Practicum Option

Our forward-looking curriculum blends research, theory and practice in nutrition communication, providing you with the advanced skills and knowledge that can only come from a master’s education.

You’ll spend the first two terms learning in the classroom, then go on to the practicum courses during the third and fourth terms.

As a student in the practicum option, you must:

Take seven required courses:

• NC8104A/B Dietetic Practice Seminar A flexible, application-focused approach engages students in self-reflection and self-development practices to support their growth as dietetic professionals. Students create and implement professional development plans and apply pathophysiology and nutrition knowledge to create evidence-based nutrition care plans in case studies and clinical simulations. Communication projects enhance inclusive, accessible communication skills and utilize principles of universal instructional design. Pass/Fail. 1 Credit

• NC8101 Appraising Scientific Evidence Emphasis will be placed on understanding how to evaluate and interpret research to make informed judgements regarding complex nutrition issues.  Students will learn to interpret the tools used by scientists to measure the impact of interventions and scientific outcomes from a variety of research approaches and study designs. Students will learn how to synthesize knowledge and formulate an evidence-based position on a complex nutrition issue by conducting a systematic literature review. 1 Credit

• NC8102 Individual Health Behavior This course explores theories and constructs related to health behaviour, behavioural determinants, and behavioural change in individuals. Students will develop an understanding of biological and psychosocial processes that support or impede an individual’s health and effective communication tools that promote health. Students will engage in workshops, discussions, activities, and simulations, designed to increase their readiness for dietetic competency attainment in their practicums. 1 Credit

• NC8103 Nutrition Communication Strategies Principles and strategies for adult education, online, and social media communication are examined and applied.  Evidence and strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of online communication for health promotion are critiqued. A flexible learning approach enables students to apply communication best practices using varied channels and vehicles.   Media training workshops enhance students’ skills and engage them in formulating key messages, simulations, and offering constructive peer feedback. 1 Credit

• NC8201 Food and Nutrition Policy This course provides an overview of contemporary food and nutrition policy issues and debates. The policy development process and roles and perspectives of multiple stakeholders are explored through examinations of current policy issues. Students will develop their ability to critically examine and communicate policy issues and debates to stakeholders as food and nutrition subject matter experts. 1 Credit

• NC8209 Knowledge Translation This course aims to increase students’ understanding of the principles of knowledge translation. Emphasis will be placed on critical appraisal of studies including systematic literature reviews and clinical practice guidelines; and synthesis, interpretation, and communication of research results to public and professional audiences. 1 Credit

• NC8300 Population Health Promotion This course provides students with opportunities to meet all population and public health competencies. Students will explore diverse dietetics roles and responsibilities in population health settings through guest speakers, assignments and an immersive community engagement capstone project. In groups, students will conduct a needs assessment, develop a nutrition focused plan, implement and evaluate their plan with the overarching goal of promoting the nutritional health of a group, community or population. 1 Credit 

And complete two practicum placements:

• NC8301 Practicum I This course provides students with experiential opportunities to demonstrate progressive learning as per the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice. A one-week orientation prepares students for full-time placements in external organizations. Additional workshops use case-based learning, simulations, online modules, to engage students in discussions that are designed to integrate learning, identify strategies to resolve problems, and demonstrate a collegial approach to professional practice.

• NC8302 Practicum II This course provides students with experiential opportunities to demonstrate progressive learning as per the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice. A one-week orientation prepares students for full-time placements in external organizations. Additional workshops use case-based learning, simulations, online modules, to engage students in discussions to integrate learning, identify strategies to resolve problems, and demonstrate a collegial approach to professional practice.

Our practicum option is offered on a full-time basis only. Part-time study is not available.

The accredited practicum (option 1) consists of four terms of study. 

You'll take courses in the first and second term. Courses will be scheduled during the day on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on course-related work, in addition to time spent completing assignments.

During semesters 3 and 4 you will attend practicum rotations at external locations 35 to 40 hours each week.

You must be able to travel and/or temporarily relocate if necessary to complete practicum rotations.

During the practicum component, expect to spend 35 to 40 hours per week learning in various dietetic practice environments, and eight or more hours per week on assignments.

The MHSc program is demanding. While it may be possible to work limited hours during your first two terms, it is not possible to work during your practicum placements.

Our program structure is as follows:

Our practicum coordinator works closely with each student to identify your interests and constructs an individualized set of practicum rotations that will:

• Meet your needs
• Enable you to explore and expand your interests
• Ensure that you have well-rounded practical training
• Provide opportunities for growth and development
• Ensure that you have multiple opportunities to progress towards 'competent' status for every Integrated Competency for Dietetic Education and Practice (ICDEP)
  

Working together, we will construct a set of practicum experiences that will enable you to build your confidence, hone your skills, apply your knowledge and expand your practice horizons while demonstrating progressive levels of competence as per the required competencies.

At Toronto Metropolitan University, our goal is to provide graduates with well-rounded practicum experiences that prepare them for successful careers in a diverse array of settings.  This means that you will be required to participate in a variety of practicum rotations in different dietetic practice environments. There are a number of outstanding practicum opportunities available outside the GTA and you may be required to travel within and/or outside the GTA to take part in practicum rotations.   

While we take students’ interests into account when planning rotations, the opportunities available from year to year vary based on circumstances beyond our control.  Our primary responsibility is to build individualized practicum experiences that, taken together, provide each student with progressive opportunities to achieve the dietetic competencies required to qualify to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam.  As a result, all of our students must be flexible and open to new experiences - you will not get to choose all of your rotations.  We cannot guarantee you specific rotations. We are committed to providing students with outstanding practicum experiences and support.  In return, we expect students to be open to new opportunities, willing to accept challenges and step outside their comfort zone to achieve the phenomenal professional growth that is possible through the practicum experience.

Opportunities outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

For students who reside outside the GTA or the province, we are happy to pursue practicum rotations in your home town or province. We are committed to meeting every student's needs.