The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GPND) is available for students with or without a DPD verification statement.

Admission Requirements for the UHM GPND include the following:

All of the requirements below are considered together using a point ranking system. This point ranking system is used in the selection process to rank applicants in order. Students who are in the final stage of selection process will be invited to an interview by a UHM GPND Admission Committee. The interview will be conducted in person or via Zoom.

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution and ACEND accredited DPD program verification statement or statement of intent OR Bachelorʻs Degree and completion of the following courses:
  • Nutritional Biochemistry, Lifespan Nutrition, Nutrition Assessment, Introductory Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry , Food Science/Food Preparation
• Overall GPA of 3.2 or higher. A GPA of 4.0 is desired. Lower GPA may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Relevant work experience beyond that required for undergraduate course requirements (may be paid or volunteer).

The Admissions Committee of the UHM GPND considers the following qualities in the selection process:

• Academic ability
• Communication skills
• Leadership potential
• Evidence of the ability to be self- directed and organized
• Commitment to the profession of dietetics
• Technological skills
• If not living on Oʻahu, confirmation from preceptors and facilities who are willing to have student complete rotations in MNT, Community, Food Service and Electives (1000 hours total)

Program Length Based on Admission

The full-time UHM GPND (with DPD verification statement) is 4 semesters in length for the Plan B option and can be up to 6 for the Plan A option. The UHM GPND (without DPD verification statement) is 6 semesters in length for the Plan B option and can be up to 8 for the Plan A option.. In extenuating circumstances the GPND allows up to 150% of the full time program or up to 200% if approved by the Director.

The UHM GPND will accept students to begin in fall semester only.

Health Vaccination Requirements Required within 2 Months of Admission:

No later than two months from notification of admission and acceptance into the GPND program, interns will be required to provide the following:

Hepatitis B vaccination and surface antibody screening requirements: Hepatitis B vaccination must be verified by a Surface AB titer indicating a positive/reactive or immune reading. Negative/nonreactive results for the hepatitis B surface antibody titer must be addressed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization guidelines (at least 2 months ahead of the rotation start date).

Tuberculosis screening requirements (meet one of the following options):

1. Two Mantoux TB skin-tests within the past 12 months; or
2. Two-step Mantoux TB Skin-test should be done within the past 12 months; or
3. Chest x-ray with normal finding with in the last 12 month of the entry date. Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella IgG antibody test requirements:

Complete University of Hawaii Graduate Admissions Application online: The application requires original transcripts and GRE scores. Additional Materials to include as Supplemental Documents are:

1) Resume

2) Statement of Purpose (<1000 words) which clearly describes the following:

• Your reason for wanting to attend graduate school and pursue career in nutrition and dietetics

• Your research interests and experience

• Your career goals

3) Two confidential letters of recommendation from people who know your academic strengths and can comment on your suitability for graduate studies.

4) Additional letters of commitment from sites who are willing to host you for supervised practice hours if you plan to complete your hours outside of the island of Oʻahu. You will need at least one letter for each of the following rotation types: Medical Nutrition Therapy/Clinical Nutrition, outpatient, food service, community nutrition, and elective site.

5) DPD verification statement or letter of intent (if applicable.)

Distance Learning

Because this program is 100% distance there are technology requirements.

• You must have access to a computer with e-mail and Internet capabilities.
• Courses are offered using the Universityʻs learning management system. Guides are available online to help you learn and understand more about the online learning management system.

Evaluation

The Verification Statement from University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GPND) that establishes eligibility to take the national registration exam is granted only when the student has demonstrated competence as an entry-level practitioner through satisfactory completion of all components of all scheduled supervised practice rotations, projects and requirements.

In order to receive the verification statement students must:

• Meet all Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) competencies. These core competencies specify what every dietitian should be able to do at the beginning of his or her practice career. The core competency statements build on appropriate knowledge and skills necessary for the entry-level practitioner to perform reliably in the professional practice setting.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors and academic integrity as well as competence in the areas of communication, time management, problem solving and critical thinking.
• Exhibit satisfactory performance in accordance with the Professional Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics on all required assignments, projects, curricula, rotation objectives, case studies, presentations, and exams.
• Comply with policies and procedures of the GPND as specified in this manual as well as the policies and procedures established by all affiliating institutions. It is important that students familiarize themselves with all policies and procedures of the GPND and all facilities.
• Complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice
• Meet professional practice expectations as outlined by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Code of Ethics
• Demonstrate expert performance and competency throughout rotations as evaluated by GPND faculty members and facility preceptors
• Completion of all MS Nutritional Sciences graduate degree requirements.

Program Completion and Verification Statement

Requirements for Preceptors and Facilities

• The Preceptor must be a full-time employee at the selected facility. The primary Preceptor may be a part-time employee if a qualified secondary preceptor is available to supervise the student when the primary Preceptor is not available.
• Each Preceptor must submit a resume or curricula vitae. He/she must have appropriate credentials and work experience to mentor the student in the specified rotation.
• A facility form will be submitted for each rotation. The following is a list of acceptable types of facilities:
  • Facilities for Clinical Dietetics Acute care and/or long term institution. The Preceptor must be a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) with a minimum of one-year of work experience after credentialing.
  • Food Service School food service, University Dining Services or a health care facility. The Preceptor must be a food service director or supervisor.
  • Community All students must complete a rotation in public health. Students will be placed in a facility to provide community management experience. Other types of facilities to complete the community nutrition experiences include: The Cooperative Extension, (WIC) Women Infant Children, Food Bank, Head Start, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), and Child-Adult Care Feeding Program.

Throughout the Supervised Practice Students are expected to obtain learning experiences with a variety of populations, diverse cultures and in various settings. Student rotations to include experiences with Populations: infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant/lactating females, and the elderly, Settings: acute care, critical care, outpatient, long-term care, wellness program and public health/community settings (schools and WIC or WIC equivalents as outlined in the community rotation section),Conditions/Disease States: weight management/obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases and renal diseases.

Preceptor Responsibilities

• Preceptors need to read all application materials provided for the student. They must have adequate time to supervise, mentor and evaluate the student.
• The Preceptor must assure that the student will be able to accomplish all the learning experiences outlined in the rotation materials.
• The Preceptor is responsible for scheduling all learning experiences for the student during the specified rotation.
• It is expected that the Preceptor will provide feedback to the student regarding observed strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis. The Preceptor will conduct the performance evaluation of the student and act as the point of contact in the facility with the Supervised Practice faculty. SP faculty will schedule a time to discuss the performance evaluation by meeting with the student and preceptor at the facility or by telephone conference during the last week of the rotation.
• Preceptors must agree to fulfill the curriculum and abide by the policies and procedures of the University of Hawaii Supervised Practice.

Tuition

Students of the MS Nutritional Sciences RDN concentration are enrolled through the University of Hawaiʻi Outreach College. See the UH Outreach College Tuition and Fee Schedule. Notably, all students pay the same rate regardless of in or out of state residency and 400-level courses are offered at a lower rate than 600-level courses.

Additional Estimated Costs over Tuition:

The estimated costs are listed below and are subject to change.

The GPND program operates on the academic calendar. See the curriculum tab for more information on courses for each semester.

While in supervised practice, interns spend approximately 32 hours per week at facilities, Monday through Friday, daily start and finish times vary based on the operations of the site. Holidays are observed based on the facility at which the intern is completing hours and interns may be assigned an alternate day to make up missed hours for

holidays. Prior to the start of each rotation, interns and preceptors meet (either face to face, virtually, or communicate via email) to establish the schedule. Interns are required to plan and develop at least one community nutrition event, which could take place on a weekend or in the evening.

GPND Coursework and Rotation Descriptions

FSHN 667: Dietetics Supervised Practice

Dietetics Supervised Practice is a graduate level course that is offered to students currently enrolled in the MS Nutritional Sciences- RDN concentration. The course contributes to the fulfillment of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) supervised practice component for RDN eligibility. Graduates of the MS RDN concentration program fulfill all ACEND requirements and completion results in eligibility for the registered dietitian exam. FSHN 667 is a 5 credit course, repeatable 2 times where students apply knowledge gained from DPD studies to the field of dietetics by completing hours under supervision of an RDN in various settings (inpatient hospital, inpatient food service departments, retail food service, community health centers, and other settings).

Students complete assignments and activities to support development of entry level competency into the dietetics profession. FSHN 667 is offered in a hybrid format to accommodate students completing remote supervised practice learning. Technology requirements for this course include a computer or laptop with capabilities to share video and audio and access to the internet.

FSHN 668: Advanced Topics in Dietetics

Advanced Topics in Dietetics is a graduate level course that is offered to students currently enrolled in the MS Nutritional Sciences- RDN concentration. The course contributes to the fulfillment of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) supervised practice component for RDN eligibility. Graduates of the MS RDN concentration and GPND program fulfill all ACEND requirements and completion results in eligibility for the registered dietitian exam. FSHN 668 is a 1 credit course, repeatable 1 time where students apply knowledge gained from DPD studies to the field of dietetics. Students complete assignments and activities to support development of entry level competency into the dietetics profession in inpatient hospital, inpatient food service departments, retail food service, community health centers, and other settings. FSHN 668 is offered in a hybrid format to accommodate students completing remote supervised practice learning. Technology requirements for this course include a computer or laptop with capabilities to share video and audio and access to the internet.

Medical Nutrition Therapy Rotation

The Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) rotation takes place in clinical, inpatient settings. Activities and assignments outlined will ensure that interns gain practice and are evaluated on CRDNs applicable to the MNT rotation. Some of the required assignments include a Case Study Presentation and the Complex Study Report. Preceptors and interns work together to identify the activities and assignments from the toolkit provided, that the intern will complete in order to achieve all required ACEND CRDNs. (320 hours)

Outpatient Rotation

Outpatient Nutrition rotations take place in clinical, private practice settings, where services are delivered in-person and via telehealth. Some of the required assignments include Providing Group Nutrition Presentations for MNT or Wellness Education, Providing One-On-One Nutrition Therapy Counseling, and a Group Nutrition Presentation Proposal. Preceptors and interns work together to identify the activities and assignments that the intern will complete in order to achieve all required ACEND CRDNs. (96 hours)

Food Service Rotation

Food Service Management rotations take place in a variety of food service institutions (schools, hospital facilities, long term care, etc). One of the required assignments includes a Theme Menu Project. Preceptors and interns work

Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics

Fundamental Principles

The dietetics practitioner:

1. Conducts herself/himself with honesty, integrity and fairness.
2. Supports and promotes high standards of professional practice and accepts the obligation to protect clients, the public and the profession by upholding the Code of Ethics and reporting perceived violations of the Code.

Responsibilities to the public

1. Consider the health, safety and welfare of the public at all times.
2. Complies with all laws and regulations applicable or related to the profession or to the practitioner’s ethical obligations as described in the Code.
3. Provides professional services with objectivity and with respect for the unique needs and values of individuals.
4. Does not engage in false or misleading practices or communications.
5. Withdraws from professional practice when unable to fulfill his/her professional duties and responsibilities to clients and others.

Responsibilities to clients

1. Recognizes and exercises professional judgment within the limits of his/her qualifications and collaborates with others, seeks counsel, or makes referrals as appropriate.
2. Treats clients and patients with respect and consideration.
3. Protects confidential information and makes full disclosure about any limitations on his/her ability to guarantee full confidentiality.
4. In dealing with and providing services to clients and others, complies with the same principles set forth above in principles 3-7.

Responsibilities to the profession

1. Practices dietetics based on evidence-based principles and current information.
2. Presents reliable and substantiated information and interprets controversial information without personal bias, recognizing that legitimate differences of opinion exist.
3. Assumes a life-long responsibility and accountability for personal competence in practice, consistent with accepted professional standards, continually striving to increase professional knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice.
4. Is alert to the occurrence of a real or potential conflict of interest and takes appropriate action whenever a conflict arises.
5. Permits the use of his/her name for the purpose of certifying the dietetics services have been rendered only if he/she has provided or supervised the provision of those services.
6. Accurately presents professional qualifications and credentials.
7. Does not invite, accept or offer gifts, monetary incentives or other considerations that affect or reasonably give an appearance of affecting his/her professional judgment.

Responsibilities to colleagues and other professionals

1. Demonstrates respect for the values, rights, knowledge and skills of colleagues and other professionals.

Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics. J Am Dietetic Association 2009; 109:1461-1467.

Access to Personal Files

Student Records

The rights of students under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 include the following: Act include the following, (a) the right to inspect and review education records, (b) the right to request to amend education records, (c) the right of protection from disclosure by UH Manoa of personally identifiable information contained in education records without permission of the student involved, (d) the right to waive certain rights under the Act, and (e) the right to file complaints concerning alleged failure by UH Manoa to comply with the Act.

Students are advised that institutional policy and procedures required under the Act have been published as Administrative Procedure A7.022, "Procedures Relating to Protection of the Educational Rights and Privacy of Students." Copies of APA7.022 may be obtained from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Students website:manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/

Protection of Privacy – Student Information

Students are advised that certain personally identifiable information is considered by UH Manoa to be directory information and, in response to public inquiry, may be disclosed in conformance with state law, at UH Manoa's discretion, without prior consent of the student unless the student requests that UH Manoa not disclose such information. This includes (a) name of student, (b) current address and ZIP code, (c) telephone number, (d) email address, (e) major field of study, (f) educational level (e.g., freshman, sophomore, etc.), (g) dates of attendance, (h) enrollment status (full-time or part-time), (i) participation in officially recognized activities and sports, (j) weight and height of members of athletic teams, (k) most recent educational institution attended, and (l) degrees and awards received. A student has the right to request that any or all of the above items not be designated directory information with respect to that student. Should a student wish to exercise this right, he or she must in person and in writing, not earlier than the first day of instruction, nor later than 14 calendar days from the first day of instruction for the academic term or semester, or the fourth day of a summer session, inform the campus registrar which of the above items are not to be disclosed without the prior consent of that student.

A parent or spouse of a student is advised that information contained in educational records, except as may be determined to be directory information, will not be disclosed to him/her without the prior written consent of the student.http://manoa.hawaii.edu/records/fac_staff/ferpa.html

Access to Student Support Services

The University of Hawaii offers several services for Supervised Practice students: All students have access to student academic support services which is important to ensure success while a student of the University of Hawaii. The Director or Preceptor will be prepared to help refer students to the appropriate resources.

Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaii. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be found in the University of Hawaii catalog along with appropriate contact information:

Career Services Center The Manoa Career Center offers a wide variety of programs and services for students and alumni. The Manoa Career Center programs enhance the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) experience by enabling students/alumni to develop skills in & out of the classroom. http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/careercenter/

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ Home Pagehttp://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/site Select “Academic and Student Affairs” will open all the programs up for students interested in all that CTAHR has to offer for Undergrad and Graduate Programs, financial aid/scholarship information, course requirements and information on who we are, Department, Faculty and Staff as well as publications and research projects.

Department of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sciences (HNFAS)http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hnfas/ This web site shows the different programs, courses and resources available within the HNFAS department. UH Dietetic

Student Handbook is located under “Degree Programs, Dietetics”. There is also a link to “Scholarships” that specifically targets dietetics students.

Food Science Human Nutrition (FSHN) Councilhttps://www2.hawaii.edu/~fshnnews/ The FSHN Council strives to nurture students' interest in dietetics, research, community wellness, food service and nutrition by providing the opportunity for students to network with other students, faculty, and professionals in food science, nutrition and other health-related fields. In addition to enhancing fellowship and facilitating communication, student members are exposed to career information, scholarship opportunities, and community service activities.

Information Technology Department Information Technology Center The new state-of-the-art Data Center will enable university-wide technology services to support education, research and administration for University of Hawaii campuses throughout the state of Hawaii, and will provide different ways in which digital information can be obtained and transformed for students, faculty, and administrators:

• A "Help Desk" will offer computer support online, wirelessly, or in person;
• Training rooms will facilitate classes and broadcast opportunities;
• Video conference facilities will support distance learning, multi-media displays, broadcast and archiving opportunities;
• A digital media production center will furnish high-end editing stations with advanced audio support, sound booths, training, and presentation capabilities. http://www.hawaii.edu/infosec/

International Student Services provides assistance to international students who come from more than countries to study at UH. Students are advised and helped to adjust to the local and U.S. cultures. http://www.hawaii.edu/issmanoa/

Kokua Program (Disability Access Services) provides disability access services to students with documented physical and/or mental disabilities. Services include alternative media production, counseling, early registration, note-taking, sign language interpreting, technology access, testing accommodations and campus transportation.http://www.hawaii.edu/kokua/

Learning Assistance Center provides academic counseling and assists students in developing learning skills to increase academic success. Assessment, counseling and support services are also available for students with learning disabilities.http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/learning/

Manoa Advising Center serves as a first point of contact for advising and appropriate referrals for incoming students. http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/mac/

My UH http://www.hawaii.edu/myuh/manoa This web site allows for on-line registration of classes. A schedule of classes, as well as class availability, is also provided.

New Student Orientation Program offers information sessions for first-time students and transfer students. http://www.hawaii.edu/nso/

Office of Graduate and Professional Education The Graduate Division provides opportunities for further study, research and professional training to students who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. All of the graduate programs at UHM apply rigorous academic standards. Special emphasis is placed on the cultivation of scholarly attitudes and methods of research and creativityhttp://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcafo/OrgChart2012/GradDivision/ChartI.pdf

Office of the Registrar The Office of the Registrar maintains students' academic records and provides services in registration, enrollment and degree verification, academic transcripts, and veterans' educational benefits.http://www.hawaii.edu/admrec/

Star site where you can access your transcripts and other information.https://www.star.hawaii.edu/

Student Financial Services http://www.hawaii.edu/fas/