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Unit of study_

NTDT5604: Dietetics Professional Studies

This unit develops professional communication and organisation/management skills that will enable students to work effectively as dietitians. Dietitians work in varied environments - within private and government organisations, industry and in private practice; within teams and as sole practitioners. Interpersonal, individual and group communication, as well as professional, management, organisational and general business skills are required in all of these areas. This unit of study has two modules: business; and behavioural and social sciences, and cultural competence for effective communication. The first module includes the development of a business plan for a new dietetic business or service. The second module builds foundational knowledge and skills for medical nutrition therapy and health promotion that will be studied in semester 2. Common behavioural theories and behaviour change techniques applied in Nutrition and Dietetics will be explored. Students learn how to translate technical information into easily understood messages and advice and will demonstrate their ability to use these techniques in verbal and written communication and counselling with individuals, small groups and populations. The learning is facilitated by interactive lectures, tutorials and workshops and student presentations.

Code NTDT5604
Academic unit Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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NTDT5601 and (NTDT5602 or FMHU5001) and NTDT5503
Prohibitions:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the determinants of communication, including the impact of personal beliefs and styles.
  • LO2. Demonstrate socially and culturally appropriate communication skills in professional as well as individual client and group settings.
  • LO3. Understand and apply the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to guide Nutrition and Dietetics counselling and education.
  • LO4. Describe and apply behaviour change techniques (taxonomy) to guide Nutrition and Dietetics counselling and education.
  • LO5. Develop a business plan for a new dietetic business or service within an existing organisation that is compliant with all legal and ethical requirements.
  • LO6. Describe strategies businesses use to maintain and enhance performance e.g. marketing, risk management and quality improvement processes.
  • LO7. Understand the benefits of personal skill development in leadership and conflict resolution.