Cutting Edge Course for Kansas State University Students


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Submitted by admin on Tue, 2008-08-19 10:24

Healthy Kids Challenge Develops Cutting Edge Course for Kansas State University Students Thanks to a Grant from Sunflower Foundation

Dighton, KS. – August 14, 2007 - Healthy Kids Challenge has been provided a grant from the Topeka-based Sunflower Foundation: Health Care for Kansans. The $44,000 grant to Healthy Kids Challenge, a Kansas-based nonprofit focusing on healthy eating and physical activity solutions, is to develop and launch a new, innovative online course for seniors in the Coordinated Undergraduate Dietetics Program at Kansas State University. This grant project, and HKC is led by Vickie L. James, RD, LD, a KSU alum, and graduate of the dietetics program herself.

Why is This Important?

  • Recent testimony from the Association of State & Territorial Public Health Nutrition Directors to the Future Practice and Education Task Force of the American Dietetic Association, the following statement: For entry-level dietitians, additional skills will be needed. “We expect an explosion of community-based interventions in the future.”
  • New graduates in dietetics show a growing interest in community practice but indicate limited knowledge and skill development at the entry level.

WHAT: Communication Competencies in Dietetics Practice
WHEN: Begins Fall semester, August 2007
WHERE: Course is being taught through K-State Online
WHO: Seniors in dietetics will take a 1 credit hour course with a 30 hour practicum

Roni Schwartz, MBA, RD, LD, Course Instructor and Director of the Coordinated Undergraduate Program states, “The new course will teach students how to develop and present effective messages of health and wellness to specific community audiences, from school children to senior citizens, teens, and more.”

According to HRIMD Department Head, Dr. Deborah Canter, PhD, RD, LD, “I’m convinced the inclusion of this course and practicum will place dietetics graduates at Kansas State University in the lead in promoting health and wellness across the state of Kansas and beyond.”