NSU Nutritional Science program answers call for nutrition healthcare

$400,000 state-of-the-art food lab, immersive learning opportunities highlight experience

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma)--With a new $400,000 state-of the-art food lab and hands-on learning experiences, Northeastern State Universitys Nutritional Sciences program aims to fill the ever growing field of nutrition healthcare with students from its top-notch program.

The Opportunities. The Nutritional Sciences program offers two degrees at this time: Allied Health and Dietetics. The Allied Health option allows students to utilize this bachelor degree to meet prerequisites for a variety of health professional programs, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiologic therapy, dental hygiene and physician assistant. The Didactic Program in Dietetics prepares students to become a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, the nutrition experts in healthcare and a profession projected to grow by 21 percent in the next 10 years.

The Nutritional Sciences minor complements many majors being a strong addition for students interested in health fields, nutrition and food studies. The minor provides students with a foundation of knowledge in nutritional sciences, food studies, food systems and population health. Students in this minor examine food and nutrition practices and policies that affect sustainable diets and long-term health.

New Lab. The Nutritional program options utilize the new $400,000 Nutritional Food Lab that opened in 2016 on the Tahlequah campus. The lab is set up for distance learning with the ability to conduct class through interactive television learning (ITV) classrooms.

The food lab is a state-of-the-art, commercial grade, food laboratory, used to teach food science and food systems management courses, Dr. Cassandra Crawford-Ciglar, associate professor of Nutritional Sciences, said.

The relocation of the Nutritional Sciences Program to the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions building this past year opens a new chapter in the school's mission of serving the community through scholarly activities and immersive learning experiences supported with top-tier technology resources. Students learn quantity food preparation skills using commercial grade equipment and take those practical application skills into internships post-graduation.

Immersive Learning. In addition to learning experiences such as grocery store nutrition tours and elementary school visits, the Nutritional Science program has added another new hands-on opportunity.

According to Crawford-Ciglar, Nutrition Coach and Counseling Services, will be a value added service to benefit students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community beginning in spring 2017. College is an important transitional time for students. It presents a wonderful opportunity to cultivate food preferences and lifestyle practices to promote a lifetime of health and well-being, however, navigating the sea of overwhelming food choices and constant social pressures can be very challenging. The NSU Nutrition Coaching and Counseling Services will provide students with the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate those choices and meet their health goals. The fee-for-service program will be available to all NSU faculty, staff, students, alumni and the members of the surrounding community of Northeastern State University.

For more information, please contact Crawford-Ciglar at crawfo27@nsuok.edu.