Evaluation of Dietetic Interns' Research Skills in an Online, Non-Thesis Master's Program

Authors

Jennifer Arts, University of Rhode Island
Chelsea Paulin, University of Rhode Island
Ingrid E. E. Lofgren, University of Rhode Island
Barbara Woodland, Sodexo Dietetic Internships Newtown
Catherine English, University of Rhode Island

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-2020

Abstract

Research is the foundation of dietetics. As programs are designed to meet the 2024 entry-level education requirement, innovative approaches are needed to ensure that master's level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) have strong research skills. The MS Dietetics Program is a new, 14-month, online, non-thesis program completed during the Sodexo Dietetic Internship. The objective was to determine whether an online research curriculum impacted research skills. Students evaluated their skills using a 22-question survey and reported significant improvements from baseline in 8 of the 11 research skills. A future investigation should examine whether increased research involvement among master's level RDNs continues after graduation.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Topics in Clinical Nutrition

Volume

35

Issue

3

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Arts, Jennifer, Chelsea Paulin, Ingrid E. E. Lofgren, Barbara Woodland, and Catherine English. "Evaluation of Dietetic Interns' Research Skills in an Online, Non-Thesis Master's Program." Topics in Clinical Nutrition 35, 3 (2020): 277-284. doi: 10.1097/TIN.0000000000000209.