Jillian Finney, a resident of Cainsville, Missouri, is graduating this spring from Northwest Missouri State University’s master’s in nutrition program and dietetics internship after shifting her career path during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an April 22 announcement.
Finney’s decision to pursue dietetics came after her experiences working in a nursing home led her to reconsider nursing. She said the field of dietetics appealed to her because it combined her interests in health, wellness, and food. “It immediately caught my interest,” Finney said. “It was a combination of my interests in health, wellness and food. I have always been intrigued by the concept of food as medicine.”
Northwest’s didactic program in dietetics is one of four certified by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics within Missouri. The university reports completion and job placement rates of 100 percent for its undergraduate students entering internships or employment related to food and nutrition fields.
Kelli Wilmes, instructor of nutrition and dietetics at Northwest who directs the didactic program, said: “Our dietetic program provides a great foundation of nutrition knowledge. Students are able to get hands-on, professional-based learning in many of their degree-specific courses. The dietetic degree allows students to be well prepared for futures in the foods and nutrition field and other pre-professional programs.” Finney described how practical experience tied coursework with real-life applications through rotations with organizations such as Second Harvest Community Food Bank, St. Joseph School District, University of Missouri Extension, YMCA, and WIC.
“It allowed me to see the wide range of responsibilities a dietitian can have in a food service setting,” she said about these rotations. She also participated in projects like taste tests and educational handouts for community nutrition initiatives.
Anderson said: “It prepares her because in interviews or any kind of job setting where she has to wear multiple hats, she’s ready to do that… We have a great pool of preceptors that support our interns because we’re all in it for the same thing; we want them to be successful.” Finney added: “The internship is a great way to learn from other experienced dietitians or those working in health and wellness… I am grateful to be able to put my knowledge into practice as I learned under professions in the dietetics field.”
Northwest Missouri State University enrolls over 8,500 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 according to its official website. The university offers athletic facilities such as Bearcat Arena according to its official website and promotes engagement through more than 150 clubs that enhance cultural experiences according to its official website. It has achieved national rankings with award-winning faculty members according to its official website, aiming for nationally recognized education paired with practical experience according to its official website.
