Evaluation of Program Learning Outcomes in the Clinical Nutrition Curriculum

Abstract

Background: Assessing Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) ensures academic curricula align with competencies needed for professional success, particularly in health fields. This study aims to evaluate the PLOs of the Clinical Nutrition (CLN) program at Jazan University. A mixed-method approach was adopted to assess PLOs validity, reliability, and achievement. Further, content and construct validity were assessed with Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) respectively. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and aggregates were calculated for 2024 academic cohort examination scores to evaluate PLOs achievement. CVR of the 11 PLOs ranged from 0.5 to 0.9, indicating a strong alignment with educational objectives. EFA yielded a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value 0.92, affirming the construct validity. The Cronbach’s alpha 0.799, confirmed internal consistency among the PLOs. Aggregates of examination scores showed high achievement (more than 85%) in all PLOs except S4 and S5 from skills domain. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of robust assessment practices in higher education programs, demonstrating that CLN program PLOs effectively guide student learning and align with accreditation standards. Continuous evaluation and refinement of these outcomes are essential to maintain educational quality and ensure graduates are well-equipped for professional challenges in the health sector.