Graduation Term

2021

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Committee Chair

Julie Schumacher

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the educational advantages real patients can offer dietetic students in nutrition counseling training. In addition, this study observed the impact of training with real patients on dietetic students' nutrition counseling confidence. Six dietetic students were purposefully selected to participate in semi-structured individual interviews. Students expressed their opinions and experiences regarding their nutrition counseling training sessions with both simulated and real patients. Each interview was audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Using a grounded theory approach, key themes were identified from the data. Findings from this study indicated that practicing nutrition counseling with real patients can help dietetic students develop confidence and professional skills that are crucial to the dietetics field. Incorporating both simulated and real nutrition counseling experience into dietetics curriculum can provide students with well-rounded opportunities for professional growth.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2021.20210719070603176989.70

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Included in

Nutrition Commons

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