We are glad you’re here! Our Master of Science program with a concentration in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics provides over 1,000 graduate-level supervised experiential learning hours to each student to assure their readiness for the workforce. You, our outstanding preceptors in clinical, community, and management, make this in-depth training possible. Approximately 60-85 preceptors in healthcare facilities, practices, and a variety of other settings throughout the greater Knoxville area supervise our students each year.

Why precept UT Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Students?

• They come to you prepared, engaged, and ready to learn.
• The program is clinically focused, so they are well prepared particularly in this area.
• A proportion of graduates stay locally each year and are potential future colleagues.
• Of program graduates who have taken the RDN credentialing exam, 100% have passed within one year of first attempt, far exceeding the national average.

How do I get started?

• Complete the relevant online program orientation module(s) (ACEND requirement). These are available to review at any time and will be updated as needed as ACEND standards or program details change. All faculty and preceptors must complete the general orientation/program overview module. Preceptors must additionally complete modules specific to their practice area once they are made available. Preceptors will be notified of critical orientation updates as they are posted.
  • General orientation/program overview: select recording – General orientation/program overview slides
  • Clinical preceptor orientation – NUTR 516, 526, 527 (coming soon)
  • Community preceptor orientation – NUTR 513, 514 (coming soon)
  • Management preceptor orientation – NUTR 530 (coming soon)
  • References for Orientation/Training Modules:
    • Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Future Education Model Standards and Templates. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accreditation-standards-fees-and-policies/future-education-model-standards-and-templates
    • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://catalog.utk.edu/index.php
    • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Department of Nutrition. Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://cehhs.utk.edu/nutrition/graduate-programs/ms-in-nutrition/clinical-nutrition/

• Complete optional training focused on recognition of bias in self and others to reduce microaggression and discrimination. Available resources:
  • UTK’s Teaching & Learning Innovation offers an Inclusive Teaching resource page that has links to numerous resources.
  • LinkedIn Learning Courses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Interactions That Make a Difference (ITMD) workshop offered for new faculty and staff as well as graduate students periodically in the UTK Department of Nutrition.
  • Recorded ACEND webinar: Empowering Dietetics Students Navigating Microaggressions & Advocacy in Academic Settings and other training resources from ACEND.

• Complete and submit the survey and current CV or resume. Updated CVs or resumes are requested every 3 years.

What are the benefits?

• Play a key role in developing the next generation of nutrition and dietetics professionals.
• Have the opportunity to participate in the classroom as a guest lecturer.
• Earn continuing professional education hours to maintain your RDN credential. Earn up to 3 hours annually and up to 15 hours for each 5-year reporting period by submitting the Preceptor Confirmation and Self-Reflection Form to the Program Director. For RDNs/RDs, the CPE activity application for “ACEND-accredited Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP) General Training for Faculty and Preceptors at UTK” is pending CDR review and approval for 1 CPEU. Additional training will also be submitted for CDR approval as they are developed.
• Access UT library resources such as current journals through a department-sponsored Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT) account, eligible for annual renewal as long as you continue to serve as a preceptor.

What are the responsibilities?

• Coordinate with the Program Director to develop/update a description and details about the supervised practice experience with which students will engage.
• Coordinate with the Program Director to provide/develop/update course readings and assignments to prepare students specifically for the experience.
• Communicate with the Program Director regarding student performance.
• Beginning in spring 2025, the program will use the new Competency platform to track student hours and performance using evaluation rubrics. Assignments and performance contribute to their course grade.