UA Students Accepted into Dietetics Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A select group of students at The University of Alabama have been accepted into the Coordinated Program in Dietetics in the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences.

UA has one of 51 Coordinated Programs in Dietetics in the nation and the only one in the state of Alabama.

The students and their hometowns include:

Decatur – Jennifer L. Dutton, a graduate of West Morgan High School

Opp – Molly Benton Grimes, a graduate of Opp High School

Carrollton – Candice Parker Brownlee, a graduate of Gordo High School

Mobile – Brittany Leigh Evans, a graduate of Cottage Hill Christian Academy

Demopolis – Leanna Taylor, a graduate of Demopolis Academy

Jackson, Tenn. – Kathryn Henry, a graduate of the University School of Jackson

Panama City, Fla. – Katherine-Alice Werner, a graduate of A. Crawford Mosley High School

Haleyville – Joy Taylor, a graduate of Haleyville High School

Birmingham – Ginny Cornelius, a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School, and Grace Fuller, a graduate of Oak Mountain High School

Winchester, Tenn. – Rachel Balazs, a graduate of Franklin County High School

Baton Rouge, La. – Renee Puyau, a graduate of Episcopal High School

Tuscaloosa – Lindsay C. Ball

Huntsville – Margaret Camille Caprio, a graduate of Huntsville High School

Enterprise – Amber Fessler, a graduate of Enterprise High School

Greenville – Ashley Marie Branum, a graduate of Fort Dale

Stevenson – Haley Colvin, a graduate of North Jackson High School

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, and provides an integrated curriculum of courses in nutrition, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, food science, foodservice systems management, and business in addition to a minimum of 900 hours of internship in health care facilities and community agencies.

Upon completing the baccalaureate degree, graduates are eligible for active membership in the American Dietetic Association and are eligible to write the national registration examination that is required to become a Registered Dietitian.

Admission into UA’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics is highly competitive. Cumulative grade point average, a comprehensive examination based on material covered in prerequisite courses, and letters of recommendation are considered in the admissions process.

Health, nutrition and fitness have become primary interests for children and adults. People want to feel good and live healthy lives. Eating right for a healthier lifestyle and learning about good nutrition are top priorities in school, work and play, and people are eager to learn more. These changes mean increased opportunities for professionals in dietetics careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians is experiencing growth because of increased emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition.