FAQ

Why complete supervised practice at UW Hospitals and Clinics?

  • Education at its finest
    The UW Integrated Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is collaborated with the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, bringing quality practice and advanced knowledge to provide a platform for the best future nutrition practices.
  • Highly trained preceptors
    The majority of clinical preceptors are Masters or PhD prepared! UW Health provides the best in patient- and family-centered systems approach in treatment and education. Majority of learning is one on one. One student to one preceptor provides patient comfort and individualized learning.
  • Academic health care
    UW Health represents the academic health care entities of UW Hospitals and Clinics and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Our health care professionals are at the forefront of research, developing new treatments and training the next generation, and nutrition is no exception.
  • Variety of medical specialties
    U.S. News & World Report magazine has named UW Hospitals and Clinics the top hospital in Wisconsin for 12 consecutive years. In addition to the No. 1 ranking in Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin Hospitals had three medical and surgical specialties ranked among the best in the nation: ear, nose and throat, obstetrics and gynecology and orthopedics. Obstetrics and gynecology was ranked among the top 10 in the nation, tied at No. 9. The magazine also named UW a high-performing hospital in cancer, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, geriatrics, neurology and neurosurgery pulmonary and lung surgery and urology.
  • Informatics and continued learning
    With an integrated suite of applications, the electronic medical record helps UW Health faculty and staff provide better, safer and more consistent care and more personalized service to patients. Accessing quality, science-based information is at students’ fingertips. The UW Health Intranet offers immediate access to valuable resources including searches for scientific, peer-reviewed articles, UW-Madison libraries and related instructional sessions, UW Health Academy resources (e.g., addressing quality improvement, leadership, communication) and much more. The Clinical Nutrition Department provides access to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Adult and Pediatric Nutrition Care Manuals.

How can I arrange a visit to UW Hospitals and Clinics?

Visitation is limited to the areas of conference rooms and food systems in order to maintain patient privacy. View posted webinars as they are made available. If you have questions yet unanswered, please email dietintern@uwhealth.org or call (608) 890-5297.

Is there anything I can do to earn extra money during the program?

Yes, you may earn hourly wages by working in the role of a Special Project Assistant on weekends or evenings. You will learn about these options after you match with the program. Work hours may not overlap planned activities or scheduled SEL experiences.

What is the dress code?

You must wear footwear that is comfortable and quiet. During the food systems experiences, wear sneakers and casual clothes that can easily be washed. All other rotations require professional attire.

Will I need transportation?

Yes. Students will receive a bus pass for Madison Metro. However, please note that while Madison Metro public transportation can be used to get and from to most practice sites, transportation is necessary for several rotations. Parking is limited on campus and requires application and payment. Some rotations are off-site and might require transportation outside of the Madison Metro service area. These distances are within a 60-minute drive. Costs of transportation will vary by student choice.

Are there any additional items not previously listed that I might wish to purchase?

Lab coats may be borrowed at no cost.

What if I need an assessment of prior learning?

Prior learning

  • Prior work experience or graduate course work can be assessed or credited toward the program requirements for </=300 hours.
  • All tuition and fees for the program will remain the same regardless of prior learning credit awarded.
  • Eligible prior learning includes, but is not limited to, pertinent work responsibilities, community partnership activities, international medical missions, employer or armed service training, and approved self-study.
  • Students requesting a review of prior work experience need to request an assessment of prior learning by submitting a “Prior Learning Portfolio” at least two months prior to the start of the UW IGPND program.
    • Materials required include:
      • Completed ACEND Learning Objectives & Competencies Matrix.
      • Documentation to support that each competency was met (i.e. job description, performance review, samples of projects, reports, presentations, and professional practice that demonstrates advance knowledge and skill in dietetics, etc.).
      • Letter from immediate supervisor with original signature verifying experience.
      • $50 evaluation fee (checks should be made out to: UW Health Integrated Graduate Program).
      • Send completed portfolio to: UW Integrated Graduate Program Nutrition and Dietetics: 600 Highland Ave., F4/120 Madison, WI 53792-1510.