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Due to inclement weather, the University of Southern Indiana campus will be closed, and all in-person classes, activities and on-campus events are canceled beginning at noon Saturday, January 24 and continuing through Sunday, January 25. Online classes will continue asynchronously unless students are notified by their professor. Essential personnel only should report to work. If you are unsure of your status, contact your supervisor. More information and updates at USI.edu/emergency. 

Last updated: January 24, 2026 11:18 AM

For students interested in completing the NUTR 420 course, please submit a completed application and student profile to Ms. Jamie Baker in HP 3050 or via email to jrbaker1@usi.edu.

NUTR 420 Application and Student Profile

NUTR 420 Handbook

Application Deadlines:

Applications and student forms must be completed, with an appointment scheduled with the Food and Nutrition Practicum Director no later than

  • March 1 for the Summer Semester Practicum
  • May 1 for the Fall Semester Practicum
  • October 1 for the Spring Semester Practicum

The Food and Nutrition Program in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions requires that students completing NUTR 420 practicums meet minimum training and profile requirements prior to starting a practicum. Student documentation and background checks will be managed by a KCNHP designated program and some expenses will apply.

Note: Some sites may require students to complete additional requirements as determined by that facility.

USI Food and Nutrition NUTR 420 Minimum Training and Profile Requirements:
  • GPA of 2.85 - at time of application
  • NUTR 285, 376, and 382; or accepted into the Certificate of Restaurant Management program
  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
  • Background check - completed by KCNHP designated program within the last 12 months
  • HIPAA training, Confidentiality Statement, and Workforce Member Review of HIPAA policies - completed within the last 12 months
  • OSHA training - completed within the last 12 months and renewed annually
  • Flu Vaccine - completed during current flu season
  • CPR training - completed through KCNHP designated organization
  • Medical History and Physical Exam – completed using USI forms and within the last 12 months

The following tests/vaccinations must follow USI Infection control policy and procedures:

  • Tdap
  • Tuberculosis
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR

USI's Practicum in Food, Nutrition and Wellness is an exceptional way to kick-start a career in the field of Food, Nutrition and Wellness as it provides students with the opportunity to work side by side with professionals in the field.

A practicum is a course of study that is specifically designed for students to actively apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom in a real-world setting.

NUTR 420 has given numerous students the opportunity to work in their field of interest, including, but not limited to, hospitals, food service operations, community settings, and fitness facilities. USI's practicum program allows each student to customize his or her experience beginning with:

  1. Working one-on-one with faculty to select the site of the practicum.
  2. Tailoring the length of the practicum from a minimum of 50 hours to a maximum of 300 hours.
  3. Establishing goals to achieve during the practicum.

Participating in a practicum provides USI students an opportunity to set themselves apart from other students. Some specific benefits from completing a practicum include:

  • Gaining relevant knowledge, skills, and expertise
  • Establishing connections in their future field of work
  • Receiving invaluable professional work experience
  • Building confidence and motivation
  • Providing a professional reference for work habits and ethics
  • Learning new skills
  • Procuring more responsibility and application of knowledge

USI is dedicated to enhancing its students' practicum experiences. Throughout this journey, students will be working side by side with the Food and Nutrition Practicum Director and the designated Preceptor.

"My NUTR 420 practicum was invaluable in that it allowed me to embrace an understanding of the complexities of nutrition care after weight loss surgery. I was able to witness firsthand the emotional and physical hurdles patients face while developing a deeper understanding of the nutrition care process by providing nutritional education and assisting with nutrition assessments and counseling. I was able to gain life experience while networking with professionals in my field." 

– Sylvia, USI Dietetics Graduate

Connect With
Food and Nutrition

Dr. Beth Young
Dr. Beth Young
(812) 228-5151