle including physical activity.
  • Fairfax County Office for Children, Community Education and Provider Services
    Project:  Developed resources for family child care providers to meet New Meal Pattern requirements, assisted in provider training and monitored provider visits, to ensure participation and compliance with USDA Meal Guidelines.
  • IDEAL Obesity Institute:  A Pediatric Obesity Clinic, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC
    Project:  Optimize the referral process for patients in DC, MD, VA, and provide additional providers, services and locations.
  • Virginia Cooperative Extension, Arlington County Nutrition and Wellness
    Project:  Devloping 4-H Food Challenge Curriculum
  • Real Food for Kids:  Virginia Helping Healthy Happen Where We Live & Learn
    Project:  Developing and Delivering Education Programs to students and their families on making healthier choices.