According to Students with Disabilities: An Institutional Policy (1997, p. 8), all candidates for degrees at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston must be able to perform the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations:
- Observation (to include the various sensory modalities) - accurately observe close at hand and at a distance to gather data and learn skills.
- Communication - communicate effectively and efficiently; process and comprehend written material.
- Psychomotor Skills - execute the various tasks and physical maneuvers that are required within each program.
- Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities - measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, integrate, remember and apply information; comprehend three-dimensional relationships; and understand the spatial relationships of structures.
Creative problem-solving and clinical reasoning require all of these intellectual abilities.
- Professional and Social Attributes - exercise good judgment and promptly complete all responsibilities required of each program; develop mature, sensitive, and effective professional relationships with others; tolerate taxing
workloads; function effectively under stress; adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; and function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities. Concern for others, interpersonal competence and motivation are requisite for all programs.
- Ethical Standards - demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors; perform in an ethical manner in dealings with others. All programs require personal integrity and the adherence to standards that reflect the values and functions
of the profession. Many programs also require the honoring of codes of ethics
In addition, students in the Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program will need to perform the following essential cognitive, affective, and psychomotor functions, with or without reasonable accommodations:
- Process, retain, and integrate information from the following types of sources: oral delivery by instructor(s) or student(s); blackboard data and diagrams; printed material (handouts, journals, manuals, books, medical records, computer); overhead
transparencies; slides; film and video segments; audio recordings; live demonstrations; one to one and group interactions in the classroom or clinic; lab specimens, instruments, equipment, and machinery; observation, movement, or manipulation
of others' bodies; evaluation and treatment tools; and therapeutic activities.
- Complete coursework that may require: independent mobility to various locations on and off campus; individual, partnered, or group efforts; following written or oral instructions; recording personal opinions, knowledge, or ratings; verbalizing personal
thoughts, feelings, and opinions; instructing others; presenting oral reports; facilitating group discussions; role playing; manipulating, lifting, and carrying evaluation and treatment materials; managing time effectively; close physical contact
with others in simulated and clinical activities; exposure to hazardous materials and body fluids; and working with individuals with infectious diseases and terminal illnesses.
- Take and pass scheduled and pop quizzes, exams, and lab practicals in a variety of formats.
- Interact with others in a professional manner as defined in the Student Responsibilities and Professional Development Process.
- Perform in an ethical manner as described outlined by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Code of Ethics and the UTMB's Professional Charter.
During the Master of Science and Dietetic Internship program, the student may be required to attend a supervised practice site or campus event during the weekend or evening hours. Required supervised practice experiences may also involve the student driving
to surrounding cities, so having a reliable mode of transportation is essential.
During the program, the student will develop the ability to perform the following, but not limited to, essential functions required of novice practitioners:
- Practice in compliance with current federal regulations and state statutes and rules, as applicable, and in accordance with accreditation standards and the Scope of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Standards of Practice, Standards
of Professional Performance, and Code of Ethics for the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics. (CRDN 2.1)
- Function as a member of interprofessional teams and actively participate and contribute to group settings, (CRDN 2.3, CRDN 2.4)
- Actively contribute to nutrition and dietetics professional and community organizations. (CRDN 2.9)
- Show cultural humility in interactions with colleagues, staff, clients, patients, and the public. (CRDN 2.11)
- Perform Medical Nutrition Therapy by utilizing the Nutrition Care Process including use of standardized nutrition terminology as a part of the clinical workflow elements for individuals, groups and populations of differing ages and health status,
in a variety of settings and conduct nutrition-focused physical exams. (CRDN 3.1; CRDN 3.2)
- Demonstrate effective communication and documentation skills for clinical and client services in a variety of formats and settings, which include telehealth and other information technologies and digital media. (CRDN 3.7)
- Conduct clinical and client service quality management activities (such as quality improvement or quality assurance projects). (CRDN 4.3)
- Apply current information technologies to develop, manage and disseminate nutrition information and data. (CRDN 4.4)
- Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals. (CRDN 5.2)
- For more essential functions and required program competencies, please visit the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics website.