The phrase "you are what you eat" is commonplace, but to the select few who pursue a career as dieticians, it is the foundation upon which they work. So how do you join their ranks ... and maybe pin on a military rank while at it?
The Graduate Program of Nutrition (GPN) is a 20-month long program in which individuals with an undergraduate degree in nutrition can get a Masters degree through the Army's partnership with Baylor University, made possible by the U.S. Military Dietetic Internship. Prior to 2010, the GPN was only open to Army students, but has since added Air Force students. In return for the schooling and degree, the newly commissioned officers must serve at least an additional four years on active duty.
"I was looking for a graduate degree and evaluating all sorts of programs," 1st Lt. Kimberly Feeney explained. "This was the best one by far."
Feeney's connection to the military was already cemented through friends and family, who had served or are serving, including her father, though he ended his service soon after she was born. So she entered the program in the fall of 2009, and, after completing an Officer Leadership Course, was directly commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army.
After completing her first year of classes at the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Feeney was moved to Madigan Healthcare System at Joint Base-Lewis McChord to begin her work as a dietician intern.
Part of her time at Madigan included conducting and completing a research study. Feeney studied the effects of Ranger School on body composition, bone mineral density and physical performance. "All of the Madigan departments were all very accommodating, and the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment (was) so eager to help," Feeney said. "It was a good experience."
Prior to the GPN graduation, students must give presentations about their personal research projects. GPN faculty selected Feeney's as the best, earning her the 2011 US Military-Baylor GPN Research Award. As a result, she was also awarded an Army Achievement Medal.
Upon graduation from the GPN this past September and the receipt of her Master of Science Degree in Nutrition from Baylor University, Feeney relocated to Fort Hood, Texas, where she is now stationed and working at Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center. After taking her credentials exam later this month, she will begin seeing patients as a registered military dietician. She also is working on getting her acclaimed research results published in a professional journal.
To apply for the GPN, applicants must have graduated from a didactic program in dietetics from an accredited university; have a signed verification form from the director of a didactic program in dietetics; have a current GRE score of at least 1000 with a minimum GRE analytical writing score of 3.5; have an overall minimum 3.0 GPA; be a U.S. citizen and pass a security investigation; meet medical and physical fitness standards; and meet service-specific age requirements. It is recommended that potential students apply for the GPN during their undergraduate junior year.
For more information about the program or to apply, visit www.baylor.edu/graduate/nutrition/index.php?id=68077.
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