Clinical Nutrition Training Through Simulation

For the past two decades, faculty in Sargent’s Nutrition programs have used simulation and observation as a way to bridge the gap between the classroom and the clinical setting to fully prepare nutrition and dietetics students for clinical training during their dietetic internship. The nutrition field is a dynamic, evolving profession, and as the competencies required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) have broadened, and the need for hands on training is greater than ever.

Sargent College’s new Simulation Center enables high level training, utilizing test patients and manikins, in an authentic setting. These functional acute care hospital rooms, located on the third floor of Sargent College, provide a dynamic learning environment for our students to practice nutrition assessment skills, receive real-time feedback, and grow in confidence.

Students enrolled in SAR HS 486 and SAR HS 586 Applied Clinical Nutrition as well as SAR HS 779 Advanced Clinical Nutrition, receive training in our state-of-the-art Center for Simulated Clinical Experience under the direction of Professor Sara O’Brien, an advanced practice registered dietitian (AP-RD) with expertise in Nutrition Focused Physical Assessment, malnutrition diagnosis, nutrition support, and critical care.