online phd in clinical nutrition

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition

Home » Academics » Nutrition » Doctor of Clinical Nutrition

Program Description

Admission requirements, learning outcomes, program format & schedule, tuition & fees, related programs, licensure, certification, & credentialing, career opportunities, upcoming webinars, program administration.

The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) program explores the principles and practice of functional nutrition to develop the next generation of leaders in the field. Functional nutritionists evaluate biological, environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors to address each individual’s unique health goals and needs. Students build the skills and knowledge to provide advanced nutrition care that incorporates personalized, evidence-informed plans. Research skills are emphasized, and students prepare publishable case report manuscripts.The program can be completed entirely online in 8-10 trimesters, depending on the start date:

• Fall Start Date: 8 trimesters
• Spring Start Date: 10 trimesters
• Summer Start Date: 9 trimesters

Eligible applicants include those with certain master’s degrees and RD/RDNs with a bachelor’s degree (details below).

Your journey starts here. Programs now enrolling for Summer & Fall 2024.

The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program is designed for nutritionists, registered dietitians, other clinicians, educators, and researchers, who seek the high-level knowledge and skills to work in cutting-edge private practice or integrative medicine settings and contribute to the advancement of functional nutrition as a core discipline in healthcare. The program is open to individuals who hold specific master’s degrees (details below) and to registered dietitians (RDs)/registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) whose highest degree is a bachelor’s degree. RD/RDNs can enter the program without first earning a master’s degree.

Graduates are equipped with the tools they need to expand the types of clients and cases they work with, including individuals with complex clinical conditions. Graduates will hold the title doctor (Dr.), enhance their stature with clients and other healthcare professionals, and expand their job opportunities and career paths.

The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program is a professionally-oriented, clinical doctoral program designed to educate students in all aspects of functional nutrition. Functional nutrition uses a holistic, flexible, and personalized approach to address each individual’s unique health goals and needs. Functional nutritionists consider the root causes of symptoms, the relationship between environmental and lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, core biological functions and imbalances, and disease expression to inform clinical assessment and recommendations.

The program reinforces and builds on students’ existing skills and knowledge in research literacy, ethics, and foundational nutrition; provides specialized coursework in nutritional genomics, environmental health, nutrition-focused physical exam, and case report writing; and explores advanced functional nutrition care in gastrointestinal, immune, cardio-metabolic, neurological, energy metabolism, and endocrine health. The program culminates with either applied practice within a clinical setting or an advanced clinically-oriented project.

There are two entry pathways for this program:

• Master’s Degree/Doctoral Degree Pathway
• RD/RDN Bachelor’s Degree Pathway
• Master of Science or Doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field (including, but not limited to, Public Health, Health Science, Biochemistry, Nursing, and Physician’s Assistant). 
• Doctoral degree in clinical healthcare (including, but not limited to, DC, DDS, OD, Doctor of Nursing, ND, and PharmD). 

Degree must be from a degree-granting college or university  accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education , with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, or if a school uses a Pass/Fail system, passing grades in all coursework.

• Nutrition Science: 12 semester credit hours at the graduate level. Examples include courses in macronutrients, micronutrients, life cycle nutrition, and nutrition therapy.
• Biochemistry: 6 semester hours at the undergraduate or graduate level. 3 of these credits can be fulfilled by completing the Biochemistry course offered by Straighter Line .
• Physiology or Anatomy & Physiology: 3 semester hours at the undergraduate or graduate level. This requirement can also be fulfilled by completing the Anatomy & Physiology I AND Anatomy & Physiology II courses offered by StraighterLine .
• Clinical or Life Sciences: 12 semester hours at the undergraduate or graduate level. Examples include courses in biology, microbiology, epidemiology, biostatistics, botany, genetics, pathophysiology, and organic/inorganic chemistry. Three credits of research literacy may be applied toward the 12-credit requirement. Nutrition courses not used to meet the “Nutrition Science” requirement may be applied to the “Clinical or Life Sciences” requirements. Credits towards this requirement can also be fulfilled by completing the Introduction to Biology, Microbiology, and/or General Chemistry I courses offered by StraighterLine . 
• Behavioral Science: 3 semester hours at the undergraduate or graduate level. Examples include courses in psychology, motivational interviewing, and principles of health behavior/behavior change. This requirement can also be fulfilled by completing the Introduction to Psychology course offered by StraighterLine .

Coursework must be from a degree-granting college or university  accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. ENTRY PATHWAY 2: Program Specific Requirements for the Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) Bachelor’s Degree Pathway:  

• Bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the  Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)  with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, or if a school uses a Pass/Fail system, passing grades in all coursework
• Hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential issued by the  Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

Required Courses

This program consists of 44 credits of required courses.

• MUIH500 University-Wide New Student Orientation (0 cr)
• MUIH550 Academic Research & Scholarship (0 cr)
• NUTR705 DCN Orientation (0 cr)
• NUTR801 Principles of Integrative & Functional Nutrition (3 cr)
• NUTR802 Nutritional Approaches to Detoxification (3 cr)
• NUTR822 Epigenetics and Nutritional Genomics (3 cr)
• NUTR823 Ethics in Clinical Nutrition (1.5 cr)
• NUTR824 Research Literacy in Nutrition (3 cr)
• NUTR831 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease (3 cr)
• NUTR832 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Immune Health (3 cr)
• NUTR833 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Cardio-Metabolic Health (3 cr)
• NUTR834 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Neurological Health (3 cr)
• NUTR835 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Endocrine and Energy Health (3 cr)
• NUTR837 Integrative and Functional Nutrition for Complex Cases (3 cr)
• NUTR850 Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (1.5 cr)
• NUTR8EXI Nutrition DCN Comprehensive Exam (0 cr)
• RSCH811 Case Reports in Integrative Health (3 cr)
• RSCH850 Research Manuscript I (1 cr)
• RSCH851 Research Manuscript II (1 cr)

Choose one of the following for 3.0 credits:

• NUTR904 Advanced Nutrition Clinic I (3 cr)
• NUTR910 Advanced Nutrition Final Project I (3 cr)
• NUTR905 Advanced Nutrition Clinic II (3 cr)
• NUTR911 Advanced Nutrition Final Project II (3 cr)

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions are available in the Academic Catalog .

Advanced Standing for Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioners

Individuals who are Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioners are eligible for 3 credits of advanced standing and will only need to complete 41 credits of coursework at MUIH. Such students are exempt from taking NUTR801 (3 cr). Advanced standing recognizes students’ certified learning in nutrition at the doctoral level. Advanced standing reduces credits, costs, and time to program completion for IFM Certified Practitioners.

To receive advanced standing, students MUST submit official documentation of their IFM certification BEFORE starting their first class at MUIH. Such documentation is only required to receive advanced standing; it is not required for admission into the program.

Students who complete the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program will be able to:

• Apply principles of integrative and functional nutrition to provide advanced nutrition care in the areas of gastrointestinal, immune, cardio-metabolic, neurological, nutritional genomics, energy metabolism, and endocrine health.
• Evaluate data from the client history, diet history, nutrition-focused physical examination, lifestyle, anthropometrics, genomics, environmental impacts, and laboratory findings to provide a comprehensive client assessment.
• Synthesize didactic and clinical knowledge and skills and translate this into personalized nutrition care plans.
• Apply principles of research methodology, bioethics, academic journal writing, and case studies in practice and research settings.
• Promote nutrition and lifestyle interventions for disease prevention and health optimization as part of a collaborative healthcare team.

Program Format

This program is offered in the online format.  Click here  to view MUIH’s definition of online, hybrid, and on-campus course and program formats.

The program includes 1-2 weekends where you may be expected to participate in a synchronous (real-time) online classroom.

Program Schedule

For trimester start and end dates, see the  Academic Calendar .

The program can be completed in 8-10 trimesters, depending on students’ start date.

There is a unique schedule of classes for each start date.

For students who start the program in the Fall trimester:

Trimester 1

• NUTR700 DCN Orientation (0 cr)
• MUIH500 University-Wide New Student Orientation (0 cr) 

Trimester 2

Trimester 3

Trimester 4

Trimester 5

Trimester 6

• NUTR837 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Complex Cases (3 cr)

Trimester 7

• NUTR904 Advanced Nutrition Clinic I (3 cr) OR
• RSCH850 Research Manuscript I (1cr)

Trimester 8

• NUTR905 Advanced Nutrition Clinic II (3 cr) OR

For students who start the program in the Spring trimester:

Trimester 9

Trimester 10

For students who start the program in the Summer trimester:

*Prices subject to change. Tuition costs are for illustrative purposes only.

Additional Fees

• Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Culinary Health and Healing
• Post-Masters Certificate in Nutrition & Integrative Health

Licensing requirements for nutritionists vary by state. Students are advised to check and stay apprised of the educational requirements for professional licensure in their state. To learn the most up-to-date laws and regulations, please refer to each state’s board of nutrition/dietetic practice. In addition, the American Nutrition Association provides a summary of nutrition licensing laws in each state; students are advised to read the entire state law for full detail.

The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) administers the advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners: Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). Depending upon a student’s prior clinical training, the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition may complete the educational requirements needed for graduates to sit for the CNS exam. BCNS also requires that applicants complete 1000 hours of supervised practice experience and pass the CNS Certifying exam. The board reviews each applicant individually to determine eligibility. Interested individuals are encouraged to check for the most recent requirements with the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists at https://theana.org/advocate. certify.

Graduates of the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition are eligible to apply to become a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. This board requires that applicants hold a professional doctorate and have at least 300 hours of nutrition education and a minimum of two years practice experience and write an article or paper on a nutritional topic that could be published. Interested individuals are encouraged to check for the most recent requirements with the American Clinical Board of Nutrition at acbn.org .

The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) reviews each applicant individually. They review all transcripts to determine eligibility. Interested individuals are encouraged to check for the most recent requirements with the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board at cncb.org .

The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition prepares students for careers in integrative health practices and health care organizations; to serve as educators in communities, in schools and in colleges and universities; to work in government agencies and/or policy settings; and to be leaders in the field of integrative and functional nutrition. Graduates will hold the title doctor (Dr.), enhance their stature with clients and other healthcare professionals, expand the types of clients and cases they work with, and expand their job advancement opportunities. 

Graduates of MUIH’s nutrition programs are employed in a variety of settings including private practice; integrative group practices; nutrition clinics; health care systems; hospitals; community, non-profit, and outreach organizations; state and local health departments; school systems; culinary organizations; athletic and recreational organizations; and colleges and universities. Many graduates chose to have a portfolio career in which they have multiple positions and employers within one or more professions, rather than one full-time job. A portfolio career provides such individuals with variety in their work life and the opportunity to develop a wide and varied professional network.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicates jobs for nutritionists and dietitians are projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031. The role of food in preventing and treating diseases, such as diabetes, is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.

View more about career opportunities.

Take a look at what our Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program offers and how MUIH is the choice for you!

• There are no upcoming events.

James Snow D.C.N. Department Chair

Eleonora Gafton, D.C.N. Program Director, Cooking Labs

Elizabeth Owens, M.S. Director, Experiential Programs

Jennifer Swetz, M.S. Nutrition Clinic Coordinator

Alexandra Wick Department Manager

Nissa Lazenby-Wilson, M.S. Cooking Lab Assistant Manager

Casey Opperman, M.A. Academic Advisor

Crystal Hoyt Academic Advisor

Click here to view the faculty.

An MUIH education is not just for living, but for life.

• Give to MUIH

Search NYU Steinhardt

Doctor of Philosophy Nutrition and Dietetics

In the Nutrition and Dietetics doctoral degree, you will choose a specialized area of study and build upon foundational courses in dietetics and research methods before proposing, writing, and defending a unique dissertation.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics

Research Topics

Careers and outcomes, doctoral expectations.

A core component of completing the doctoral degree in Nutrition and Dietetics is writing and defending a dissertation on a relevant research topic of your choosing. You will work closely with faculty mentor(s) throughout the dissertation process to structure and advance the project.

Previous graduates have selected a range of topics to explore in their dissertations, including individuals’ cooking beliefs, students’ eating behaviors, and the relationship between nutrition and various food environments.

Learn more about the process for completing this degree  and view the full curriculum .

The doctoral degree in Nutrition and Dietetics offers an interdisciplinary course of study that prepares you for advanced teaching, research, administrative, and leadership positions in academic, public health, government, or other industry institutions.

Departmental participation including Fall and Spring doctoral seminar

Engagement in research project development

Teaching experience and curriculum development

Candidacy examination and research proposal in the second year

Work with a primary mentor

Research Spotlight

Recent PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics graduate Dr. Miriam Mahmood investigated the feasibility and outcomes of an internet-based, culinary behavioral weight loss program for NYU undergrads.

Explore the Research

Funding for Full-Time PhD Students

We offer our full-time doctoral students a  competitive funding program  that includes tuition and living expenses and includes teaching opportunities, and faculty mentoring. All doctoral applicants regardless of citizenship will be considered for scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. US students should complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  by March 1 to also be considered for student loans. For more information about financial aid see the  Steinhardt Financial Aid website  and the  NYU Financial Aid website .

If you have any additional questions about our degree, please feel free to contact Dr. Kristie Lancaster at [email protected] .

Nutrition and Food Studies

411 Lafayette Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10003 Phone: 212-998-5580 Email: [email protected]

Follow Our Department!

Take the next step.

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)

The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) program is designed for both full-time and part-time practitioners seeking professional advancement in leadership and evidence-based practice and research that can translate to upward transitions within the hierarchy of dietetics practice. Instruction is fully online and challenges students to be innovative and think creatively to improve dietetics within their area of practice and expertise.

Back To: Nutrition Sciences and Health Behavior Home

NSHB - DCN Home

The DCN is a terminal degree in nutrition focused on advanced practice. The PhD emphasizes fundamental research. In the DCN program, students complete a scholarly doctoral project, a form of inquiry that results in improved patient/practice outcomes and/or transformations in nutrition care.

Why Pursue a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition?

• Only ~3% of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists have a Doctoral degree
• Increased credibility and recognition within your area of practice
• Career advancement
• Leadership opportunities within your chosen area of practice

Who is eligible for admission to the DCN?

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with a master’s degree in nutrition or related field
• RDNs who have been in practice for at least 3 years
• RDNs with a bachelor's degree and at least 5 years post professional experience

Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is the Academy's accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or dietetic technicians, registered. ACEND exists to serve the public by establishing and enforcing eligibility requirements and accreditation standards that ensure the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. Programs meeting those standards are accredited by ACEND.

The UTMB Dietetic Internship has been granted full accreditation status through 2024. For verification, you may contact ACEND:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995

P: 1-800-877-1600, ext. 5400 P: 312-899-0040 F:  312-899-4817 E: [email protected] W:  www.eatright.org

Request More Information

Our program is here to provide you with additional info.

Attend Open House

Learn more about our academic program(s)!

Are You Ready?

Complete and submit your application online!

Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition

Claudia Sealey-Potts, PhD, RD, FAND Professor and DCN Director E: [email protected] P: 409-266-0789

Site managed by the School of Health Professions • Last Updated: 31-JAN-2024

UTMB SHP Mission

The mission of the School of Health Professions (SHP) is to provide and promote quality education, research, and service in an environment that fosters collaboration and mutual respect. The School of Health Professions envisions a school that provides quality education in the health professions and encourages innovation.

Connect With Us

School of Health Professions 301 University Blvd. Galveston, TX 77555

• Health Care
• UTMB Support Areas

• Program Finder
• Admissions Services
• Course Directory
• Academic Calendar
• Hybrid Campus
• Lecture Series
• Convocation
• Strategy and Development
• Implementation and Impact
• Integrity and Oversight
• In the School
• In the Field
• In Baltimore
• Resources for Practitioners
• Articles & News Releases
• In The News
• Statements & Announcements
• At a Glance
• Student Life
• Strategic Priorities
• Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
• What is Public Health?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Nutrition

OFFERED BY:  DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HEALTH

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years

• MAS Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Master of Arts (MA) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
• Master of Arts and Master of Science in Public Health (MA/MSPH)
• Master of Arts in Public Health Biology (MAPHB)
• Master of Bioethics (MBE)
• Mission, Vision, and Values
• Student Experience
• Program Outcomes
• For Hopkins Undergraduate Students
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Epidemiology
• Alumni Update
• MHS Combined with a Certificate Program
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Alumni Highlights
• Post-Baccalaureate Program in Environmental Health for Pre-Medicine Students
• Bachelor's/MHS in Health Economics and Outcomes Research
• MHS HEOR Careers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Master of Health Science (MHS)
• Concurrent School-Wide Master of Health Science Program in Biostatistics
• Master of Health Science - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Master of Health Science Online (MHS) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Careers in Health Economics
• Core Competencies
• Meet the Director
• What is Health Economics
• MPH Capstone Schedule
• Concentrations
• Online/Part-Time Format
• Requirements

Tuition and Funding

• Executive Board Faculty
• Master of Science (MS) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
• Independent Professional Project and Final Essay 
• Program Objectives and Outcomes
• Internships
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biostatistics
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Epidemiology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• ScM Faculty Advisers
• Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
• Bachelor's/MSPH in Health Policy
• FAQ for MSPH in Health Policy
• Field Placement Experience
• MSPH Capstone
• MSPH Practicum
• Required and Elective Courses
• Student Timeline
• Career Opportunities
• 38-Week Dietetics Practicum
• Completion Requirements
• MSPH/RD Program FAQ
• Program Goals
• Master's Essay Titles
• Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Biostatistics
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Epidemiology
• Program Goals and Expectations
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Investigation
• Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health
• Track in Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology
• Track in Health Security
• Track in Toxicology, Physiology and Molecular Mechanisms
• PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Faculty Advisers
• Recent Graduates and Dissertation Titles
• PhD Funding
• PhD TA Requirement
• Recent Dissertation Titles
• JHU-Tsinghua Doctor of Public Health
• Core Course Requirements
• Concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health
• Custom Track
• Concentration in Environmental Health
• Concentration in Global Health: Policy and Evaluation
• Concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice
• Concentration in Health Policy and Management
• Concentration in Implementation Science
• Meet Current Students
• Combined Bachelor's / Master's Programs
• Concurrent MHS Option for BSPH Doctoral Students
• Concurrent MSPH Option for JHSPH Doctoral students
• Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)
• Adolescent Health Certificate Program
• Bioethics Certificate Program
• Climate and Health Certificate Program
• Clinical Trials Certificate Program
• Community- Based Public Health Certificate Program
• Demographic Methods Certificate Program
• Environmental and Occupational Health Certificate Program
• Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals Certificate Program
• Evaluation: International Health Programs Certificate Program
• Food Systems, the Environment and Public Health Certificate Program
• Frequently Asked Questions for Certificate Programs
• Gender and Health Certificate Program
• Gerontology Certificate Program
• Global Digital Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Practice Certificate Program
• Health Communication Certificate Program
• Health Disparities and Health Inequality Certificate Program
• Health Education Certificate Program
• Health Finance and Management Certificate Program
• Health and Human Rights Certificate Program
• Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program
• Humane Sciences and Toxicology Policy Certificate Program
• Humanitarian Health Certificate Program
• Implementation Science and Research Practice Certificate Program
• Injury and Violence Prevention Certificate Program
• International Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate Program
• Leadership for Public Health and Healthcare Certificate Program
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Public Health Certificate Program
• Maternal and Child Health Certificate Program
• Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services Certificate Program
• Non-Degree Students General Admissions Info
• Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Certificate Program
• Population Health Management Certificate Program
• Population and Health Certificate Program
• Product Stewardship for Sustainability Certificate Program
• Public Health Advocacy Certificate Program
• Public Health Economics Certificate Program
• Public Health Informatics Certificate Program
• Public Health Practice Certificate Program
• Declaration of Intent - Public Health Preparedness
• Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals
• Public Mental Health Research Certificate Program
• Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes Research Certificate Program
• Quantitative Methods in Public Health Certificate Program
• Requirements for Successful Completion of a Certificate Program
• Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice Certificate Program
• Risk Sciences and Public Policy Certificate Program
• Spatial Analysis for Public Health Certificate Program
• Training Certificate in Public Health
• Tropical Medicine Certificate Program
• Tuition for Certificate Programs
• Vaccine Science and Policy Certificate Program
• Online Student Experience
• Online Programs for Applied Learning
• Barcelona Information
• Fall Institute Housing Accommodations
• Participating Centers
• Registration, Tuition, and Fees
• Agency Scholarship Application
• General Scholarship Application
• UPF Scholarship Application
• Course Evaluations
• Online Courses
• Registration
• General Institute Tuition Information
• International Students
• Directions to the Bloomberg School
• All Courses
• Important Guidance for ONSITE Students
• D.C. Courses
• Registration and Fees
• Cancellation and Closure Policies
• Application Procedures
• Career Search
• Current Activities
• Current Trainees
• Related Links
• Process for Appointing Postdoctoral Fellows
• Message from the Director
• Program Details
• Admissions FAQ
• Current Residents
• Elective Opportunities for Visiting Trainees
• What is Occupational and Environmental Medicine?
• Admissions Info
• Graduates by Year
• Compensation and Benefits
• How to Apply
• Academic Committee
• Course Details and Registration
• Tuition and Fees
• ONLINE SOCI PROGRAM
• Principal Faculty
• Johns Hopkins RAPID Psychological First Aid
• General Application
• JHHS Application
• Areas of Study
• Important Dates
• Our Faculty
• Welcome Letter
• Descripción los Cursos
• Programa en Epidemiología para Gestores de Salud, Basado en Internet
• Consultants
• Britt Dahlberg, PhD
• Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
• Mark R. Luborsky, PhD
• Marsha Wittink, PhD
• Rebekka Lee, ScD
• Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, PhD
• Theresa Hoeft, PhD
• Vicki L. Plano Clark, PhD
• Program Retreat
• Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations
• Announcements
• 2023 Call for Applications
• Jennifer I Manuel, PhD, MSW
• Joke Bradt, PhD
• Josiemer Mattei, PhD, MPH
• Justin Sanders, MD, MSc
• Linda Charmaran, PhD
• Nao Hagiwara, PhD
• Nynikka R. A. Palmer, DrPH, MPH
• Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, BPharm, PhD
• Sarah Ronis, MD, MPH
• Susan D. Brown, PhD
• Tara Lagu, MD, MPH
• Theresa Hoft, PhD
• Wynne E. Norton, PhD
• Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot, PhD, MPH
• A. Susana Ramírez, PhD, MPH
• Animesh Sabnis, MD, MSHS
• Autumn Kieber-Emmons, MD, MPH
• Benjamin Han, MD, MPH
• Brooke A. Levandowski, PhD, MPA
• Camille R. Quinn, PhD, AM, LCSW
• Justine Wu, MD, MPH
• Kelly Aschbrenner, PhD
• Kim N. Danforth, ScD, MPH
• Loreto Leiva, PhD
• Marie Brault, PhD
• Mary E. Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Meganne K. Masko, PhD, MT-BC/L
• PhuongThao D. Le, PhD, MPH
• Rebecca Lobb, ScD, MPH
• Allegra R. Gordon, ScD MPH
• Anita Misra-Hebert, MD MPH FACP
• Arden M. Morris, MD, MPH
• Caroline Silva, PhD
• Danielle Davidov, PhD
• Hans Oh, PhD
• J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, PhD RN ACHPN
• Jacqueline Mogle, PhD
• Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS
• Joe Glass, PhD MSW
• Karen Whiteman, PhD MSW
• Katie Schultz, PhD MSW
• Rose Molina, MD
• Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, ScD MPA
• Andrew Riley, PhD
• Byron J. Powell, PhD, LCSW
• Carrie Nieman MD, MPH
• Charles R. Rogers, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES®
• Emily E. Haroz, PhD
• Jennifer Tsui, Ph.D., M.P.H.
• Jessica Magidson, PhD
• Katherine Sanchez, PhD, LCSW
• Kelly Doran, MD, MHS
• Kiara Alvarez, PhD
• LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH
• Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
• Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
• Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
• Virginia McKay, PhD
• Andrew Cohen, MD, PhD
• Angela Chen, PhD, PMHNP-BC, RN
• Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW
• Eliza Park MD, MS
• Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
• Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
• Lingrui Liu ScD MS
• Meaghan Kennedy, MD
• Nicole Stadnick, PhD, MPH
• Paula Aristizabal, MD
• Radhika Sundararajan, MD
• Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
• Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
• Allison Magnuson, DO
• Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
• Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
• Christopher Woodrell MD
• Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
• Jasmine Abrams, PhD
• Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
• Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
• Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
• Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
• Robert Brady, PhD
• Saria Hassan, MD
• Scherezade Mama, DrPH
• Yuan Lu, ScD
• 2021 Scholars
• Sign Up for Our Email List
• Workforce Training
• Cells-to-Society Courses
• Course/Section Numbers Explained
• Pathway Program with Goucher College
• The George G. Graham Lecture

About the PhD in Human Nutrition Program

The doctoral program in Human Nutrition is designed to train professionals to identify, understand and solve, through scientific methods, problems of public health importance in human nutrition. Graduates are expected to assume leadership roles in academia, government, industry and other private sector enterprises.

This is a  STEM designated program . Eligible F-1 visa students can receive an additional 24 months of work authorization, beyond the initial 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

PhD in Human Nutrition Program Highlights

Graduates will be prepared to advance knowledge in human nutrition through research and advocate the application of such knowledge through public health policies and programs.

GLOBAL NETWORK

Research opportunities in the U.S. and around the world

HEALTH EQUITY

Learn what influences food choices, diet quality, and diet-related health outcomes

CHRONIC DISEASE

Study nutrition-related chronic diseases and obesity

STEM DESIGNATED

Eligibility for a 24-month STEM OPT extension

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Human Nutrition?

Human Nutrition graduates enjoy careers in academia, government and nongovernment sectors, and industry. Alumni hold faculty appointments at leading universities and ministries of health on five continents and positions at major global health organization. Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

• Associate Professor, UC Davis
• Senior epidemiologist, CDC
• Nutrition Specialist, The World Bank
• Evaluation Specialist, Mercy First
• Scientist, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Director, GWU

Curriculum for the PhD in Human Nutrition

Students develop the professional skills necessary to work effectively in leading roles at academic, research, programmatic and policy-setting institutions.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory , and find many more details in the program's  Academic Guides .

• Recent dissertations
• Student timeline

Courses Available in the Following Areas:

• Micronutrients
• Maternal and Child Health
• Newborn Health
• Adolescent health
• Epidemiology

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the  How to Apply  page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Graduate Degree

A minimum of 1 year of postbaccalaureate education or experience such as a master's degree, a dietetic internship, medical training, or other relevant work experience

Prior Work Experience

Not required but highly desirable

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Yeeli Mui, PhD '17, MPH, examines structural interventions to address food system issues and advance health equity through the lens of urban policy and planning.

Mika Matsuzaki

Mika Matsuzaki, PhD, MPH, MS, is a life-course epidemiologist studying how policies, built environments, and equity affect nutrition-related chronic diseases and obesity.

Julia Wolfson

Julia Wolfson, PhD '16, MPP, studies individual, structural, and policy factors that influence food choices, diet quality, and diet-related health outcomes.

Parul Christian

Parul Christian, DrPH '96, MSc, studies how to improve maternal and child nutrition and prevent micronutrient deficiencies with effective solutions in low-income settings.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for the first four years of the program either through endowments, grants, or research projects: full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Elisabeth Simmons, MEd Academic Program Administrator [email protected]

Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition

Request More Information

On this page, accreditation, future education model track, post-rdn track, requirements & curriculum, egan admission, stag spotlight, latest doctorate in clinical nutrition news, more about doctorate in clinical nutrition, frequently asked questions, program overview.

The Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition Program at Fairfield University offers a doctoral degree in clinical nutrition for those looking to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and for those who are currently registered dietitian nutritionists looking to advance their knowledge. The program offers an on campus interprofessional educational environment for both full-time and part-time students with an emphasis on leadership, evidence-based practice and research.

Why Pursue a Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition?

• Only 4% of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists have a Doctoral Degree
• Increased credibility and recognition
• Career advancement
• Best preparation for new careers in management, research and higher education

The DCN is open to:

• Students with a Bachelor's degree in any area who have fulfilled the required pre-requisites
• Students who have graduated from an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in dietetics who have not yet completed an internship
• Registered Dietitians with or without a Master's degree

Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition Program at Fairfield University

Janet Stuhrcke (Hiser)

DCN, RDN, FAND

Director of Clinical Nutrition

Suzanne Strazza

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) granted the Future Education Model Track in the DCN program candidacy for accreditation in May 2020 under the newly released Future Education Model Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics. These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

Fairfield University demonstrates its leadership in education by being among the first Doctoral programs to be granted candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) under the new Future Education Model standards. This is an on-campus, three-year full-time or four-year part-time program.

Following the completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Pathway to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The DCN program at Fairfield University is under the Future Education Model standards. The curriculum includes all necessary courses and experiential supervised practice required for graduates to obtain a verification statement that allows them to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionist. Beginning January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to sit for this exam.

RDNs are not required to be licensed in Connecticut; however, some states do require licensure/certification.

Mission, Goals and Objectives

The mission of the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) program is to prepare graduates to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who are leaders in the profession. Graduates will expand the knowledge of clinical nutrition to improve health outcomes with particular attention to the needs of underserved or vulnerable populations.

Graduates are competent registered dietitian nutritionists, who are prepared for leadership roles in healthcare settings.

• At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 4.5 years (150% of the program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 90 % percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 100 % percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• 80% of returned employer surveys rank graduates working in the field of dietetics as “adequately prepared.
• 50% of graduates are employed in and/or hold a volunteer position in a leadership position one year after graduation.

Goal #2    

Graduates improve the health outcomes of the community especially in  underserved populations

• 50% of graduates agree they are serving an underserved, or vulnerable population.
• 80% of graduates agree that their position contributes positively to the health outcomes of the community for which they serve.

Outcome data available upon request.

Supervised Experiential Learning

Students in the DCN program will participate in a variety of supervised experiential learning experiences that focus on community nutrition, food service management, and clinical nutrition. Travel to some sites may require a travel time of up to 1 to 1.5 hours from the students living location. A car is required to travel to the supervised experiential learning sites.

Possible supervised experiential learning placements include:

• Hartford Healthcare System
• The Paramount at Somers
• Nutrigreene
• Watertown Public Schools
• Fairfield University Aramark
• Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport
• Kids in Crisis
• SNAP Ed Program
• Bridgeport Rescue Mission

Graduation Requirements

The following requirements must be met before the student is eligible to receive his/her degree from Fairfield University:

• Verification of successful completion of all practicum and academic course requirements
• Demonstrated competence in all ACEND required competencies and performance indicators
• Resolution of all financial responsibilities
• Return of all loaned items including library books, ID badge, etc.

Students must complete all course requirements in 150% of program length. This equates to 4.5 years for the full-time track and 6 years for the part time track.

Program Costs

The Office of Financial Aid is committed to helping students find the options that best suit each of their needs.

DCN Program Handbook (PDF)

Program specific policies and procedures can be found in the DCN Program Handbook.  

The Post-RDN track is an advanced practice doctoral degree for registered dietitian nutritionists, with an emphasis on leadership, evidence-based practice, and research. Deadline to apply is August 1.

The Post-RDN DCN program is a 50 credit on-campus program that is designed for registered dietitian nutritionists who are looking to advance their clinical knowledge and leadership skills while working in an interprofessional setting.

The mission of the Post-RDN Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) program is to provide graduates with the advanced skills in clinical nutrition and leadership to prepare them for advanced careers within the healthcare field.

The following requirements must be met before the student is eligible to receive his/her doctoral degree from Fairfield University:

• Successful completion of all academic courses, advanced practice residency and research project.

Fairfield University understands the value of interprofessional learning. The DCN curriculum will include nutrition and dietetics content as well as advanced leadership and research courses taught in conjunction with Doctoral Nursing Practice (DNP) students. Collaborative learning will also include simulation to prepare students for interprofessional practice in practicum courses. The Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) is a 70 credit on-campus, three-year full-time or four-year part-time program, whereas the Post-RDN is a 50 credit on-campus program.

Students entering the program from an ACEND accredited DPD program and those with the RDN credential, experience, and courses will be assessed for credit for prior learning.

All Egan graduate students are expected to comply with all requirements of their clinical/experiential learning agencies. Noncompliance with agency requirements (e.g. vaccination mandates) may result in the student being unable to complete the program requirements for graduation.

The DCN program follows the Fairfield University academic calendar .

A detailed list of course requirements, offerings, and more can be viewed in the University’s course catalog .

For the Future Education Model DCN Track , applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in any area from an accredited four-year college or university and have fulfilled the required pre-requisites, or have graduated from an ACEND accredited didactic program in dietetics who have not yet completed an internship.

For the Post RDN Track , applicants must be a Registered Dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. A master’s degree is not required.

The application for both tracks is open November 1 - August 1. Applications submitted after will be considered if there are openings available.   

Graduate assistantships are not currently available.

Kelsey Reader

Kelsey Reader DCN'23 Current Job Title: Registered Dietitian

What was your undergraduate degree and major (e.g. BA, English)? BS, Health Sciences

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University for your advanced degree? Fairfield University's DCN program is the first program where a student without a DPD verification statement can take the necessary courses and internship requirements to obtain the verification statement, while also obtaining a doctoral degree.

What did you like about your Fairfield education? The small class sizes allowed for an individualized educational experience. This allowed me to became close with both my professors and classmates, which stimulated my educational growth.

Please explain what you would tell someone considering an advanced degree at Fairfield. As a health sciences major, I had minimal nutrition education in my undergraduate studies. Upon graduating from Fairfield University’s DCN program, I not only felt well equipped, but confident going into the profession of nutrition and dietetics.

Please describe how your advanced degree at Fairfield has affected your life. My degree from Fairfield University has allowed me to not only become a registered dietitian, but has equipped me with the tools to become a leader in this career path.

Please describe any interesting project or research you worked on while at Fairfield. The state-of-the-art technology and resources available at Fairfield University helped enhance my education. Being able to use the realistic simulation lab prepared me for my clinical rotations.

Cara Treble

Class of '23

Cara Treble '23 Current Employer: Massachusetts General Hospital Current Job Title: Clinical Dietitian

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University for your advanced degree? I chose to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition at Fairfield University because I knew that this program would provide me with the opportunity to advance my knowledge and skills in order to excel in my career. During this program, I grew academically and professionally, engaged in clinical practice, conducted research, and collaborated inter-professionally. The experiences I had at Fairfield University allowed me to gain valuable insights into effective approaches to address the unique nutritional needs of diverse populations. I feel confident that graduating from this program will allow meet my mission to positively impact my patients by providing the best quality care.

What did you like about your Fairfield education? The professors were always so knowledgeable and provided me with valuable insight.

Please explain what you would tell someone considering an advanced degree at Fairfield. I would recommend this program for anyone willing to challenge themselves and wanting to gain valuable insights about clinical nutrition in order to reach their full potential as a nutrition professional.

Please describe how your advanced degree at Fairfield has affected your life. Pursing an advanced degree at Fairfield has provided me with invaluable knowledge and experience that I now apply in my day-to-day practice.

Please describe any interesting project or research you worked on while at Fairfield. The DCN project allowed me to develop self-efficacy skills in the research process. I am looking forward to participating in research opportunities in my professional life using the knowledge and skills I have learned during my time in the DCN program.

Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition Program Partners with Bridgeport Rescue Mission

Students from the doctorate in clinical nutrition program partnered with Bridgeport Rescue Mission to assist with a variety of valuable projects and interventions.

Career & Professional Opportunities

Employment opportunities for registered dietitian nutritionists are on the rise in the state of Connecticut and nationally. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitian nutritionists is projected to grow 11% from 2018-2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Registered dietitian nutritionists may be employed in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Private Practice
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
• Food Service
• Healthcare Organizations
• Corporate Nutrition Programs
• Food and Nutrition Industry
• Sports Nutrition
• Community and Public Health Facilities
• Universities
• Medical Centers

Learn more about how the University's Career Center can support your post-graduate goals, and how Fairfield's tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.

Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.

Egan Newsletter

Learn more about what our faculty, students, and alumni are doing, as well as stay up-to-date on our rankings and accolades, programs, and more.

Egan Update

We invite you to view the Egan Update, a year in review of Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies news.

Future Education Model DCN FAQs

No, the majority of the classes are taken on campus once a week and are offered typically Monday-Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. The supervised experiential learning rotations may be offered during the day at the discretion of the preceptors.

Yes. Once the program is completed and all competencies have been passed, you will be eligible to sit for RD exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) . Verification statements and test eligibility will be issued after the degree is conferred by Fairfield University.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) started Future Education Model Programs as a first step towards changing the educational pathways within the field of nutrition and dietetics. We volunteered to be one of the first programs and try out this new educational pathway. That is why it is called a Future Education Model. The wave of the future in nutrition and dietetics education is to include all training at the graduate level for eligibility to sit for the RD exam. Therefore, our program includes the didactic coursework in dietetics, the supervised experiential learning (similar to the dietetic internship) and the graduate degree requirements.

No, applicants are only required to have a bachelor’s degree; it does not have to be in nutrition or dietetics. There is, however, a list of pre-requisite courses which must be successfully completed before starting the DCN program.

If the course was a college-level course taken at an accredited university and the title of the course is similar to the titles of our pre-requisite course requirements, then it is likely the course will “count” as a pre-requisite. You must have received a grade of “C” or better in each course. If you have any concerns or questions about a specific course, contact the program director Janet Hiser at [email protected] and include the course number, institution, and course description in your email.

We accept 15 students into our DCN program each year.

Yes, we will interview our top candidates in a short video conference.

All students are required to have access to a personal computer with internet access. Every currently enrolled student has been provided with an email account at no cost to the student. Email is the official method of communication for University correspondence.

These University-provided email addresses are the only officially recognized email addresses for all currently enrolled students.

Post-RDN DCN FAQs

No, the majority of the classes are taken on campus once a week and are offered typically Monday-Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. The Advanced Practice Residency may be offered during the day at the discretion of the mentors.

Yes, considerations will be made on an individual basis. Courses must have been completed at an accredited institution and applicants must have received a grade of “B” or better in order to receive transfer credit.

Search Results

2024-25 Academic Catalog

Doctor of clinical nutrition.

The Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) program is designed for students with a registered dietitian credential (RDN), with current professional licensure when required by their state, a Master's degree, and currently working in the field of nutrition and dietetics.  This advanced degree will broaden the knowledge base and enhance critical thinking skills to keep pace with the medical complexity of today's clinical nutrition practice. Students will expand their interprofessional experiences, communication skills, medical nutrition therapy skills, management and leadership skills, and research. The program is offered by the KU Department of Dietetics.

Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in clinical nutrition or higher education settings through cutting-edge coursework and completion of outcomes-based research projects. Educators, employers and practitioners recognize the competitive advantage that an advanced degree offers to elevate graduates as experts in the field. 

Evidence-based practice requires outcomes research to determine best practices. Advanced-level practitioners need strong research skills to develop and direct appropriate and valuable research projects. Program faculty conduct human nutrition research and are well-equipped to mentor students through the research process.

The program is offered fully online, with one orientation and experiential learning campus visit required. The program faculty are located at the KU Medical Center campus of the University of Kansas, which along with The University of Kansas Health System forms the region's top academic health center. The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and training institution serving as a center for learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor. 

The mission of the Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition is to serve the citizens of Kansas, the region, and the nation by producing advanced-level nutrition and dietetic practitioners, transformational leaders and researchers.

Academic Goals of Program

• To graduate students with mastery of applied medical nutrition science for advanced-level practice.
• To produce graduates who apply existing knowledge and research to clinical settings, evaluate and disseminate findings to advance clinical practice.
• To produce graduates with mastery of interprofessional collaboration, critical thinking, communication, management and leadership skills.

Application for admission to the DCN program will be made through the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. Application deadlines are February 1 for fall semester entry and September 1 for spring semester entry. Applicants meeting criteria will undergo a standardized screening interview by DN faculty before acceptance. The following materials are required for admission:

1.       Be an RDN with current professional licensure when required by their state. 

2.       A Master’s degree

3.       Currently working in the field of nutrition and dietetics (may be part time)

4.       Completed graduate application form (including letter of intent with professional goals)

5.       Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended with final degrees posted.

6.       Three letters of recommendation from supervisors, faculty or advisors in the field within in the last five years. All recommendation letters must be on a professional letterhead. 

7.       International students must reside in a country that has reciprocity with Commission on Dietetic Registration. Official TOEFL exam scores for international applicants sent directly to KU Medical Center (Institution code 6875). Minimum English proficiency requirements are set by KU Medical Center Office of Graduate Studies and are posted online at  https://www.kumc.edu/academic-and-student-affairs/departments/office-of-international-programs/inbound-programs/information-for-students/academic-english-requirements.html

8.       Minimum GPA requirements for admission to KU as a graduate student: An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is required for regular admission status. Previous graduate coursework must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for admission.

Degree requirements:

The DCN program would require a total of 48 credit hours. The 39 credits of coursework are offered entirely online. The Advanced Clinical Nutrition Residency and Applied Research Project (see details below) would be completed within a professional workplace with the guidance of their DCN advisor. These courses were specifically selected to enhance communication, collaboration and leadership skills, in addition to research skills and clinical nutrition skills.

• Degree requirements must be completed within a maximum of 8 years.
• Cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 for all KU graduate coursework
• Successful completion of the following courses:

Communication, Collaboration and Leadership Core

• DN 920: Nutrition Communication for Advanced Practice, 3 credits.
• DN 910: Leadership Essentials in Clinical Nutrition, 3 credits.
• DN 950: Interprofessional Collaboration, 2 credits.
• DCLS 880: Principles of Interprofessional Education and Practice Theory, 1 credit

Research Core

• DN 930: Evidence Analysis in Clinical Nutrition, 3 credits.
• DN 932: Ethics in Clinical Nutrition Research, 1 credit.
• DN 934: Advanced Methods of Research in Clinical Nutrition, 3 credits.
• DN 941: Applied Nutrition Epidemiology, 3 credits.
• IPHI 850: Introduction to Health Informatics, 2 credits. 

Clinical Nutrition Core

• DN 915: Advanced Nutritional Assessment, 3 credits.
• DN 970: Pharmacology in Clinical Nutrition, 3 credits.
• DN 971: Advanced Nutrition Counseling, 3 credits.
• DN 972: Frontiers in Medical Nutrition Therapy, 3 credits
• DN 980: Nutrigenomics & Nutrigenetics in Health and Disease, 3 credits.
• One elective (see list, below), 3 credits.

DN 991: Applied Research Project, 6 credits

DN 992: Advanced Clinical Nutrition Residency, 3 credits (360 hours at workplace)

Select 1 elective class from the following as part of Clinical Nutrition Core Requirements

DN 829 Nutrition in Aging                                                                                             3 hrs

DN 837 Nutrition in Diabetes                                                                                        3 hrs

DN 839 Clinical Aspects of Nutrition Support                                                               3 hrs

DN 842 U.S. Public Health Nutrition                                                                             3 hrs

DN 865 Nutrition in Sports & Exercise                                                                          3 hrs

DN 875 Pediatric Clinical Nutrition                                                                                3 hrs

DN 876 Interventions for Prevention & Management of Obesity                                   3 hrs

DN 880 Dietary and Herbal Supplements                                                                      3 hrs

DN 881 Intro to Dietetics and Integrative Medicine                                                        3 hrs

DN 882 Nutrition Approach to Inflammation Immune Regulation                                   3 hrs

DN 884 Diet, Physical Activity and Cancer                                                                     3 hrs

DN 885 Nutritional Biochemistry                                                                                     3 hrs

DN 895 Advanced Macronutrients and Integrated Metabolism                                      3 hrs

DN 896 Advanced Micronutrients and Integrated Metabolism                                       3 hrs

• Advanced Clinical Nutrition Residency (3 hrs): The residency experience is designed to span 360 hours and will be completed within a professional workplace setting. Students will identify an area of practice through which they will provide leadership to develop a research-based clinical initiative or program. Upon completion, the students will provide their clinical team with the program or clinical initiative, along with program evaluation methods.
• Applied Research Project (3 hrs): A planned and approved research project which is advisor-guided, student-directed, and designed to enhance the student’s ability to apply graduate knowledge to achieve tangible and relevant outcomes will be completed. All aspects of this translational research project will be included (i.e., planning, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, preparation, and oral presentation of the project). The goal is a manuscript suitable for publication. Collaborative interprofessional patient care projects are strongly encouraged.
• DCN students actively working on their research project must maintain active enrollment each semester while in the research phase by enrolling in a suitable and repeatable course (DN 990). The final oral defense of the research project will be scheduled after the final draft of the manuscript has been accepted by the student’s graduate committee. The oral examination is a defense of the manuscript and can include questions about knowledge of clinical nutrition concepts and applications.

Reasonable accommodation will be considered and may be made to qualified students who disclose a disability, so long as such accommodation does not significantly alter the essential requirements of the curriculum and the training program, or significantly affect the safety of patient care.  Students who disclose that they have a disability are considered for the program if they are otherwise qualified.  Qualified students with a disability who wish to request accommodations should provide appropriate documentation of disability and submit a request for accommodation to:

The Office for Academic Accommodations

Cyn Ukoko, Senior Coordinator of Academic Accommodations

913-945-7035 or 711 TTY

[email protected]

1040 Dykes Library

The Department of Dietetics & Nutrition and the University of Kansas Medical Center have a commitment to nondiscrimination, access and reasonable accommodation of students with disabilities. Therefore, all students admitted to the MS Degree in Dietetics & Nutrition must be able to meet the following requirements and expectations with or without an accommodation. The MS degree prepares students to practice dietetics and nutrition and to interpret and participate in research in nutrition within academic and healthcare organizations. Graduates need knowledge and skills to function in diverse practice and research settings. All students who are admitted into the MS degree program in Dietetics & Nutrition are able to do the following:

Observe: Students must be able to observe lectures, demonstrations, research, and practice situations in the practice and research of health sciences. Observation is necessary to perform competent health assessments and interventions. Students must be able to observe, learn from, and analyze medical record content, including discernment and use of clinical and administrative data displayed within the medical record. Students must be able to observe, learn from, and analyze statistical, financial, and reimbursement data, including utilizing spreadsheets, software, databases, and performing mathematical calculations.

Communicate: Students must have the ability to use multiple communication techniques (oral, written, nonverbal) to enable communication with clients, teachers, health providers, and faculty. Students must be able to report to members of the team, express accurate information to clients, and teach, explain, direct, and counsel people. Students who are hearing impaired may give and receive information through sign language or CART services.

Ethical Standards: Students must demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors and must perform in an ethical manner in dealing with others. Personal integrity is required and the adherence to standards that reflect the values and functions of the profession of Dietetics. Students are required to abide by the professional code of ethics for Dietetics and student honor codes.

Psychomotor: Students must have sufficient motor capacities and motilities to execute various tasks and physical maneuvers such as: Use an electronic keyboard to generate, calculate, record, evaluate, and transmit information; prepare assignments, both written and on-line; deliver public presentations to large and small audiences; collect specimens and perform basic tests and physical assessments on individuals, e.g., finger sticks for blood glucose testing, using glucometers, skin fold thickness, blood pressure, and placing feeding tubes; working in institutional and food demonstration kitchens to prepare foods and direct employees involved in food services; and conducting patient visits individually and with health care team members to provide nutrition care.  Graduate students must be able to travel to sites involved in residency.

Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities: Students must be able to measure, calculate reason, analyze, synthesize, integrate, and remember to apply information. Creative problem solving and clinical reasoning requires all of these intellectual abilities. Student must be able to participate in patient-oriented research activities.

Professional and Social Attributes : Students must exercise good judgment and promptly complete all responsibilities required of the program. They must develop mature, sensitive, and effective professional relationships with others. They must be able to critically evaluate one’s own performance, accept constructive criticism, and look for ways to improve. They must able to tolerate taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. They must be able to recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to self and nearby individuals. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities. Concern for others, interpersonal competence, and motivation are requisites for the program.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-24 Entire Catalog

All pages in the Academic Catalog

Find A Degree

The 5 Best PhD in Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.) Degree Programs

Phd program rankings.

• Fully Funded PhDs in Education
• Doctor of Nursing Education
• Ph.D.: No Application Fees
• No-GRE Online Ph.D. in Psychology
• No-GRE Online Ph.D. Programs
• Fast Online Doctoral (Ph.D. and Ed.D.)
• The Most Affordable Online DBA
• Doctorate in Public Policy/Administration
• Doctor of ABA
• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Doctorate in Marketing
• ALL Ph.D. Degree Program Rankings

Career Guides

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• Aerospace Engineering
• Behavioral Health (D.B.H.)
• Chemical Engineering (PhD CE)
• Chemistry (D.Chem.)
• Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.)
• Speech-Language Pathology (CScD)
• Criminology (D.Crim.)
• Economics (DEc)
• Health Science (D.H.S./D.H.Sci)
• Library Science (D.L.S.)
• Molecular Biology (Phd Mol Biol)
• Occupational Safety and Health (D.O.S.H.)
• Physics (Ph.D. Physics)
• ALL PhD Career Guides

Valuable Resources

• Best Laptops for Ph.D. Students
• Gift Ideas for Ph.D. Students
• Burnout & Chronic Stress
• The Key to Free Grad School
• Ph.D. Guide for International and Domestic Students
• Habits Of Highly Effective Leaders
• Online Doctorate Reputation
• Journals for Ph.D. Students
• Earning a PhD
• Write a Perfect Essay Like a PhD
• Master’s Degree As a Bridge To Ph.D.
• Self-Funding Your PhD
• Importance of Accreditation
• Online Ph.D. Support Groups
• Getting Accepted to an Online Ph.D.
• Common Fears of Ph.D. Students
• Habits of Successful People
• US Doctoral Degrees
• ALL VALUABLE RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why earn a Doctorate Degree?
• What are the Ph.D. Admission Requirements?
• How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?
• How many years will it take for me to achieve my doctorate degree online?
• Do online doctorate degree programs require campus visits?
• Ph.D. vs. Doctorate
• ALL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Highest-Paying Doctoral Degrees
• Famous Ph.D. Theses In History
• Struggles Only a Ph.D. Student Would Understand
• Ph.D. Requiring Residencies
• The World’s Richest Doctors
• Academic Conferences
• Most Popular PhD Degrees
• ALL Ph.D. Highlights

At present, most universities and colleges offer online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.) degree programs in a hybrid form. It means that there are online classes available, but students are also required to complete residencies and attend occasional on-campus workshops.

100% online programs are practically non-existent in the case of this course of studies due to general requirements.

Growing health awareness also means a growing demand for nutrition experts. Who hasn’t tried following a diet at least once in their life?

We don’t like it when our clothes shrink in the dryer (that’s what we tell ourselves), and while it may not be healthy for all of us to look like supermodels, it is good to make sure that your body is doing well.

Following a diet is not easy, especially in the beginning, but it’s absolutely necessary for optimum health and overall well-being. Whether you often get sick, train for a sporting event, or want to fit in your last year’s jeans, you may find yourself in need of help. Here’s when clinical nutritionists come in.

But it may happen that you are on the other side of this equation. If you are passionate about health and the right nutrition and you feel like you could help others, following the career path of a clinical nutritionist may be the right choice for you.

It is already an integral part of the whole healthcare industry, and we can only expect its importance to continue to grow.

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree programs provide advanced training in nutrition science and therapeutic diets to prepare graduates for successful careers as leaders in the nutrition field.

These programs enable graduates to help people understand and improve their health through food and nutrition education and to gain the necessary credentials to become dietitians or nutritionists.

5 Best Schools for Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Degrees

University of north florida.

DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL NUTRITION

School Highlights: The University of North Florida’s Doctor of Clinical Nutrition online program emphasizes evidence-based practice, research, and leadership. Students learn the skills necessary to take on roles in the community, clinical, or higher education environments.

The curriculum is incredibly thorough and includes topics in the most crucial areas of nutrition, such as chronic disease prevention, cultural competency, and clinical treatment. This program can be completed full or part-time.

Students can only be admitted into the program if they have a master’s degree from an accepted institutional accreditor and a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate study. 

The coursework is completed 100% online, aside from the practice residency and the two-day workshops scheduled during the initial three years of the program.

Since it is offered fully online with a practice residency, students need to ensure that there is a State Authorization for Distance Education and whether they will be able to do a residency in their home state or elsewhere.

This rigorous doctoral degree ensures that graduates have a comprehensive understanding of clinical nutrition and its application in diverse settings and communities. 

Coursework Sample:

• Advanced Leadership & Public Policy
• Teaching Nutrition in Higher Education
• Grant Development

Campus Location: Jacksonville, FL

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 

Did You Know? The University of North Florida offers primarily and fully online degree and certificate programs designed to provide high-quality learning experiences for students in Florida and beyond. The graduate programs offered online are quite extensive. It includes a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, Master of Science in Nursing Leadership, and Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, among many others. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA’S DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL NUTRITION HYBRID PROGRAM

MARYLAND UNIVERSITY OF INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

DOCTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION

School Highlights: The Maryland University of Integrative Health provides a professionally oriented, hybrid-format Doctor of Clinical Nutrition.

It is designed to give post-graduate students a comprehensive approach to the profession, with coursework in functional nutrition, research, and publishing. The curriculum also requires the publication of original, peer-reviewed research in scientific journals.

The program is available to those who hold a master’s degree or to registered dieticians and registered nutritionists whose highest degree is a bachelor’s degree. The latter can enter the program without having to earn a master’s degree as a prerequisite for admission. 

As a hybrid program, students must attend campus for four extended weekends for live learning sessions. Otherwise, the coursework, internships, and clinical requirements are all completed in individual home communities.

Graduates from MUIH demonstrate the ability to apply integrative and functional nutrition principles and provide advanced nutritional care for gastrointestinal, cardio-metabolic, immune, and neurologic issues, as well as many others.

• Designing Research in Clinical Practice
• Nutritional Approaches to Detoxification
• Epigenetics and Nutritional Genomics

Campus Location: Laurel, MD

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Did You Know? The Maryland University of Integrative Health is recognized as one of the leading academic institutions for integrative health in the country. It has educated practitioners and leaders in health and wellness since 1974 by offering transformative programs from a blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary science. The university considers itself a healing presence through caring for patients and clients in the Natural Care Center, found within its campus. This is where licensed and certified professionals, along with student interns, practice under faculty supervision. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARYLAND UNIVERSITY OF INTEGRATIVE HEALTH’S DOCTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION HYBRID PROGRAM

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

PhD OF CLINICAL NUTRITION

School Highlights: Rutgers University is an outstanding, historically American institution of higher education.

The Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics programs are some of the highest quality in the nation, and the Online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition was the very first of its kind. The curriculum is designed for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, specifically, and is strongly clinically focused.

With an emphasis on inter-professional collaboration and evidence-based practice, this clinical nutrition program can be completed by meeting its requirements, including online academic courses, advanced clinical practice residency, and practice-based research projects.

At the end of the program, students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge by becoming advanced dietetics practitioners for individuals, communities, and clinical populations. 

However, Rutgers also offers a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN) to Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Dual Enrollment Program for undergraduate students. Coursework enhances skills in innovative, advanced, and autonomous research and practice.

There is also a particularly strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and evidence/practice-based research.

• Lactation Education
• Nutritional Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children
• Weight Management and Disordered Eating

Campus Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Did You Know? Rutgers University, through its School of Health Professions, offers innovative and collaborative activities, including didactic and experiential exposure. This is more commonly known as Interprofessional Education, focusing on students’ exposure to roles and responsibilities, effective communication, and teamwork. They facilitate encounters or case conferences on a variety of health conditions several times a year. This is in an effort to showcase the necessity of a wide variety of disciplines working together to advance the welfare of patients and their caregivers or families as they navigate the complex healthcare system.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY’S DOCTORAL DEGREE IN CLINICAL NUTRITION

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

DOCTORAL IN CLINICAL NUTRITION

School Highlights: The University of Kansas provides a doctoral curriculum in Clinical Nutrition that is designed for currently working professionals and registered dietitians.

The entire program is offered 100% online, with only one required visit to campus for orientation. The coursework focuses on all of the most pivotal techniques and knowledge in today’s interdisciplinary healthcare system.

To be admitted, potential students must possess current professional RDN licensure and have completed a master’s degree. Students are required to complete 48 credit hours within a maximum of 8 years and meet a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 across all their graduate coursework. 

Students have access to the University of Kansas Medical Center, which operates as a comprehensive, state-of-the-art training and research facility and is home to the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition.

Graduates are prepared to work in college and university settings or as practicing clinical nutritionists while working through in-depth, cutting-edge, outcomes-based research projects.

• Health Behavior Counseling
• Nutrigenomics & Nutrigenetics in Health and Disease
• Pharmacology in Clinical Nutrition

Campus Location: Kansas City, KS

• Higher Learning Commission

Did You Know? The Kansas University School of Health Professions, located on the University of Kansas Medical Center campus, offers more than 25 healthcare programs, including five nationally ranked graduate programs. They have a very strong research tradition, seeking to advance science, improve clinical care, and contribute to healthcare teaching and scholarship. Their research programs include Dietetics and Nutrition, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and Occupational Therapy Education, among others.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS’ DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL NUTRITION

FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL NUTRITION (DCN)

School Highlights: This Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition is an advanced practice degree that highlights evidence-based research and practice, as well as leadership.

It is one of the only programs of its kind to be accredited by the ACEND. The program offers an on-campus interprofessional education environment for both full-time and part-time students.

It is designed to improve the skills and knowledge of masters-level students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It is also open to students with a bachelor’s degree who have completed the required prerequisites, as well as Registered Dietitians without a master’s.

The curriculum emphasizes serving underprivileged communities, which gives graduates the tools necessary to institute positive changes in their eating habits. Fairfield alumni are prepared to work in any number of settings, such as business and industry, education, public health, government agencies, and more.

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Information Technology for Healthcare Improvement
• Food Systems Practicum

Campus Location: Fairfield, CT

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

Did You Know? Fairfield University is perfectly located in the picturesque New England town of Fairfield. It is just a mile away from the beach and an hour’s ride from New York City, making it one of the perfect college towns in the country. Students can easily explore it by foot, but they will never run out of things to do. They are also well-positioned to enjoy numerous internship and employment opportunities as Fairfield belongs to a region with the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the United States. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY’S DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL NUTRITION

What does a Clinical Nutritionist do?

If you decide to work as a clinical nutritionist, you will be responsible for promoting healthy eating habits, which is much more than simply incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. In some communities, people have no idea how to prepare healthy meals and are entirely unaware of how their choices affect their bodies.

There are those who still think that if you are not overweight, then everything is fine, but a healthy, well-nourished organism is about so much more than maintaining a healthy weight.

A clinical nutritionist or dietician is trained to find the correct approach to teach others about healthy nutritional choices to help them maintain a healthy and strong body that will always be capable of fighting diseases, infections, and more.

As a nutritionist, you will make individual nutritional assessments to be able to develop a personalized eating plan for each client based on their medical history, the current state of their health, lifestyle, and future goals.

The most common job opportunities involve helping people achieve their ideal weight or prepare for a special event, such as a marathon run. Additionally, a nutritionist is very often hired to plan meals for people with specific medical needs, such as diabetes, celiac disease, kidney disease, or food allergies.

How do I earn my Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree?

You can easily find an entry-level job as a nutritionist only with your bachelor’s degree. However, all healthcare practitioners are essentially required to keep advancing in their fields. With the development of technology and medicine, it is hard to stay afloat if you don’t keep educating yourself.

Enrolling in a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree program is an excellent way to broaden your knowledge, but it is only for those the most ambitious and hungry for new information.

Pursuing a doctorate degree will allow you to conduct extensive research, explore the areas that interest you the most, teach at the university level, obtain a consulting or administrative position, and gain general recognition in the field. Earning a doctoral degree will also increase your potential salary.

Prerequisites for the D.C.N. program include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition or another health-related field. Areas of study may include:

• the biochemistry of nutrients,
• kinesiology,
• eating disorders,
• human metabolism,
• nutritional epidemiology,
• microbiology,
• statistics,
• metabolic imbalance,
• and cellular nutrition.

You will also focus on:

• the compounds in various foods and their effects on the human body,
• the links between nutrition and aging,
• weight management,
• as well as the importance of proper nutrition in pediatrics, geriatric, maternity, and critical care.

What salary and career options will I have with my Clinical Nutrition Doctorate degree?

Clinical nutritionists can find employment in various clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools, correctional facilities, spas, nursing homes, and other governmental health agencies. There are many areas of expertise in which a clinical nutritionist can specialize.

For example, you may choose to work as:

• a sports nutritionist,
• public health nutritionist,
• weight loss consultant,
• naturopathic nutritionist,
• pharmaceutical product representative,
• or holistic consultant who deals with organically grown foods.

What is interesting, it is not uncommon for clinical nutritionists to become registered nurses. It is a demanding job, often depending on a patient’s individual needs, but the working hours can be very flexible.

In today’s world, more and more people are becoming health-conscious. With this growing trend, additional nutritionists will be needed. The B.L.S. reports that this career has a potential growth rate of 7% between 2022 and 2032.

The average salary for a nutritionist or a dietitian was $66,450 annually as of May 2022, although the leading 10% earned as much as up to $95,130 per year.

Do I need to have a license to be a Clinical Nutritionist?

Most states will require a kind of certificate, licensure, or at least registration. If you plan to practice as a nutritionist or a dietitian, make sure to check your state’s regulations for specifics.

However, a certificate is not always the same as a certification.

Getting a certificate may be brief; it is very often about simply broadening the knowledge you already possess. For example, as a nutritionist, you may get a certificate to specialize, for example, in sports nutrition or nutrition for children.

But there’s also something called a National Certification, which is awarded to you by a regulated professional organization if you can prove that you have completed the necessary level of education and gained the much-needed experience in the field. In many cases, you will also need to pass a test. Several national certifications will require you to already possess your state’s licensure.

What schools offer Doctor of Clinical Nutrition programs?

Please, note that there are not any Doctor of Clinical Nutrition programs available 100% online. There will always be some on-campus or residency requirements for future nutritionists.

There are two schools offering a hybrid learning format in the U.S. at present. These are the Maryland University of Integrative Health , located in Laurel, Maryland, and the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. The former requires only a residency, but the latter requires a residency as well as attendance during some on-campus workshops.

On-campus doctoral degrees in clinical nutrition can be found at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas. 

What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?

The role of a dietitian, especially a registered dietitian, is more regulated than that of a nutritionist. A dietary doctor needs to acquire more official licenses or certifications to even be able to practice at all.

To use the title of a Doctor, whether as a dietitian or nutritionist, you need to have proof of your qualifications, which is an academic degree.

A dietary doctor and a doctor of clinical nutrition will have similar jobs, including diagnosing and treating some nutrition-related diseases. At the same time, a regular nutritionist can only help you with your diet and shouldn’t be involved in the treatment process.

What are the benefits of pursuing a career as a Clinical Nutritionist?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the field of Clinical Nutrition, consider these benefits, such as:

• Help people improve their health: Being a clinical nutritionist can provide great satisfaction from helping people improve their physical and mental health through nutrition education.
• Career Growth Potential: Clinical nutrition offers an ever-expanding field with plenty of room to grow and expand into different specializations.
• Flexibility: Clinical nutrition allows for a great deal of flexibility in terms of where you can work and the hours you work. You can work in a clinical setting, as part of a research team, in private practice, or as a consultant.
• Variety: Clinical nutrition offers great variety, from consulting with individual clients to presenting seminars and public speaking engagements.
• Job Security: The demand for clinical nutritionists is growing due to the increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition and its impact on an individual’s health. This point solidifies the notion that a career in clinical nutrition is secure.

If you want to follow the career path of a nutritionist, dietitian, researcher, or educator, you absolutely must have a genuine interest in helping others. To excel in the field of clinical nutrition, you need to be compassionate and caring, as you will be expected to work closely with people who are ill, very often severely or even terminally.

Apart from that, your state may require you to keep educating yourself so that you are always up-to-date with the newest medications, solutions, and approaches. And even if the state you live in doesn’t demand this from you, your patients and clients surely will.

Check these out, too:

• The Best Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.) Degree Programs
• The Best Doctor of Acupuncture (D.Ac., D.Acu.) Degree Programs
• The Best Doctor of Health Education (D.H.Ed) Degree Programs: Salary and Information

Additional Information:

• The Best Online Schools for Doctor of Pastoral Counseling (D.PC)
• The Best Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) / Canon Law Degree Programs: Salary and Information
• The Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Theology (D.Th.) Degree Programs

Ph.D. in Nutrition

explore graduate studies in nutritional sciences

Earning a ph.d. in nutrition.

As Ph.D. candidate, you will be required to fulfill a minimum of six semesters of full-time study with courses in the field of nutrition and two additional graduate fields. You must pass the Admission to Candidacy examination within six semesters of matriculation and successfully defend your dissertation based on original research.

Your studies will be guided by a Special Committee that will include your research Chair and representatives of two additional graduate fields, plus an appointed representative of the field of nutrition. The committee will provide guidance in your course selections, determine your admission to doctoral candidacy and evaluate your dissertation.

Financial support is available on a competitive basis.

Learn more about admissions, special committee selection, financial support and more on the Graduate Studies homepage .

Contact us at [email protected]

As a candidate for the Ph.D. degree, you will concentrate in one of the following areas:

In this concentration, you will have the opportunity to study nutritional issues in communities, including their causes,implications, and solutions.

These issues range from obesity to food insecurity, with the unit of analysis ranging widely from families to neighborhoods to governments. Causes for inadequate nutrition are multiple and complex, resulting from biological, economic, social, cultural,and policy issues. Implications of community nutrition issues include poor health and disease.

The program seeks to influence community issues and behaviors by conducting rigorous community-based research; leading community outreach and engagement initiatives; and teaching and mentoring students.

Our faculty members are interested generally in the following areas:

• designing, implementing and evaluating nutrition interventions and policies, in particular for limited resource and under-served populations
• understanding people’s food choices and the contributions of social, cultural, policy, and food systems to those behaviors
• understanding the distribution and causes of nutritional disparities in populations using tools from epidemiology, social sciences, systems science,and policy analysis

Their research interests  cover a wide range of topics.

Graduate Study: Although the program is based within the Division of Nutritional Science, you may take courses across the university to meet your educational focus. To pursue this concentration, you will need a solid understanding of the biological as well as the social basis of human nutrition and health, along with the ability to apply social science theory and methods to work with groups and populations to address nutrition issues. You will also need substantive experience related to community research and/or engagement.

You will be expected to take courses that recognize the social, psychological, cultural, agricultural, economic, clinical, and public health policy determinants of nutrition and health as well as courses that provide you with expertise in the analytic and conceptual methods to address these issues.

Opportunities After Graduation: Doctoral graduates typically work for universities, government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and applied research institutions. Students who earn a master’s degree often work for public health, Cooperative Extension, community agencies,and educational institutions.

In this concentration, you will study how variations in individuals’ nutritional status affect their health and functioning. Faculty members are focused primarily on developing safe and effective methods for improving the human condition. In general, they are interested in the following:

• maternal, infant and child nutrition
• control of food intake and regulation of body weight,as well as animal models of obesity
• factors that affect the absorption, metabolism and storage of Vitamin A, as well as the association between Vitamin A deficiency and disease
• effects of nutritional alterations —for example, iron deficiency folate alterations and PUFAs—on mortality, work capacity,and behavior and cognitive functioning
• lasting cognitive effects of early exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and methylmercury, including exposure via breastmilk
• metabolism, bioavailability and biological effects of Vitamin E, including mechanisms of regulation of Vitamin E status

Our faculty’s research interests  cover a wide range of topics.

Graduate Study : Although the program is based within the Division of Nutritional Science, you may take courses across the university to meet your educational focus. To pursue this concentration, you will need a solid understanding of the biological basis of human biology, nutrition, health and disease,and statistics.

Opportunities After Graduation : Graduates of this program typically work in universities, such government agencies as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the food and health industries.

In this concentration, you will explore malnutrition and hunger, which are widespread in many developing countries, as well as chronic disease resulting from poor nutrition.

The causes of inadequate nutrition can be complex, encompassing biological, economic, social and political issues. Program faculty members address nutritional problems through research, nutritional education and training; applied nutrition programs in the community, government, and international organizations; and institutional development.

Graduate Study : This concentration is dedicated to training committed professionals whose previous training and international experience provide a solid foundation for benefiting from Cornell's rigorous intellectual environment. Our faculty members have had experiences in many parts of the world, and their expertise covers the spectrum from basic biology to population-based interventions. You may take courses in political, economic, sociological, clinical and public health dimensions of nutrition. You will need a solid foundation in the biological aspects of nutrition and your academic background should include biochemistry, physiology and laboratory methods.

Opportunities: Students graduating from this program work for government ministries and other action agencies such as UNICEF and nongovernmental organizations; agencies that deliver technical assistance such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization; and applied research institutions and universities. 

In this concentration, you will investigate the basic biological processes in nutrition and nutrition’s roles in health and disease. The concentration integrates a range of disciplines including chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, and developmental and reproductive biology. A flexible curriculum will enable you to tailor your academic programs to your academic background, research interests, and career plans.

The research opportunities, using such methodologies as classical biochemistry, transgenics and mass spectrometry, are extensive and diverse:

• Nutritional biochemistry studies the biochemical, metabolic, physiological and epigenetic functions and properties of nutrients and other dietary constituents. The discipline is used to examine the synergistic relationships among diet, health and disease susceptibility. Students take an integrative curriculum in nutritional biochemistry and may take foundation courses in the basic biological, chemical and physical sciences. Most students complete a minor in biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Nutrition genomics examines the role of nutrients and dietary components in regulating genome structure, expression and stability, as well as the role of genetic variation on individual nutrient requirements. Research in nutritional genomics relies on genetic technology and models. It includes developing and using transgenic mice, microarray technologies for expression profiling, and human population genetics. Most students complete a minor in genetics.
• Nutritional metabolomics studies the regulation of metabolic pathways and networks by nutrients and other food components, as well as the establishment of analytical methods that profile human serum and urinary metabolites to assess nutritional imbalances and disease risk. Most students complete a minor in biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Maternal nutrition/fetal development/epigenetics  looks at the molecular-level relationships between maternal nutrition and fetal development. Research topics include how maternal nutritional status regulates fetal gene expression (metabolic imprinting) and how to identify the consequences of such imprinting throughout the life of the offspring.

Opportunities after Graduation: Graduates of this program typically follow careers in research and academics. They may work in universities, private research institutions, government and private industry. 

Graduate Studies homepage

• financial support
• tailoring your coursework (curriculum, minor fields of study, required courses, A/B exams)
• selecting a mentor & special committees
• services, facilities, shared equipment
• admission info (deadlines, requirements, etc.)

• Degrees Offered

PhD in Nutritional Sciences

Description.

The doctoral program in Nutritional Sciences offers interdisciplinary training to prepare students to meet the needs for expanding the base of new knowledge in nutritional sciences and to apply this knowledge in public health and clinical health care settings. The PhD program is designed to assist students in gaining an advanced understanding of nutrition and metabolism, and of related biological, biochemical, molecular, and behavioral sciences, in acquiring skills in research methods, and in developing timely and original hypotheses in nutritional sciences. Students first undertake coursework covering the fundamental areas of study and the core knowledge areas. Students then develop their dissertation project, an original research endeavor focused on one primary and another secondary core knowledge area. A general and a final examination are required to complete the degree.

Applicants to the PhD program in Nutritional Sciences may also apply for the  Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD)  to incorporate the coursework and supervised practice necessary to sit for the Registered Dietitian Exam while completing the PhD degree.

Likely Careers

The PhD program prepares students for careers in teaching and research in academia, industry, and government.

Evidence of experience related to the broad areas of nutrition, dietetics, public health, or research.

Application Deadline:   Dec. 1 for Autumn Quarter entry

Competencies

Upon satisfactory completion of a PhD in Nutritional Sciences, graduates will be able to:

• Meet the  competencies  established by the School of Public Health for all MS and PhD students;
• Apply knowledge of human nutrient requirements and their relationship to metabolic pathways and physiological function to the design of research, teaching, and policy proposals;
• Select appropriate methods to perform an in depth assessment of the nutritional status of individuals and groups as part of a planning process that takes into consideration the planned outcomes, uses of the assessment and resource limitations;
• Justify the importance of nutritional sciences in terms of how nutritional factors across the lifespan affect etiology, incidence, and prevalence of major diseases, quality of life, and productivity at work and school in the population;
• Critically examine the process, rationale and issues related to establishing nutrient requirements and dietary guidance for the population;
• Apply conceptual models of evidence-based approaches to promoting nutritional health;
• Construct testable hypotheses, develop appropriate study designs, and conduct research, which will significantly expand knowledge of nutritional sciences;
• Disseminate research findings through oral presentations and peer reviewed journals;
• Develop and prepare proposals for procuring research funding; and
• Develop and provide instruction in a higher education academic setting, demonstrating use of evidence-based pedagogical principals.

Skip to content

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Message from the director.

A welcome message from Sabrina Diano, PhD, Director, Institute of Human Nutrition.

IHN alumni are advancing nutrition around the world through work in the health care industry, clinical research, medical education, and more.

Research Laboratories

Learn more about the Institute for Human Nutrition's research.

In the Community

Local initiatives.

IHN is a proud supporter of local organizations and activities here in Washington Heights and the surrounding communities.

PhD in Nutritional and Metabolic Biology

The Nutritional and Metabolic Biology (NMB) PhD training program prepares students to work at the frontiers of biomedical research in nutritional and metabolic sciences, exploring the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal human health.  The objective of the training program is to prepare individuals who will conduct original basic science research, teach in medical schools and universities, and hold positions of leadership in community and international nutrition.

Housed within the Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), this inter-disciplinary and multi-departmental training program is highly structured and comprises both coursework and basic research. The NMB program is one of the few pre-doctoral training programs in nutrition in the United States that is located within a medical school and is unique among the other PhD programs at CUMC with an equal number of MDs and PhDs as faculty mentors (including ten MD/PhDs). The location of the NMB training program in a medical school offers trainees a wide array of research opportunities in laboratories headed by established senior scientists as well as NIH-funded younger independent investigators, all focused on the role of nutrition and metabolism in health and disease.

nmb_phd_program_faculty_-_life_at_columbia

nmb_phd_program_students_-_life_at_columbia

For information on NMB faculty, please visit the Faculty page on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) site .

Lori Zeltser, PhD

• Co-director

Anthony Ferrante Jr., MD, PhD

The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024

If you’re looking to advance your career in nutrition and dietetics, we rank the most affordable PhD degree programs in clinical nutrition.

Top 10 Affordable Online PhD in Clinical Nutrition Degree Programs

Maryland university of integrative health, rutgers university, university of north florida, saybrook university, university of kansas, university of western states, florida international university, texas tech university, oregon state university, fairfield university.

• University of Kansas 88%
• Oregon State University 83%
• University of North Florida 71%
• Texas Tech University 67%
• Florida International University 64%
• Fairfield University 52%
• Florida International University 24 to 1
• Texas Tech University 21 to 1
• University of North Florida 19 to 1
• Oregon State University 19 to 1
• University of Kansas 17 to 1
• Fairfield University 12 to 1
• University of Western States 7 to 1
• Fairfield University $54,455
• Oregon State University $10,425
• University of Kansas $10,092
• Texas Tech University $8,935
• Florida International University $4,721
• University of North Florida $3,996
• Saybrook University $20,856
• Fairfield University $20,034
• Maryland University of Integrative Health $15,269
• Oregon State University $13,446
• University of Western States $10,566
• University of Kansas $9,989
• Florida International University $9,119
• University of North Florida $8,570
• Texas Tech University $6,956

Key Takeaways

• Only a select number of accredited online college programs offer Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degrees. However, a number of graduate schools do offer relevant online nutrition and dietetics programs.
• The cost of a doctorate in clinical nutrition program varies, but on average, affordable doctorates cost around $40,000.
• State of residency, per credit hour cost, technological, and membership fees are some of the factors that affect a nutrition program’s total tuition fee.

The doctorate in clinical nutrition is required to become a certified nutrition specialist in a clinical setting. Certified clinical nutrition and dietetics professionals play a central role in public health and wellness.

Clinical nutrition students will earn valuable credentials and qualifications in areas like community nutrition, sports nutrition, nutrition science, nutrition counseling, and more. Some graduate students even go on to innovate in the area of food and nutrition entrepreneurship.

However you choose to apply this doctorate in food science, you’ll have plenty of exciting professional opportunities. Federal reports indicate that positions for Dietitians and Nutritionists are among the fastest-growing in the market, with an expected growth of 7 percent from 2021 to 2031 . As a result, there’s increasing popularity and demand for clinical nutritionists who pass the Clinical Nutrition Certification board exam.

However, many health sciences professionals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree may already be working in the field. For this reason, a growing number of schools now offer 100% online and hybrid learning format options for those interested in advancing their careers as clinical nutritionists.

Many of these online programs are also geared toward those with specializations like medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, nutrition research, and nutrition sciences. If you’ve already earned an affordable master’s degree in nutrition and gained some experience in the field, it’s time to take a leap and enroll in an affordable online doctorate in clinical nutrition program.

Featured Programs

The cost of a doctorate in clinical nutrition.

According to recent data from NCES , the average tuition fee for a graduate degree at private universities is $26,597, and $11,673 at public universities.

However, the total cost of a clinical nutrition degree varies based on the university, particularly for in-state and out-of-state students, just like any other degree.

Tuition at colleges is frequently assessed per credit. At public universities, per-credit costs can be as low as $300, while at private universities, they can be as high as $2,000.

Affordable online clinical nutrition doctorate degree programs could have a total tuition cost of $40,000. At some out-of-state institutions, online students are entitled to in-state tuition rates.

Non-Academic Costs

It’s vital to remember that PhD students who are enrolled online may pay non-academic costs that campus students do not pay. Typical non-academic costs for students enrolled in online programs may include:

Online course fees

The college must invest in designing and providing online programs. This can involve hiring new instructors, creating new content, and creating or purchasing an online platform for learning and collaboration.

Extra technology fees

Technology fees are occasionally included in the aforementioned online course fees but can also be a separate line item. These fee typically encompass the online learning platform and any additional technology required to run online courses and programs.

Membership fees

Some online degree programs will charge online students membership fees to some dietetics and nutrition organizations, such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. These costs may seem unnecessary to some, but these organizations will help you grow professionally and give you many valuable networking opportunities.

Indirect Expenses

In addition to the above-mentioned direct costs, students should also consider indirect expenses, such as transportation for on-campus requirements. When enrolling in classes for the first time, some universities require all students to attend an in-person orientation program, regardless of how they intend to study.

Some colleges may also require students to travel to the school. Most commonly, graduate schools will require students enrolled in their online master’s or doctorate programs to attend a week-long residential program at the end of one or more multiple academic calendar years.

Before enrolling in any online program, be sure you are fully aware of any travel or residential requirements.

Financial Aid

PhD students may be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and grant or fellowship opportunities. In fact, depending on the nature of your online PhD program, your graduate school may even offer full tuition coverage in addition to coverage for housing, research, and even a cost-of-living stipend. Make sure you learn everything you can about your financial aid options before committing to a school.

Admission Requirements for Online Clinical Doctorates

• Candidates for admission to clinical nutrition or similar nutrition programs must be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
• International candidates must possess a qualification that satisfies US criteria as determined by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in clinical nutrition or nutritional sciences program, or a field relevant to health sciences and nutrition (with a minimum GPA of 3.4).
• Candidates must be clinical RDNs with at least three years of nutrition and food systems experience.

Required Admissions Materials for Online Doctoral Candidates

• Transcripts from the highest degree earned.
• RDN Commission on Dietetic Registration Number (if required by the university)
• Resume or CV
• A letter of intent
• Letters of recommendation

10 Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorates

Student body

Maryland University of Integrative Health’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

One of the country’s top academic centers for integrative health is the Maryland University of Integrative Health . MUIH gives students access to cutting-edge clinical teaching models, collaborations with influential professors, and opportunities for exciting, independent research.

MUIH’s online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition costs $1039 per credit hour and is among the most affordable and popular online clinical nutrition degrees. Graduate students learn about functional nutrition through a holistic framework and an emphasis on both individualized nutrition and the biochemical and physiological explanations for nutrition disorders. The program includes courses that will prepare students to become proficient clinical nutritionists.

• Required Credits: 48
• Completion time: 2.5 years
• Format: Online

What we love about Maryland University and Integrative Health

More than 20,000 clinical treatments and consultations are provided annually by student interns and licensed practitioners at the MUIH’s on-campus Natural Care Center and in outreach programs for the local community.

Maryland University and Integrative Health is great for students who:

Want a holistic approach to earning their degree and enjoy a tight-knit community campus where everyone knows everyone.

Maryland University and Integrative Health might not be the best fit for students who:

Want a diverse learning environment and a party-school atmosphere.

• #14 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #14 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students

Rutgers University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Mathematics
• Criminal Justice
• Social Work
• Anthropology

Most Influential Alumni

• Milton Friedman
• Philip Roth
• Judea Pearl
• Toni Morrison
• Nel Noddings
• Louis Freeh
• John McWhorter
• Selman Waksman
• Richard Florida
• Amiri Baraka
• Rudy Rucker
• Stanley Norman Cohen

Rutgers University is a statewide academic health leader as well as a powerhouse in the fields of research, health, and education. At Rutgers, students seeking undergraduate degrees, professional studies, graduate degrees, graduate medical education, and postdoctoral education are served by 29 schools and institutions. One of the schools is the Rutgers School of Health Professions , which provides both instruction and individualized patient treatment. The School of Health Professions is recognized as a leader in developing dynamic, holistic healthcare practitioners.

Rutgers Schools of Health Professions offers an affordable online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition designed for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). While coursework can be completed via web learning, online students must attend three or more on-campus visits and face-to-face virtual meetings to collaborate with peers and faculty. Students will complete didactic classes, an advanced clinical nutrition practice residency, and both a practice-based project and a research based project.

• Required Credits: 50
• Completion time: 3 years
• Format: Hybrid

What we love about Rutgers University

All of the instructors are engaging, willing to help, and highly knowledgeable in their subject areas.

Rutgers University is great for students who:

Can strike a balance between studies and parties because Rutgers offers plenty of opportunity for both.

Rutgers might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to study in a small and quiet campus.

• #4 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs
• #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs

Tuition + fees

Median SAT/ACT

University of North Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Computer Science
• Political Science
• Communications
• Ulysses Owens
• Paul T. Jaeger
• James E. Carr

The University of North Florida is one of the 12 public universities in the State University System of Florida. UNF consistently earns high marks for both quality and value. The University has received various honors, including the Carnegie Foundation’s renowned Community Engagement Classification, which is held by just 5% of US universities.

The Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition is an $852.53 per credit hour advanced practice degree program designed to help registered dietitians achieve their professional and academic goals. This degree program focuses on assisting RDNs in developing progressive leadership, research, and practice skills.

The doctor of nutrition online degree combines online coursework with advanced practice residency. Students also earn access to the school’s unique applied scholarship for RDNs seeking leadership roles in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, or post-secondary education.

• Required Credits: 54
• Completion time: Online

What we love about the University of North Florida

Cultural diversity is one of the things to love at UNF. Many students praise the accepting environment at UNF, noting that there is an active LGBTQ+ community and that students are welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

The University of North Florida is great for students who:

Want to have high-quality education on a small campus.

The University of North Florida might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer a huge campus and lecture-style classes.

Saybrook University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Richard Tarnas
• Melanie Joy
• Christopher Ryan

Saybrook University offers a community profoundly entrenched in humanistic tradition and committed to assisting students in realizing their greatest potential. Saybrook University provides an MA degree and a doctoral degree via distance learning. Saybrook University offers challenging graduate education experiences and encourages transformative change in people, groups, and communities with the goal of creating a more just, compassionate, and sustainable society.

One of Saybrook’s top online doctorates is the Integrative and Functional Nutrition PhD, which costs $1,349 per credit . This degree program looks at environmental effects, genetic predisposition, physiological and psychological reasons for disease, and the implications of basic dietary recommendations. The degree program also incorporates digestive health science and examines the underlying causes of nutritional imbalance.

This degree was designed to help current nutrition and health professionals stand out in a crowded field, complement the skill set of non-nutrition health care practitioners, or open doors for experts from non-scientific backgrounds to enter the field. The degree program is also intended to satisfy the primary academic prerequisites for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board’s (CCNB) Certified Clinical Nutritionist credential (CCN).

• Required Credits: 62
• Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years

What we love about Saybrook University

Saybrook sincerely cares about bringing together the local community and creating a sense of belonging. Students are encouraged to become problem solvers inside and outside their fields.

Saybrook University is great for students who:

Want to have individualized attention and personalized degree programs.

Saybrook University might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not want to become part of a tight-knit community.

• #1 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2024
• #1 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas
• #2 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #11 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required

University of Kansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Vernon L. Smith
• Paul R. Ehrlich
• Richard Herrnstein
• Frank Harris
• Robert Morris
• Roger Barker
• Larry Laudan
• Martin Gutzwiller
• Wilt Chamberlain
• Clyde Tombaugh
• Hobart Muir Smith

The University of Kansas is one of only 65 US institutions affiliated with the Association of American Universities (AAU). The University of Kansas is frequently recognized as a top research university and receives consistently high academic rankings in numerous disciplines. As a school that focuses on helping students achieve their educational goals without breaking the bank, the University of Kansas has extended its campus to online learning with flexible 8-week and 16-week formats. Additionally, the university spends an average of $292.6 million per year on externally funded research.

University of Kansas’s online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition is one of the cheapest doctorates in the US, costing only $421.15 per credit hour.

This DCN is only open for applicants with RDN licensure and a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in clinical nutrition or other nutrition-related graduate degrees. This program is geared toward improving evidence-based practice and helping advanced practitioners develop critical research skills.

What we love about the University of Kansas

The University’s community is its strongest suit. There’s a place for everybody on this campus, whether you involve yourself in athletics, academics, or cultural groups. Due to the numerous organizations and groups at the University of Kansas, students will never have a dull moment.

The University of Kansas is great for students who:

Are interested in working with a faculty mentor on research.

The University of Kansas might not be the best fit for students who:

Are not accepting of diversity because the University of Kansas is one of the most diverse institutions in the Midwest.

University of Western States’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

The University of Western States is the second-oldest chiropractic teaching program in the world and has been a pioneer in fusing science and health. UWS takes pride in offering a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum that helps students gain the knowledge and skills required to evaluate patient-clients.

Recognizing the need for clinical nutrition professionals, the University of Western States offers an affordable $687 per credit hour online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition .

This degree was designed to help nutrition practitioners gain advanced training to assess and manage patient-clients experiencing complex chronic illnesses. Students will learn to promote wellness through optimal diet and lifestyle. Graduates will be able to use proper techniques for patient/client evaluation, provide a holistic diet, and use a cooperative method for clinical nutrition care.

• Required Credits: 65

What we love about the University of Western States

UWS is primarily known for their evidence-based instruction and fantastic campus. The university makes sure that students also have many options for community involvement.

The University of Western States is great for students who:

Appreciate small towns, the outdoors, and are incredibly driven.

The University of Western States might not be the best fit for students who:

Are looking for a party atmosphere.

• #6 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024
• #6 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
• #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
• #1 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #3 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
• #4 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #5 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #8 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #9 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #11 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #12 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #13 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #14 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #14 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #15 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #16 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #23 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #25 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #13 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Engineering
• Carmen Reinhart
• Andy García
• Mike Lowell
• Richard Blanco
• Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
• James F. O'Brien
• Christopher Ferguson
• Carlos Arroyo
• Norma M. Riccucci
• Irma Becerra Fernandez
• Dale Schilly

Florida International University is a top-tier school known to be one of the best universities for research and development. By addressing some of the day’s most pressing scientific issues, FIU has established itself as one of South Florida’s cornerstone institutions over the past 50 years.

FIU’s online PhD in Dietetics & Nutrition charges students $4,101 per semester in tuition, making it one of the most affordable PhDs. Core courses can be completed online, with approval from the school. Some elective courses are taken on-campus to allow students to work beside FIU’s prominent educators, researchers, and practitioners.

In addition to coursework and dissertation, students must participate in various career and research development seminars, colloquium presentations, and workshops. These activities will boost what they’ve learned throughout the PhD program and help them build a professional network.

• Required Credits: 55
• Completion time: 5 years

What we love about Florida International University

The various student bodies this university attracts, along with its commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, set it apart from other universities.

Florida International University is great for students who:

Thrive in diversity and can complete rigorous coursework in a very competitive environment.

Florida International University might not be the best fit for students who:

Expect to receive personalized attention from a small college with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

• #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in English
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #9 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #11 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #12 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #14 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #15 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #16 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #23 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #23 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Texas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• John Hinckley Jr.
• Arati Prabhakar
• James T. Richardson
• Mica Endsley
• Carolyn Eisele
• Paul E. Gray
• Guy McPherson
• John Denver
• Manuel H. Johnson
• M. David Rudd

Texas Tech University is classified as an R1: Doctoral University for its very high level of research. Due to its affordability, Texas Tech is one of the best universities in terms of return on investment. Every student benefits significantly from the university’s influential alumni, cutting-edge facilities, and over 460 student organizations.

Texas Tech’s PhD in Nutritional Sciences is one of the most affordable and flexible online doctoral degrees. While the program is provided in a hybrid format, students can decide how many credit hours they’ll enroll in each semester. This nutritional science PhD has been praised for the faculty’s publishing works, which appear in many journals covering clinical nutrition, gerontology, sports nutrition, applied physiology, and biology.

Students can combine nutrition education and food science with other fields in the College of Human Sciences, such as obesity, addiction, human development, and education.

• Required Credits: 72

What we love about Texas Tech University

Texas Tech provides fantastic scholarships for those that excelled academically in high school. Tech also provides big-city opportunities with a small-town atmosphere.

Texas Tech University is great for students who:

Are well-rounded with a strong sense of school pride.

Texas Tech University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are very conservative and are not welcoming of diversity.

• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
• #3 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
• #2 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
• #7 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
• #17 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Oregon State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Linus Pauling
• Douglas Engelbart
• Michael Waterman
• Katharine Jefferts Schori
• Derald Wing Sue
• Gary Payton
• George Andrews
• Paul Hugh Emmett
• Jerald Ericksen
• Philip Emeagwali
• William J. Ripple
• George I. Mavrodes

Oregon State University is a big campus with a thriving social scene and over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree options. The school focuses on research and has access to more funding than students at any other public university in Oregon, allowing undergraduates to conduct research in a wide range of fields. Additionally, OSU is one of just two land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant universities in the country.

Oregon State University’s PhD in Nutrition is one of the most affordable hybrid nutrition PhDs available, and combines research with coursework to prepare students for career opportunities in clinical nutrition. Students can choose elective courses in epidemiology or exercise science. Additionally, PhD students can take advanced courses in biochemistry and physics as well as molecular and cell biology.

• Required Credits: 59-62

What we love about Oregon State University

OSU’s reputation for academic excellence and affordability. On top of being a land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant university, it is the only university in Oregon to earn Community Engagement classification and the top accreditation for research universities from the Carnegie Foundation.

Oregon State University is great for students who:

Thrive in large campuses and class sizes.

Oregon State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer a college in a large town.

• #6 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
• #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
• #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
• #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #17 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising

Fairfield University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Peter Pronovost
• Brian P. Monahan
• Kevin Nealon
• Robert J. Wicks
• John T. Lis
• Charles E. Schaefer
• Ronald A. Bosco
• Donald Preziosi
• Kevin Kiernan
• Tatiana Foroud
• James Lewis Abbruzzese
• Robert J. McMahon

Fairfield University is one of the country’s smallest but most progressive universities and has graduated skilled, talented, and socially conscious leaders. Fairfield offers a setting where the education is more in-depth, the relationships are more profound, and the experiences are retained long after graduation. Fairfield provides students with chances for professional growth and experience-based learning that will give them a competitive edge in today’s labor market.

Students interested in an affordable on-campus doctorate should consider Fairfield’s traditional Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition , which accepts applicants who haven’t yet earned their RDN licenses. The program is among the cheapest traditional doctorate programs, costing only $1,090 per credit hour . Graduates of the program qualify to sit for the credentialing exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

• Required Credits: 71
• Completion time: 3-4 years
• Format: On campus

What we love about Fairfield University

Fairfield University has an extremely tight-knit community, offering a strong and accepting environment that makes everyone feel at home.

Fairfield University is great for students who:

Find a small community in the suburbs fun and exciting.

Fairfield University might not be the best fit for students who:

Want to have more diversity in the classroom.

Image Attributions

• Image Source for Rutgers University

Browser does not support script.

Clinical Nutrition PhD

• Full-time: Up to 4 years
• Part-time: Up to 8 years
• Start date: Multiple start dates
• UK fees: £5,100
• International fees: Up to £52,500 per year

Research overview

Internationally renowned for research on nutrition and metabolism, healthy aging, public health dietetics and the prevention of chronic disease and global food security.

Our core research themes are:

• Obesity and diabetes
• Nutritional health across the lifespan
• Sustainable nutrition
• Medical nutritional intervention studies

External collaboration with academic institutes and industrial partners promotes knowledge transfer and use of our research in clinical or commercial environments.

Our research comprises a multidisciplinary team with skills in modern molecular techniques, biochemistry, physiology, dietetics and health psychology.

Research areas:

• Maternal and child nutrition
• The fetal origins of obesity and diabetes
• Micronutrient deficiencies across the lifespan
• The use of alternative nutrient sources for both good health and for the management of disease
• Dietary intervention studies across a range of disease states

During the PhD you will learn from some of the school's leading researchers and will undergo training in transferable skills which are critical to developing a career in research.

Read more about the  Nutrition and Health  research theme.

Course content

A PhD is an independent in-depth research project. You will be able to develop additional skills through training programmes to help you complete your PhD. See the support section for more details.

In each year you will have a regular meetings with your supervisor and an annual review.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

For all of our research degrees, the first step is to identify one or more supervisors you would like to work with.

To do this, look through our  academic staff research interests . We strongly encourage contacting supervisors before making a formal application, to discuss potential research projects and to ensure the best application possible.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice .

As a student on this course, we do not anticipate any extra significant costs, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books and journals you’ll need through our libraries.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

The school believes that formal training and guidance are critical components of the postgraduate experience and have developed specific and generic training which are available for all postgraduates.

Project-related training is provided by the supervisors and other staff within the school. You will have frequent contact with your supervisor, often on a weekly or even daily basis, and there is a formal requirement for at least 10 recorded meetings per year.

Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postdoctoral research fellows.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Sutton bonington campus.

Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.

You will have access to student services, a library, sports centre and places to eat. Specialist facilities include the super lab, food processing pilot plant, glasshouses and University farm. 

You can travel to  University Park Campus  in around 25 minutes on our free hopper bus.

Food, Nutrition & Dietetics

The division contains a range of modern facilities including:

• a fully equipped dietetics laboratory for the preparation of modified diets
• clinical consulting rooms for taking anthropometric assessments and blood samples
• an extensive array of rheological techniques for the physio-chemical analysis of food
• cell culture facilities
• controlled growth incubators
• new liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Related courses

Nutritional sciences msc/pgdip, biosciences phd/mphil/mres, food sciences phd/mphil/mres, clinical nutrition msc, nutritional sciences phd/mphil, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 27 July 2023 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

• Course Sequence Page
• How To Apply
• Request Info
• More on Sonoran

Earn your Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition – Online!

Prepare to make a difference in the lives of others.

Request Information

A clinical nutrition degree from sonoran university.

Accelerated, Fully Online Program

Designed for working professionals, the MSCN can be completed in 21-months.

Practical Courses for Career Advancement

From nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition to botanicals and more, gain advanced knowledge in nutrition and natural health.

Prepare for CNS® Exam

This program meets the Board for Certified Nutrition Specialists’ requirements and is designed to help you prepare to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist. Find out from one of our graduates about how we prepare you to become CNS® certified.

Program Benefits

Real-world Applications and Interventions

The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition program provides a strong foundation of physiology, nutrition across the lifecycle, emerging topics in nutrition, and a deep understanding of how nutrition impacts health.

Virtual Health Center Experience

The Clinical Nutrition curriculum includes a Virtual Health Center Experience designed to simulate the interaction between a nutritionist and their client and allows you to practice applying new skills and knowledge safely in a virtual training environment.

Gain an advantage in a growing job market

Whether you want to open your own clinical nutrition practice or join an established clinic, nutrition jobs are expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. 1. Increasingly, an advanced degree is a must-have for nutrition professionals as they seek employment and advancement. 2.

Certification to help set yourself apart

The MSCN program provides you with opportunities to earn special industry-specific training and a Certificate in the Principles of Nutritional Genomics from the American Nutrition Association while you earn your degree.

Prepare for the Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam

Certified Nutrition Specialists® (CNS) are advanced nutrition professionals. They engage in science-based advanced medical nutrition therapy, research, education, and more, in a variety of settings. They have fulfilled the most rigorous advanced-degree, education, experience, examination, and continuing education requirements. The Certified Nutrition Specialist® certification is held by clinical nutritionists, physicians, and other advanced-degree healthcare professionals with a specialty in nutrition.

Sonoran University’s MS in Clinical Nutrition program has been designed to fulfill the current academic requirements for the CNS®. BCNS requires a graduate degree in the field of nutrition from a regionally accredited university, specific coursework, and 1,000 hours of supervised experience (SPE). In addition to meeting the academic/coursework requirements, upon completion of the program, you will have a significant head start on your path to fulfilling the 1000-hour requirement and meeting the CNS® requirements. You will have completed a total of 349 hours of SPE as part of your MSCN degree – including 99 direct hours and all 250 observational hours. As an MSCN graduate from Sonoran, you will also automatically meet application requirements and qualify for a discounted rate for our Supervised Practice Experience program if you decide to continue your journey to obtaining your CNS®  with us.

Please note: BCNS reviews each candidate individually, including current course descriptions, transcripts, and experience to determine eligibility. To learn more about becoming a CNS®, visit the American Nutrition Association website .

Read first-hand from one of our graduates about how we prepare you for the CNS® exam and to become CNS® certified.

“i feel like sonoran university of health sciences truly prepares you for the world of clinical nutrition. i would highly recommend this school to anyone.” - sammeisha c., why earn your ms in clinical nutrition at sonoran university.

With an increased importance on nutrition as a preventive measure and treatment for chronic diseases, the demand for trained, qualified clinical nutrition practitioners has greatly outpaced the U.S. healthcare system’s capacity. With an M.S. in Clinical Nutrition, you can be a part of the solution to provide the evidence-based advanced nutritional therapy, research, and education that is so greatly needed in the U.S. and worldwide.

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is meeting this growing demand by offering the online M.S. in Clinical Nutrition program to develop the next generation of clinical nutrition professionals.

The online M.S. in Clinical Nutrition degree provides the clinical and scientific knowledge you need to meet your goal to become an advanced nutrition professional, while also helping you prepare and qualify to take the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS) examination.

The online program structure allows you to earn your master’s degree while continuing to work full time in as little as 21 months.

1. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dietitians and Nutritionists,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified September 6, 2023, 2. 2024 GRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENT – REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY | Nutritionists & Health Professionals Eligibility Requirements

© 2024 Sonoran University of Health Sciences

2140 E. Broadway Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282

(480)858-9100

[email protected]

Quick Links

• Clinical Nutrition
• Nutrition Business Leadership
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• About Sonoran University
• Privacy Policy

• Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutritional Sciences

• Scholarships
• International Study
• Dietetics and Nutrition Club
• Nutrition and Metabolism Graduate Program

Online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition

• Online Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition
• Admissions and Applying to Dietetics
• Degree Requirements
• Information for Prospective and Transfer Students
• Mission, Goals, Objectives and Program Outcomes
• Dietetics Program Committee
• Academic Calendar
• Program Costs, Financial Aid, & Scholarships
• Dietetic Supervised Practice Programs
• Research Opportunities
• Cargill-Benevenga Research Stipend
• Joint T32 Retreat 2023
• Training Program
• Research Focus Groups
• Faculty Trainers
• Requirements
• Current Trainee Research
• Trainee Input
• Professional Development
• Graduate Students
• Department Faculty
• Nutrition and Metabolism Faculty Trainers
• Nutrition and Metabolism Trainers by Research Area
• Academic Staff
• Administration
• Nutrition News
• Resources for Healthy Eating
• Food Safety and Access
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Apparel Store
• Location and Parking
• Seminar Series
• Newsletter Archive
• Online Curriculum and Course Descriptions
• Application Process
• Information for Prospective Students
• Dietetic Internships

College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Welcome to the department of nutritional sciences.

Completely Online: No campus visits required

Credits: 30 graduate credits

The MS in Clinical Nutrition is focused on core nutrition, clinical nutrition, professional skills, and electives. This is advanced  learning at its best, and is ideal for people with a strong background in clinical nutrition, confidence working at the graduate level, and a commitment to become a leader in clinical nutrition and dietetics. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to translate research;  recognize and formulate responses to evolving developments in clinical nutrition practice, policy, and research; and lead and manage professional teams to design nutrition related services.

The Healthcare System is Changing Rapidly

Health professions have increased educational standards beyond the bachelor’s degree; in fact, the Commission on Dietetic Registration has increased the requirements to be eligible to take the Registration Exam for Dietitians to the completion of a Master’s Degree beginning in 2024. To remain competitive in the field and obtain the advanced competencies and skills needed in the job market, completion of a Master’s degree is becoming essential.

Why Clinical Nutrition through the University of Wisconsin-Madison? 

In achievement and prestige, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has long been recognized as one of America’s great universities. As a UW-Madison student, you will be immersed in the latest discoveries and challenged to think critically. Get ready to be inspired by your instructors, challenged by your classmates, and supported in your desire to learn.

What you can expect pursuing an online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition through the University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Complete the program in four semesters of full-time enrollment or work part-time on your own schedule; if you already have your certificate in clinical nutrition from UW-Madison, you can finish your master’s degree in just two semesters.
• Learn through project-based activities, actual case studies from UW Hospital and other programs, weekly web conferences, and discussion boards
• Develop a research proposal applicable to your interests or your employer’s needs

Your future is waiting, contact us for more information today!

Connect with us! Emma Lee Davis

Enrollment Coach Professional Master’s and Capstone Certificates

Email: [email protected] Call/Text: 608-469-2010 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-davis-159343100/ Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/emmalee-davis

Program Coordinator Makayla Schuchardt MS, RDN 1415 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706 [email protected]

• Online Curriculum and Course Descriptions
• Application Process
• Information for Prospective Students
• Dietetic Internships

• Director's Desk
• Scientists' Profile
• Research Division
• Annual Reports

Academic / PhD Programme

PhD Programme ICMR-NIN is a recognised centre for advanced training by many universities. Many of the NIN scientists are recognized guides with reputed Universities. For students desirous of pursuing Ph.D. at NIN under the guidance of NIN scientists it is mandatory to qualify in the National Eligibility Test [NET] for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) conducted by Government agencies like ICMR, UGC, DBT, DST, CSIR etc. Students can register with the universities that recognise NIN as study centre and pursue their research. Candidates who qualify only for Lectureship are not eligible to apply for the Ph.D. program. Guidance is offered in various areas of research such as (but are not limited to) – nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, clinical studies, epidemiology, food chemistry, food safety, microbiology, molecular biology, social and behavioural sciences and biostatistics. Currently, admissions to the Ph.D. program are done by posting the advertisement on the NIN and ICMR websites. Scientists who require a graduate student in a particular discipline/subject shall post the advertisement with the essential qualifications needed for the project. Interested candidates may go through the websites regularly and apply against a vacancy as and when it is posted.

For details contact

Dr. Ayesha Ismail Convenor, Academic Council Scientist ‘F’ & Head Department of Endocrinology National Institute of Nutrition Jamai-Osmania PO., Hyderabad – 50007. E-mail: [email protected]

Nutrition and Dietetics

Program Overview

Our graduate program in nutrition and dietetics prepares students for evidence-based practice in the field of nutrition. With your Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.N.D.), you can apply advanced knowledge about food and science in a variety of environments and counsel others in pursuing a healthy diet, improving their health, and fighting disease. The M.S.N.D. program also prepares students to sit for the national exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a professional title and credential. Starting January 1, 2024, a master’s degree will be required to sit for the credentialing exam.

• Admission Events

Who Can Apply?

Students from all backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics can apply for the M.S.N.D. program! Undergraduate students can enroll in our 3+2 program, completing three years of bachelor’s degree studies in exercise science and two years of graduate degree studies. In doing so, students can earn their M.S.N.D. faster and at a more affordable cost than other traditional programs. Post-graduate students or professionals seeking their master’s degree can come from any background and be admitted to the program; however, students may need to complete a series of pre-requisite classes prior to entry. We seek students with the desire to study a rigorous, competency-based, student-centered curriculum, develop into qualified and competent entry-level RDNs, and who are motivated to translate nutrition science for all populations.

Built for Flexibility

Our completely online program emphasizes critical thinking and uses interactive technology to engage you in the learning process. We have designed this program to provide flexibility and convenience for students to learn from our faculty on their own schedule.

Outcomes for RDNs

RDNs can work in a variety of environments, including clinical settings, public health clinics, fitness centers, nursing homes, universities, private practice, and more. Salaries for RDNs average $70,000 per year and the outlook for these positions is growing faster than average.

Accreditation Status

King’s College’s M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Future Graduate Program has been granted candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 5400. Visit the ACEND webpage here.

Contact Dr. Diane M. DellaValle, [email protected] or 570-208-5900, ext. 5444 for more information.

*The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics. These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

This is an online program. There is no in-residence or on-campus requirement. *Outcome data for our FG Program will be available upon request.

Additional Info

Application and technical requirements, prerequisites.

To be eligible for our Future Graduate Program, applicants must have earned at least a Bachelor's degree from a US regionally-accredited college or university.

For applicants from foreign institutions, documentation must be provided that their academic degree has been validated as equivalent to the bachelor's or master's degree conferred by a US regionally-accredited college or university. Applicants from foreign institutions should visit the ACEND website for more information including links to independent foreign degree evaluation agencies. Applicants whose native language is not English must take and pass the TOEFL exam or complete a bachelor’s degree at a US College or University. Official TOEFL scores must be sent directly to the King’s College Graduate Admissions and received by the application deadline. The minimum TOEFL Score needed to apply is 108/120 on the internet-based test.

Other prerequisites that must be satisfied include successful completion (B or better) of the following courses: Anatomy and Physiology (all body systems must be covered; no labs required); organic chemistry (no labs required); and biochemistry (no labs required). An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or better is also required.

While these prerequisites would not satisfy any of the competencies or performance indicators, students may request to have an assessment of prior learning (e.g. meeting of required competencies), which would be performed by our Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator. See our policy on assessment of prior learning for more information.

Application Requirements

All prerequisite course work, including official transcripts and all application requirements, must be complete and uploaded at the time of application submission. In addition to King’s College’s Graduate Admissions Application, the FG MSND Program requires the following:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• (3) References with contact information.
• Why the applicant is applying to this particular FG MSND program at King’s College
• Why the applicant wants to enter the dietetics profession
• Experiences that have helped to prepare the Applicant for a career in nutrition/dietetics
• The applicant’s short- and long-term goals
• The applicant’s strengths and challenges needing improvement

Applicant Selection Process

Complete graduate applications are scored based on GPA (including cumulative GPA and overall science and prerequisite GPA). Additional points are awarded for advanced degrees, graduate course credits, relevant coursework (earning a B grade or better), professional work, volunteer work, and other experiences. The quality and quantity of any health care experience or shadowing hours are also scored.

Your personal statement, CV/resume, references, and other experiences (work experience, community service, and extracurricular activities) included on your application are also scored, in addition to general communication and following of instructions throughout the application process (such as formal and informal interactions with program faculty and graduate admissions staff). The King’s College graduate admissions staff and nutrition programs faculty will notify selected candidates within four weeks of the application deadline. This selection process will continue until the class is filled, or until July 20, whichever comes first. A mandatory virtual orientation is held the first week of August before classes start.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee admission. Once accepted, graduate applicants will be required to submit a non-refundable deposit to secure their seat. This deposit will then be applied to their tuition.

Application Deadlines

The application cycle for the Fall 2024 semester will open up on October 1, 2023 and close on February 15, 2024.

• Completed Application Deadline - February 15, 2024
• Admission Decision Notification - March 15, 2024
• Last Day to Reserve Your Spot - April 1, 2024
• First Day of Class - TBD

If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Lanzendorfer, Graduate Admission Counselor at [email protected] or by phone at 570-208-8403.

Schedule a virtual meeting with Dr. Diane DellaValle, Nutrition Program Director to learn more about the program!

Technical Requirements

A list of technical requirements for online programs at King's is available here.

Becoming a RDN

The MSND FG Program provides the education and training necessary to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Completion of educational programs and supervised experiential learning (SEL) that are ACEND-accredited is required for the training to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Our program has been granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and is designed to be undertaken after completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college university and completed prerequisites. Read more information about educational pathways to become a RDN here.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.

King’s College’s M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Future Graduate Program has been granted candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 5400. http://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND.

Graduates who successfully complete an ACEND-accredited FG program are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. The Registration Exam requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). After successfully passing the Registration Examination, graduates can practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). In order to maintain registration, graduates must complete continuing professional educational requirements. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

The Board of Registration of Dietitians/Nutritionists grants licenses to qualified individuals who comply with the requirements of the statute. The Board also insures that licensees have complied with continuing professional education requirements necessary to maintain current knowledge and renew their license. More information about state licensure requirements is available here.

Program Costs and Financial Aid

Estimated costs are approximate and may vary year to year.

Tuition: $799 per graduate credit

• Graduate Year 1 Tuition: 21.0 credits max* (includes thesis) = $16,779  
• Graduate Year 2 Tuition: 21.0 credits max* (includes thesis) = $16,779    

Total Graduate Tuition: $33,558 max*

*The cost of two years of tuition without completing the optional research thesis and traditional real work professional environment (RWPE) schedule (39 total credits) = $31,161.

Program and other fees and expenses not included with tuition:

• Laptop computer: $1,500  
• Virtual food labs: $250  
• Clothing required for supervised experiential learning: $220  
• Drug test: $100  
• Medical exam: $200  
• Professional liability insurance: $30/year ( obtain online )  
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership: $58 per year  
• Background check fees: $50  
• Textbooks: $1,500  
• Total program and other fees: $4,000    

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST for two years, including tuition and fees: $37,558  

Financial Aid : King’s College does not provide financial aid to graduate students. However, you can still apply for private loans as well as federal and state financial aid. You must complete the FAFSA to apply for federal loans . If you have questions about tuition and fees, contact King’s College’s Office of Financial Aid at (570) 208-5876 or [email protected] .  

Students are responsible for researching and applying for alternative loans. You may borrow up to the total cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid. We encourage you to compare multiple lenders and loan terms for the one that best fits your needs.   

Academy Foundation Scholarships are also available through an Academy student membership , which our graduate students must acquire and maintain throughout the program. For more information about these scholarships, please visit this website .  

Curriculum and Program Options

The King’s College Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) Future Graduate program is conveniently designed to be completed in two years on a part-time basis. Courses in the MSND program are shorter than a traditional 16-week semester, with each one broken into two seven-week mini-semesters. Completing the program requires 39-42 credit hours, depending on student goals.   

The optional thesis schedule is shown below. Students should begin their thesis by the Summer of their first year to complete their research on time.  

New students are admitted in the Fall. Visit the King’s College Academic Calendar to find key dates and deadlines for each accelerated semester. However, it may be necessary to work outside the Academic Calendar during RWPE supervised experiential learning (SEL) depending on site placement, facility hours, and preceptor availability.  

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

12 courses – 36 credits  

Grand total graduate credits earned with optional thesis and with traditional RWPE schedule = 42.0  

Grand total graduate credits earned without optional thesis with traditional RWPE schedule = 39.0  

• ND 601 Physiological Basis of Nutrition I - 3 credits  
• ND 602 - Physiological Basis of Nutrition II - 3 credits  
• ND 603 – Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry, Macronutrients & Alcohol - 3 credits  
• ND 604– Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry, Micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) - 3 credits  
• ND 605 – Nutrition through the Lifecycle - 3 credits  
• ND 606 – Advanced Sports Nutrition and Energy Metabolism, w/lab - 3 credits  
• ND 607 – Adv Leadership/Management for Allied Health Careers - 3 credits  
• ND 608 – Principles of Foods and Management, w/lab - 3 credits  
• ND 609 – Medical Nutrition Therapy - 3 credits  
• ND 610 – Nutrition Counseling - 3 credits  
• ND 611 – Food Systems and Health, w/lab - 3 credits  
• ND 612 – Nutrition Research Methods – 3 credits  

Nutrition Philosophies

Throughout our curriculum, we teach and model the Total Diet Approach, which is the notion that the overall dietary pattern of foods eaten is the most important focus. This means that everything a person eats “averages out” over time, and the combination of all food and drink is what gives people energy and nutrients to meet their individual needs.

This also means that all foods can fit in a balanced dietary pattern. There are no good foods or bad foods: just foods. Foods have no moral value.

Body acceptance and inclusivity are important, as well as being aware of implicit weight bias. We need to respect different body sizes and shapes and understand that body weight has no moral value and is not the only health status indicator.

Future Graduate Model Program Accreditation

*The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics . These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

Graduation and Program Completion Requirements

Our MSND is the only program that has been granted candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) at King's College, as well as in the NEPA area.

Successful completion of our MSND requires:

• Obtaining all undergraduate transcripts demonstrating attainment of undergraduate degree.
• Documentation of successful completion of required prerequisites.
• Completion of at least 1100 SEL hours.
• Completion of all King’s College MSND program degree requirements, including satisfactory demonstration of required competencies. Students will be required to redo any work that does not satisfactorily meet the required competencies.
• Meeting all of the objectives for required coursework including satisfactory completion of all RWPE rotations, course assignments, and following all policies and procedures of the King’s College FG Program.
• Satisfactory evaluations by preceptors and faculty, completed and shared with students upon completion of each required SEL experience, which confirm attainment of all competencies outlined for the FG Program. Students will be required to redo any work that does not satisfactorily meet the required competencies.

Upon successful completion of the of the FG program, the student will receive a Verification Statement and the student’s information will be submitted to the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) for eligibility for the RDN exam. The Verification Statement and submission to CDR will not be provided until all of the above requirements are met.

The MSND FG program is designed to meet the educational requirements for the State of Pennsylvania. Determinations regarding professional licensure and certification eligibility associated with this program are outlined below.

• The Program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure and/or certification as an entry-level registered dietitian in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
• Since no licensure or certification exists in some states, a determination has not been made as to whether or not the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure and/or certification as an entry-level registered dietitian in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Michigan, and Virginia.

Student-identified Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Guide

Selection of Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Sites: Facilities where Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours are completed are selected using specific criteria established by the MSND Program Director and Clinical Coordinator, and evaluated on a yearly basis. SSEL Sites/Facilities and Preceptors are evaluated upon the completion of each SEL rotation by the Student and Clinical Coordinator.

The site/preceptor must meet the following criteria:

• A desire to be a preceptor to a student and be committed to overseeing the required Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL).
• Maintenance of current credentials for the profession (i.e., RDN, MD, PharmD, DO, LCSW, etc)
• Provision of experiences that meet the required competencies.
• Adequate staffing to provide a positive learning experience for the student, including proper supervision and instruction by the preceptor(s).
• Adequate time, supervision and instruction for projects to be completed.
• Completion of a fully-executed affiliation agreement with the facility.

It is the student’s responsibility to locate SEL sites and preceptors in the geographic location in which they desire to complete the SEL, however, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors. It will be important to be flexible, and research the geographic location the student wishes to complete the SEL. If it is in an area that is saturated with other nutrition and dietetics students, you may need to consider other nearby sites in areas that are less likely to receive SEL requests. Students may need to consider dividing SEL hours between a few different facilities, or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends if the site can accommodate them.

Supervised Experiential Learning sites are mandatory to provide experiences for demonstration of attainment of competencies required to be a qualified entry level registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Placement of students in SEL is for educational purposes. Students will not to be used to replace facility employees and will require preceptor supervision throughout the experience.

The Clinical Coordinator will evaluate the adequacy of the proposed RWPE SEL site and Preceptor prior to initiating an affiliation agreement and student placement for the rotation. Students and Clinical Coordinator will evaluate both the Preceptor and RWPE SEL Site / Facility upon conclusion of the RWPE SEL rotation, and these evaluations will be stored along with the completed, signed affiliation agreements, which will be maintained in a password-protected shared folder (King’s College MS Outlook, Sharepoint). The compiled list of all accepted affiliation agreements and Preceptor and Facility Evaluations will be maintained by the Clinical Coordinator in a password-protected shared folder for future reference.

Affiliation agreements will be required for all facilities where students are participating in SEL activities that allow students to demonstrate achievement of competencies. Facilities that can provide the appropriate breadth of experiences, opportunities for students to achieve required competencies, and qualified preceptors will be approved by the Clinical Coordinator for the MSND Future Graduate Program. The affiliation agreement must be in place before students start their SEL. If there are changes needed during a negotiation of the affiliation agreements between King’s College and the facility, this process can take 1 to 6 months to complete. Written affiliation agreements are required between the student’s supervised experiential learning facilities and KING’S COLLEGE prior to the beginning of the student participation in SEL at the facility. This means, prior to the start of ND 615 (Year 1, Summer term), ND 616 (Year 2, Fall term), and ND 617 (Year 2, Spring term). KING’S COLLEGE will provide prospective and current students seeking SEL hours with a pre- approved affiliation agreement to have signed by approved SEL sites for required SEL rotations. Occasionally some facilities prefer to use their own version of an agreement, in that case the legal counsel of KING’S COLLEGE and the facility will work together to find mutually acceptable language if possible. Affiliation agreements must be completed between KING’S COLLEGE legal counsel and the practice site/facility prior to the student participation in SEL activities.

In our King's College FG MSND Program Handbook and in any Affiliation Agreement (e.g. for a Supervised experiential Learning Facility), we state the following:

Graduates students must be in compliance with the following in order to satisfy Affiliation Agreements between King’s College and their SEL Facility:

"Information to the Students to provide verification to the Clinical Party of the Student’s current health status, including documentation of physical examination and any titers required by the Clinical Party, along with guidance to the Students that each of the Students are to be in compliance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for immunization of healthcare providers and any other state mandated immunizations.”

Prior to applying to the MSND, students do not need to have SEL lined up, but it is advised that a plan of action be in place to obtain SEL upon acceptance into the Program. It is strongly recommended that at least six months before the SEL experience begins, students should reach out to potential supervised practice learning sites in their communities and start making connections. An updated resume and cover letter describing their interests, skill sets, a brief description of the requirements (final products, a defined preceptor, etc.), and the types of opportunities desired (clinical, community, food service, management) should be created. It is recommended that the students begin this search at least 6 months in advance as this process can be time consuming and it will likely take time to arrange the SEL sites.

Section 1: Procedure for Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Sites

Finding SEL sites, prospective and matriculated students:

While King’s College Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) students are admitted from all over the US, many of our applicants may be from the tri-state area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; New Jersey; New York), and it may be anticipated that there will be significant overlap in students trying to find SEL sites in regard to geographical location. Thus, there is a possibility that students may experience challenges locating appropriate preceptors in pursuit of admission and/or continuation in the MSND program, however, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors.

The MSND program has structures in place to assist both prospective and matriculated students in securing SEL sites, including a database (EXXAT) that students can use to help locate sites in their area; this database includes pertinent sites (i.e. hospitals, clinics, outpatient practice centers) with previous affiliation agreements from other King’s College SEL-required programs such as the Masters of Science in Athletic Training and Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs, as well as sites with previous regional affiliation agreements with the on campus Nursing Program. This database will be maintained to include additional sites that MSND students have utilized successfully as that information becomes available. The database will be kept up to date by the MSND Clinical Coordinator, under the guidance of the MSND Program Director. The MSND program is also currently working with, and will pursue ongoing contact in support of, SEL opportunities at national and regional sites such as the VA system, WIC and Highmark Health, and will provide regional contact information to prospective and matriculated students who experience challenges locating adequate sites at which to complete their SEL hours.

Matriculated students are required to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics upon enrollment in their first course, which will allow them to access the list of ACEND preceptors via the ‘Find A Preceptor’ tool on the Academy website. The students will be monitored closely and continuously throughout the program to ensure that the academic experience is only slightly impacted if attaining sites proves challenging.

The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will be actively involved with prospective students that have met the pre-requisite requirements for admission and are at the stage of the application process where they are required to acquire sites and preceptors, as well as affiliation agreements, for program admission.

While the student is responsible for finding and securing their own SEL sites, the program will provide suggestions to support all students as they work to locate acceptable sites to achieve their SEL requirements. The program does not require students to move temporarily to accept a site. The program does not require travel at any point to Wilkes-Barre, PA for SEL sites. The program has created databases of potential regional contacts for each state to support students as they work to locate and secure SEL sites.

While the student is responsible for finding and securing their own SEL sites, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors. In all cases the student will be supported to the extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the student’s responsibility to locate appropriate sites. In the event that the student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to.

If a student has challenges as addressed above, possible alternatives to support the student in completing the required SEL include:

• approval of alternate learning experiences that allow for assessment of attainment of the specified competencies (this option would adhere to current ACEND guidance regarding alternate SEL experiences, and would not exceed the amount allowed by ACEND)
• approval of off-schedule SEL hours to offset a disruption, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends
• completing hours at telehealth sites, or other actual SEL sites that offer remote options to attain required competencies

Students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator of the MSND will help as much as possible, but the student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Matriculated students that experience an unexpected disruption to their SEL schedule:

Should a student encounter a situation where a preceptor or site is unable to continue to accommodate the student, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the student which could include but is not limited to:

• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help the student review other potential sites in their geographical area that they might be able to contact for possible SEL hours
• the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with available preceptor(s) approval of off-schedule SEL hours to offset a disruption, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends
• if additional sites and/or off-schedule SEL hours are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site
• the student will sign an agreement to complete the alternate and actual SEL plans and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will note the plan in the student record
• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL the Faculty (always an RD/with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies.

Matriculated students that experience the inability to secure additional sites: In all cases the student will be supported to the extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the student’s responsibility to locate appropriate sites. In the event that the student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to.

Should a student have a challenge arranging the remaining sites as required, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The student and MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will determine if previous/current sites can meet the needs and remaining Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours and competencies. If this is not possible, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the student which could include but is not limited to:

• the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with potential preceptor(s) in the area if off-schedule SEL hours would be an option, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends
• if additional sites are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site
• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL
• the Faculty (always an RD with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies
• if the Supervised Experiential Learning competencies are not met and the student cannot achieve a low-pass grade in the associated course, the student will be able to retake the SEL portion of the course

Students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help as much as possible, but the student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Section 2: Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Policies and Procedures

Selection of supervised experiential learning (sel) sites.

Supervised Experiential Learning sites are mandatory to provide experiences for demonstration of attainment of competencies required to be a qualified entry level registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Placement of students in SEL is for educational purposes. Graduate students will not to be used to replace facility employees and will require preceptor supervision throughout the experience.   Facilities where Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours are completed are selected using specific criteria established by the MSND Program Director and Clinical Coordinator.  SEL Sites/Facilities and Preceptors are evaluated upon the completion of each SEL rotation by the Student and Clinical Coordinator.   See also Appendix : Supervised Experiential Learning Guidance Documents.             

Each SEL Preceptor must meet the following criteria:

• Maintenance of current credentials for the profession (i.e., RDN, MD, PharmD, DO, LCSW, etc.)
• Provision of experiences that meet the required competencies for the SEL.
• Adequate staffing to provide a positive learning experience for the

student, including proper supervision and instruction by the preceptor(s).

• Completion of Preceptor Information and Commitment Form.
• Completion of Preceptor and Competency-Based Education (CBE) Training.
• Ability to document appropriate continuing education for the previous (2) years (submission of a Personal Development Portfolio is desirable). 
• Willingness to review Program Policies and Procedures with Program’s Clinical Coordinator on phone or video conference to clarify expectations.

Minimum Site/Facility Requirements:

• Clinical sites (e.g. acute care, sub-acute care, long-term care or hospice) must be accredited by the Joint Commission or other appropriate accreditation agency.
• Sites must be willing to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with King’s College. Site-generated agreements will be reviewed by King’s College for compatibility with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.
• Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Facility Form must be completed by the MSND Graduate Student for any site at which the Graduate Student will have patient/client contact, interaction with facility employees beyond their preceptor or the general public, or act as a representative of the facility.

Student Responsibilities: Prior to applying to the MSND, students do not need to have SEL lined up, but it is advised that a plan of action be in place  to obtain SEL upon acceptance into the Program.  It is strongly recommended that at least six months before the SEL experience is proposed to begin, with the guidance of our Program’s Clinical Coordinator, graduate students should reach out to potential supervised practice learning sites in their communities and start making connections. 

An updated LinkedIn page , digital resume and cover letter describing their interests, skill sets, a brief description of the requirements (final products, a defined preceptor, etc.), and the types of opportunities desired (clinical, community, food service, management) should be created. It is recommended that the graduate students meet with our Clinical Coordinator early on in the program to get guidance and begin this search at least 6 months in advance, as this process can be time consuming, and it will likely take time to arrange the SEL sites.  Continuous communication with the Clinical Coordinator throughout the program is expected of each Graduate student.

Steps to be Completed Prior to Any SEL Taking Place:

• Graduate Student discusses with Program’s Clinical Coordinator a proposed timeline for SEL experience , along with interests, proposed sites and preceptor(s).
• After discussion with and approval from the Clinical Coordinator, Graduate Student will be encouraged to reach out to Proposed Preceptors, cc’ing the Clinical Coordinator (see Appendix for sample templates).
• Program’s Clinical Coordinator will meet with the Proposed Preceptor. Responsibilities and commitments, expectations are discussed.  There are also forms and documentation the Clinical Coordinator needs to collect from this Proposed Preceptor if s/he agrees to this relationship.
• Clinical Coordinator will work on getting the affiliation agreement signed & confirmed by King’s College – this process goes through several layers. This part of the process can take up to 6 months.  
• Program’s Clinical Coordinator needs to confirm with Graduate Student that the Rotation SEL Pre Requisites have been completed. These may include courses, modules, readings, etc., or anything else the Preceptor(s) requests to have completed (e.g. identity verification, background checks, fingerprints, drug tests, prep work, etc.). All prerequisite activities will be documented in the Graduate Student’s ePortfolio.
• Clinical Coordinator will work with Proposed Preceptor to complete paperwork, training modules, etc. prior to having Graduate Student in her/his Facility. The preceptor needs to have the Preceptor Training, Competency-Based Education (CBE) Training and Handbook, which the Clinical Coordinator will make sure he/she has access to and completes.
• Only after the above is completed, Program Director will have our Administrative Specialist register Graduate Student for the corresponding SEL Course (e.g. ND 615 -Community, ND 616-Foodservice Management or ND 617 – Clinical Nutrition SEL), each of which is 1.0 graduate credit. The Graduate Student will need to complete no less than 10 h SEL per week in a single facility/with a single preceptor, and no less than 200 h in each of the RWPE SEL rotations to complete the required competencies.  These RWPE SEL “courses” will occur over a traditional 16-week term (rather than the single accelerated semester for which the Graduate Student is enrolled).
• The Clinical Coordinator will need the Graduate Student’s final timeline for the RWPE SEL (start date, daily schedule, weekly schedule, etc.) prior to the start of the rotation.

Please see Table 2 for deadlines* to meet important SEL Planning Milestones and keep the Graduate Student on-track during the MSND Program, along with what the time to complete SEL in the RWPE would look like on PT vs FT scheduling.

Table 2.  Deadlines* for Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) in the Real-World Professional Environment (RWPE): Milestones , AY 2024-2025

PT: Part-time, FT: Full-time  

*Some graduate students may be ready far ahead of this schedule and that is okay – each graduate student has a different background, experiences, and personal circumstances.  This is a guide for the absolute LATEST these milestones should be occurring for the Graduate Student. 

IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE COMPETENCIES, GRADUATE STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES DURING ALL RWPE SEL:

• Graduate Students need to complete daily reflective journal entries about everything being completed at their site. This includes projects you are working on, competencies you are meeting, etc. The link is on the RWPE Moodle site in which you will be enrolled upon approval of your RWPE SEL. 
• During your RWPE SEL rotation, graduate student should be uploading projects, materials, resources, handouts, etc. that show how the required competencies have been met during the RWPE SEL. There is a Moodle drop box for each required competency. You can submit multiple items in one drop box.
• Graduate Students are required to update the digital reflective e-portfolio during each RWPE SEL rotation, and email the URL link of that e-portfolio to the Clinical Coordinator upon completion of the RWPE SEL for evaluation. 

Procedure for Locating and Securing Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Sites

While King’s College Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) graduate students are admitted from all over the USA, many of our applicants may be from the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York) , and it may be anticipated that there will be significant overlap in students trying to find SEL sites in regard to geographical location. Thus, while there is a possibility that students may experience challenges locating appropriate preceptors in pursuit of admission and/or continuation in the MSND program, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors.

It is the graduate student’s responsibility to locate SEL sites and preceptors in the geographic location in which they desire to complete the SEL, however, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors. It will be important for the graduate student to be flexible, and or the graduate student to research the geographic location in which s/he wishes to complete the SEL.  If this is in an area that is “saturated” with other nutrition and dietetics students and interns, you may need to consider other nearby sites/facilities in areas that are less likely to receive SEL requests. Graduate students may need to consider dividing SEL hours between a few different facilities (keeping in mind the 10 h minimum per site/facility, per preceptor rule) , or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends if the site and preceptor can accommodate them for this type of schedule.

The MSND program has structures in place to assist both prospective and matriculated graduate students in securing SEL sites, including a database that the Clinical Coordinator can use to help assist graduate students locate sites in their area; this database includes pertinent sites (i.e. hospitals, clinics, outpatient practice centers) with previous affiliation agreements from other King’s College SEL-required Health Sciences programs such as the Masters of Science in Athletic Training and Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs, as well as sites with previous regional affiliation agreements with the on-campus Nursing Program.  This database will be maintained to include additional sites that MSND graduate students have utilized successfully as that information becomes available. The database will be kept up to date by the MSND Clinical Coordinator, under the guidance of the MSND Program Director. The MSND program is also currently working with, and will pursue ongoing contact in support of, SEL opportunities at national and regional sites such as the VA system, WIC/MFHS and Highmark Health, and will provide regional contact information to prospective and matriculated graduate students who experience challenges locating adequate sites at which to complete their SEL hours.

Further, matriculated graduate students are required to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics upon enrollment in their first course, which will allow them to access the list of ACEND preceptors via the ‘Find A Preceptor’ tool on the Academy website. The graduate students will be monitored closely and continuously throughout the program to ensure that the academic experience is only slightly impacted if attaining sites proves challenging.

The Course Curriculum Plan (Table 1) will be utilized by the MSND Clinical Coordinator, Program Director and prospective and matriculated graduate students to plan in advance the types of SEL sites and hours that will be needed for each course. To provide structure and guidance on arranging RWPE SEL site preceptors and hours, graduate students will adhere to curriculum plan, however, there is flexibility with when the graduate student may start which RWPE SEL experience, as well as whether or not the graduate student decides to complete a research thesis.

The MSND Clinical Coordinator will be actively involved with prospective graduate students that have met the pre-requisite requirements for admission, and will guide graduate students with developing a timeline and process for acquiring sites and preceptors, as well as affiliation agreements, for the MSND FG program.  See Table 2 for milestone deadlines.

While the graduate student is responsible for finding and securing their own SEL sites, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid graduate students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors . In all cases, it is required that the graduate student communicate with the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator, in order to be supported to the greatest extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the graduate student’s responsibility to identify and locate appropriate sites, and travel to/from their site, or if necessary, temporarily relocate to an appropriate SEL site location. In the event that the graduate student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to:

If a graduate student has challenges as addressed above, possible alternatives to support the graduate student in completing the required SEL include:

Graduate students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities (keeping in mind the 10 h minimum per site/facility, per preceptor rule) , or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator of the MSND program will help as much as possible, but the graduate student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Matriculated graduate students that experience the inability to secure additional sites

will be supported to the fullest extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the graduate student’s responsibility to locate appropriate sites. In the event that the graduate student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to:

Should a graduate student have a challenge arranging the remaining sites as required, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The graduate student and MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will determine if previous/current sites can meet the needs and remaining Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours and competencies. If this is not possible, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and graduate student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the graduate student which could include but is not limited to:

• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help the student review other potential sites in their geographical area that they might be able to contact for possible SEL hours.
• the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with potential preceptor(s) in the area if off-schedule SEL hours would be an option, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends.
• if additional sites are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site.
• the student will sign an agreement to complete the alternate and actual SEL plans and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will note the plan in the student record.
• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL.
• the Faculty (always an RD/RDN with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies.
• if the Supervised Experiential Learning competencies are not met and the student cannot achieve a low-pass grade in the associated course, the student will be able to retake the SEL portion of the course.

Students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities (keeping in mind the 10 h minimum per site/facility, per preceptor rule) , or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help as much as possible, but the graduate student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Evaluation of Adequacy of SEL Sites and Preceptors

The Clinical Coordinator will evaluate the adequacy of the proposed RWPE SEL site and Preceptor prior to initiating an affiliation agreement and graduate student placement for the rotation.  The Graduate Student and Clinical Coordinator will evaluate both the Preceptor and RWPE SEL Site / Facility upon conclusion of the RWPE SEL rotation, and these evaluations will be stored along with the completed, signed affiliation agreements, which will be maintained in a password-protected shared folder (King’s College MS Outlook, SharePoint).  The compiled list of all accepted affiliation agreements and Preceptor and Facility Evaluations will be maintained by the Clinical Coordinator in a password-protected shared folder for future reference. 

Affiliation Agreements for SEL Sites

Affiliation agreements (see Appendix) will be required for all facilities where students are participating in SEL activities that allow students to demonstrate achievement of competencies. Facilities that can provide the appropriate breadth of experiences, opportunities for students to achieve required competencies, and qualified preceptors will be approved by the Clinical Coordinator for the MSND Future Graduate Program. The signed affiliation agreement must be in place before students start their SEL. If there are changes needed during a negotiation of the affiliation agreements between King’s College and the facility, this process can take 1 to 6 months to complete.  Written affiliation agreements are required between the student’s supervised experiential learning facilities and KING’S COLLEGE prior to the beginning of the student participation in SEL at the facility. This means, prior to the start of ND 615 (Year 1, Summer term), ND 616 (Year 2, Fall term), and ND 617 (Year 2, Spring term).  KING’S COLLEGE will provide prospective and current students seeking SEL hours with a pre- approved affiliation agreement to have signed by approved SEL sites for required SEL rotations. Occasionally some facilities prefer to use their own version of an agreement, in that case the legal counsel of KING’S COLLEGE and the facility will work together to find mutually acceptable language if possible. Affiliation agreements must be completed between KING’S COLLEGE legal counsel and the practice site/facility prior to the graduate student participation in SEL activities.

Supervised Experiential Learning Work Schedule and Attendance  

The overall RWPE SEL schedule will be predetermined by both the student, MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and preceptors prior to acceptance into the program and must be completed according to the submitted schedule. Your SEL work schedule is decided by your Preceptor(s) for your RWPE SEL, and should always be considered tentative and subject to change, as it would if you were working. Please be flexible.   You and your preceptor will determine a schedule that allows you to consistently complete RWPE SEL hours to meet the required competencies. If site schedules do not allow for this and/or extenuating circumstances arise that take away from SEL time, it is the graduate student’s responsibility to determine a way to meet the required competencies while working with the preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director. Any schedule changes should be communicated to you by your RWPE SEL Preceptor. 

The hours you work may vary from facility to facility as well as the SEL focus. Graduate Students must be flexible with regard to the work week. Weekends and/or evening hours may be required during some experiences. You will be expected to establish the work schedule at a particular site with your preceptor. Rearrangement of the work schedule without prior approval of the preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will be considered an absence. You may not work on didactic assignments (or submit them) on SEL time. You may work on a didactic assignment during your documented break.

If an extenuating circumstance arises that necessitates altering a SEL experience and/or facility, a discussion should be made with the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director immediately followed with a written request. A one month notice of SEL alteration is requested but in emergent circumstances it is the student’s responsibility to notify the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director of any alterations as soon as possible. See above guidance (Procedure for Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Sites) in this handbook for policies and procedures for information on finding appropriate sites.

Attendance: Graduate Students are expected to complete all assigned Supervised Experiential Learning, coursework, and scheduled meetings with Faculty. Graduate Students must seek approval from both their RWPE preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director for a change in schedule due to circumstances such as illness, bereavement purposes, personal reasons, emergencies, or job interviews. 

Graduate Students must be present on time for each day at their arranged RWPE SEL site or at another professional setting, as determined by their current RWPE preceptor. If it is necessary for the student to be absent for any reason (including illness) from his/her SEL setting, the preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director MUST be notified at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time. Personal business, including doctors’ appointments, are not acceptable reasons to be absent and should be conducted on off-duty time rather than during hours when students are expected to be in SEL. In the event of an emergency, notify the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and your RWPE preceptor. In all cases, the SEL time will need to be made up and this should be coordinated with the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and your RWPE preceptor. If an appointment must occur during SEL time, prior approval must be received from the MSND Clinical Coordinator and your RWPE SEL Preceptor.

• Unplanned Leave/Absence - The graduate student must contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director via phone and email and Supervised Experiential Learning preceptor as soon as possible to request leave. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will document the information on the student’s attendance record kept in the student’s file.
• Planned Leave - The graduate student must submit a written request as far in advance as possible. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will either deny or approve the request. The original request will be kept in the student’s file. Approved leave will be documented on the student’s attendance record kept in his/her file along with the original written request. Unapproved absences are not acceptable and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from the program.
• Tardiness - If the graduate student expects to be late, he/she will call both the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and the current supervising preceptor to provide a reason for the tardiness and an approximate time of arrival. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate any changes to both the director and preceptor at all times. Excessive tardiness will be subject to action up to and including termination from the program.

Weekly Log of Hours:  Graduate Students are required to maintain daily records of his/her supervised hours and turn in a weekly log to the faculty and MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director upon completion of Supervised Experiential Learning at that site.  All SEL hours will be documented by the student on a weekly timesheet and submitted using documentation procedures as instructed via MS SharePoint Link in the appropriate Moodle SEL Course Site by Sunday at midnight EST. The student will document completion of SEL hours similarly to the process completed by an “hourly employee” by documenting “clock in” and “clock out” hours down to the minute and include time “clocked out” for lunch breaks. The week’s cumulative hours and minutes will be totaled by the student, digitally signed by the student as accurate, and digitally signed by the preceptor* verifying the SEL hours. The signed timesheet will be submitted to the Clinical Coordinator by Sunday, 11:59 PM EST each week. All time sheets must be signed and submitted after SEL hours have been completed for the week.

• The Graduate Student will record his/her/their hours worked on the SharePoint page each day s/he / they complete hours. This is done by clicking on the “SEL Reporting” tab and then the “+ New” button. 
• Once everything is all set for an SEL rotation, the Clinical Coordinator will be adding the Graduate Student’s preceptor(s) to the SharePoint page to approve SEL hours. The link is:  https://kingsedu.sharepoint.com/teams/NUTRSEL . The process for them to approve hours is as follows: 

1 st : Click on preceptor view under view records as an SEL preceptor. 

2 nd : Click on edit in grid view. 

3 rd : Click on the box that says processing and click "time entry approved."

You and your preceptor may not sign off on hours not yet completed. Submitting your timesheet early is an unethical practice and is falsifying of documentation. Documenting SEL hours when you were not “on the clock” (including break time or instances in which you leave your site early) on your timesheet is false documentation. Documenting hours worked when you are not at your SEL site or other approved professional setting on your timesheet is also false documentation. These are some of the examples of a breach of the Academy Code of Ethics and can result in dismissal from the studentship (see Code of Ethics, below).

*If the primary preceptor is unable to verify/sign the Weekly Timesheet on the last day of SEL for the week, the preceptor should verify and sign for the hours for which he or she was in attendance and designate an approved manager/supervisor/or secondary preceptor to verify any remaining hours in his/her absence. The student should inform the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director of this designated secondary professional.

Matriculated graduate students that experience an unexpected disruption to their SEL schedule: Should a student encounter a situation where a preceptor or site is unable to continue to accommodate the student, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the student which could include but is not limited to:

• the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with available preceptor(s) approval of off-schedule SEL hours to offset a disruption, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends.
• if additional sites and/or off-schedule SEL hours are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site.
• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student  Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL the Faculty (always an RD/with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies.

Performance Evaluations

The program director, clinical coordinator, preceptor and graduate student first work together to determine what competencies will be met at the Supervised Experiential Learning (RWPE SEL) site. When the student arrives at the SEL site to participate in the hours they will bring the template for the specific site they are at and the preceptor will fill out the competency tracking form, sign and date it, make a copy for the student and lastly, email a copy to the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director. Then the graduate student is responsible for providing that information to the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator, along with a reflection of their experiences, as part of the FG MSND Program’s ePortfolio requirement. 

All students will be evaluated on his/her performance at specified times throughout the program to assess readiness for entry-level competency as an RDN.

1.The preceptor and graduate student will meet with the Clinical Coordinator as needed to discuss the student’s performance and progress.

2.The faculty member and graduate student will meet regularly to discuss the student’s performance and progress.

3.At the end of each Supervised Experiential Learning experience in the RWPE, graduate students will complete a self-assessment form, evaluation of preceptor form and site evaluation form. These will be turned into the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director.

4.Written evaluations will be completed by the primary preceptor for each RWPE SEL experience. Once reviewed with the student, evaluations will be kept in accordance with King’s College student file retention policies.

5.The following assessment tools will be used:

• Clinical Supervised Experiential Learning Preceptor Evaluation Form
• Food and Nutrition Management Supervised Experiential Learning Preceptor Evaluation Form
• Community Supervised Experiential Learning Preceptor Evaluation Form

6.The graduate student is required to meet all required competencies to receive a certificate of completion from the FG MSND Program.

Accident, Injury, or Illness  

For an injury while at an SEL site, the student should contact the site preceptor immediately and seek appropriate medical treatment while following the policies and procedures of the facility for on-the-job injuries. MSND Clinical Coordinator must be notified as soon as possible.

In the event of injury or illness while at an assigned RWPE SEL site, the student should contact their site preceptor immediately and the MSND Clinical Coordinator as soon as possible. If an illness or injury requires the student to leave or miss hours at a facility , it is the graduate student’s responsibility to contact the site supervisor as soon as possible and arrange a schedule to make up the missed hours.

In accordance with the affiliation agreement or contract with the site or facility, in the event of an emergency, the clinical facility may agree to provide emergency care and treatment as is reasonably available during the hours the student is engaged in the clinical instruction program.

In the case of SEL in the non-clinical environment, the student may be assisted by the preceptor to get emergency care during the hours the student is engaged in the SEL. In case of illness, the student must follow the rules of the facility which will be provided at the start of each SEL experience. It is the responsibility of the graduate student to discuss attendance and sick leave policy with the preceptor at the start of each SEL rotation. Students must work with the preceptor to schedule a time to make-up any hours lost due to illness. The student is liable for all fees and charges incurred.

Transportation and Liability for safety in travel to or from assigned RWPE SEL areas

The location of the facilities will vary, requiring driving or other forms of travel. The travel demands may require each student to have a valid driver’s license and/or a dependable mode of transportation, and valid car insurance if driving. The student is responsible for their own liability and safety during travel to and from assigned supervised practice sites, field trips, meetings, and to and from all sites. This site may be useful in calculating estimated gas costs: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/trip/ .

Severe Weather Policy: Please use your commonsense and judgement about your personal safety.  Always communicate with your Preceptor regarding travel issues to/from your RWPE SEL site.  Common sense and good judgment should guide students as to whether or not to attempt traveling to their SEL site, or if early departure from their SEL site is required. We anticipate that their Preceptor will respect student judgment in these matters. In such situations, students should make every effort to notify their Preceptor in advance regarding their inability to travel to their SEL site. If advance contact cannot be made, students should speak to their SEL Preceptor about absence(s) upon returning to their site, as they would an employer.

Drug testing and criminal background checks

Graduate Students must comply with all the regulations established by the SEL sites, including drug testing and criminal background checks. It is the responsibility of the student to cover any costs for SEL site requirements. If required, it is the responsibility of the student to take care of all requirements as soon as possible so not to impact their scheduled SEL.

Insurance requirements, including those for professional liability

All students who are participating in RWPE SEL hours are covered by a King’s College Comprehensive General Liability and Professional Liability Policy through a signed Clinical Affiliation Agreement. The description of Comprehensive General Liability and Professional Liability coverage is found in the Affiliation Agreement. Additional professional insurance is available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics .

Compensation Policy

The MSND considers all SEL  as those that the graduate student must participate in and complete as part of both ACEND and program competencies. As the program views these experiences as part of the overall learning experience provided by the program in an academic setting, there is no compensation for any SEL services provided by students.

The intent of the SEL hours required for completion of the MSND is to provide relevant learning experiences in the context of the workplace . The student is not to be placed in a situation where he/she is replacing an employee in their absence. Student experiences should not include replacement of an employee as an opportunity to gain responsibility and experience without direct supervision . The preceptor needs to remain available and have oversight and ultimate responsibility for the care or activities delivered by the student.

Outside Employment: While this program is designed to be flexible for and to be completed by working students, graduate students are advised to be aware that continuing full-time employment, in addition to course work and required Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours, can be overwhelming; students are expected to spend approximately 20 hours per week on course work, with a minimum of 10 hours a week in SEL (per facility/site, per preceptor), so exceptional time-management during the program is critical. See Table 2 for examples of how PT vs. FT schedule for SEL would look over the course of the Program.

Working full- time outside the program may result in difficulty completing the requirements of the program in a timely and satisfactory manner. For students needing or choosing to accept employment, they will need to arrange their work, academic, and SEL schedules to avoid potential conflicts. Some SEL opportunities require students to work daytime and/or evening hours, and there may be some weekend work hours required. Job requirements do not constitute an excused absence or serve as an excuse for not completing the work expected to be successful at the graduate level in this FG MSND program.

Dress Code:  Graduate Students are expected to dress in a professional manner for all site visits. Students will wear a [program-issued] King’s College name pin in all SEL facilities/sites to identify themselves as a Graduate Nutrition and Dietetics Student. 

Attire will vary dependent on the RWPE SEL site assigned, but the student should obtain a copy of the dress policy of the facility prior to the first day of the SEL. The dress code guidelines of that facility must be followed. If a student’s dress or physical appearance is considered inappropriate by the facility or the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director, the student will be asked to correct the issue and will not be permitted into the facility until the issue is resolved. Any SEL hours missed due to the situation will need to be made up.

Hygiene and neatness are important. Hair must be clean and neatly styled.

Jewelry should meet facility policies. Rings are limited to wedding rings/bands with one ring per hand. Watches should be professional in appearance. Policies governing piercings will be at the discretion of the facility.

Regardless of the facility dress policies, shorts, sundresses, jeans, spaghetti straps, flip flops, open toe shoes, sweat or yoga pants, leggings, or wrinkled apparel are not permitted as they are not considered professional attire.

For SEL in food production areas , all regulations from the Health Department must be followed. Closed-toed, non-slip shoes must be worn. Hair shoulder-length or longer must be pulled back in a restraint and hairnets or other hair covering which contains all hair must be worn while in production or service areas. Male students must not have excessive facial hair. If present, facial hair must be neatly trimmed and covered while working in food production or service areas. Fingernails must be short, clean, and gloves should be worn if required by the facility.

If assigned to a fitness center or teaching garden , students are to attire appropriately, yet professional for the setting.

If a lab coat is required by the rotation , a clean and pressed white lab coat should be worn over professional attire. Students are responsible for purchasing and laundering and ironing lab coats.