Why Study Clinical Nutrition at SHP?

Our graduates will be prepared to meet a growing demand for well-educated Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who have expertise in evidence-based nutrition care.

$80,630
* average salary of a Clinical Nutrition graduate.

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Highlights

• Graduates from any bachelor’s degree program can apply for this “pre-professional” master’s program.
• A master’s degree program with an emphasis in clinical nutrition integrating 11 credits of supervised experiential learning (SEL).
• Experiences include hospitals, long-term care, rehab, health and wellness and ambulatory settings such as dialysis, diabetes, eating disorders, oncology, pediatrics, sports nutrition, weight management and more.
• 42-credit program spanning 16 continuous months or just 4 semesters, including courses and SEL.
• Students choose from local (Rutgers NJ sites) and remote tracks for SEL.
• Study materials and end of program workshop to help prepare you for the RDN Exam which has resulted in an exceptional pass rate on the RDN exam!

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Clinical & Preventive Nutrition Clinical Sites

Students are placed at facilities affiliated with Rutgers and never have to worry about obtaining a site or contract. We do that for you! We assign students to clinical sites based on previous experience in clinical settings, and site requirements. We carefully think about placements to ensure our students have the best experiences and outcomes. Students are able to rank top preferences for outpatient experiences.

Program Director
Dr. Jennifer Tomesko

Students will learn critical thinking and scientific skills needed for clinical dietetics practice, management, research, and leadership. The master’s degree in clinical nutrition instills an appreciation for interprofessional collaboration and education, and provides opportunities to achieve expanded roles in health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention for a multi-cultural society.

Upon completion of the program, students earn a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition degree and are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Faculty members serve as role models in dietetics education, practice, and research, along with providing leadership and service to the profession.

Remote sites include: Long Beach, CA; West Palm Beach, FL; Fort Wayne, IN; Indianapolis, IN; Albuquerque, NM; Milwaukee, WI; Lebanon and Wilkes Barre, PA.

Accreditation

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.

For further information on ACEND accreditation, contact:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone (800)-877-1600 ext 5400
E-mail: acend@eatright.org
www.eatright.org/ACEND

All applicants who submit the requisite application materials and meet the admission criteria will be reviewed. Candidates for admission will be required to participate in a virtual (F2F) interview via a video conferencing platform.

All applicants should be aware of the University’s COVID-19 Immunization policy.

https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/students-parents/

Priority Applicants October 1, 2024: Virtual interviews held in November and priority admission decisions given by November 1.

Regular Applicants February 1, 2025: Virtual interviews held in February and regular admission decisions given by March 1.

Applicants for the master’s degree in clinical nutrition program apply to either the local or remote track:

• Local track refers to Rutgers affiliate sites for SELs located in New Jersey.
• Remote track refers to SELs at sites greater than 100 miles from the Rutgers SHP Newark campus. Remote applicants must be willing to relocate for clinical clerkships in late March- through December to complete Clinical Nutrition/Dietetics Clerkships I, II and III.

The maximum class size is 35; up to 20 students will be accepted for the local track and up to 15 students will be accepted for the remote track.

All applicants who submit the requisite application materials and meet the admission criteria will be reviewed.  Candidates for admission will be required to participate in a virtual (F2F) interview via a video conferencing platform.

Program specific costs for students in both the local and remote track are the same with the exception of the travel requirements and possible costs for relocation for local and remote students during the SEL semesters.

Remote track students will also need to cover the costs of the three campus visits to Rutgers for air/train fare, food and lodging whereas local students will only have local travel.

Student Membership in Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Membership must be active with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics by the start of the program. Student membership is $63 per year, which equates to $126 for two years. Students must maintain membership for the duration of enrollment in the MSCN.

Lab Coats
Students will need a lab coat for SEL sites. Estimated cost for 1 lab coat is $50.

Scrubs
Some sites require students to purchase and wear scrubs. Estimated costs for 2 sets of scrubs @ $30 a set is $60.

Travel Expenses
Travel fees are variable. All travel fees incurred while traveling to and from SEL (i.e., clerkship) sites will be solely covered at the expense of the student. This includes public transportation, parking, tolls, fuels, and car related expenses.

Remote track students will need to cover the costs of the three visits to Rutgers for air/train fare, food and lodging whereas local students will only have local travel. According to government Bureau of Transportation Statistics average air/train fare to Newark, NJ is $405.10. Average hotel cost in Newark, NJ $147.00 a night. Food and transportation is estimated at $80.00 per day. In total, 3 trips for three days and three nights each will equal about $3378.30 total. Please note these costs are estimates and are subject to change each year.

Housing
Estimated costs for students who chose campus lodging are at this link: https://housing.newark.rutgers.edu/180-west-market-street. Many local students within Rutgers SHP and DCPNS live in their own apartments. Housing costs vary, and information can be found at the following link: https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/financial-services/cost-of-attendance/rbhs-students-cost-of-attendance/school-of-health-professions/.

Books
Student may purchase an average of 8-10 textbooks for the program. Estimates costs of books @ $100 per text equates to = $800-$1000.

ServSafe Manager Course and Exam fee $179.99

International experience costs vary depending on the type of experiences selected.  They are scholarships available through Rutgers Global.

Financial Aid

• University Financial Aid Office
• Scholarship Information 

Students will earn an MS upon successful completion of the 16-month program. Receipt of degree is dependent upon successful completion of the requirements for graduation. Graduates are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) Credentialing Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists.

• Required Courses and Course Descriptions   
  
• MSCN Program Calendar 2023-2024 (pdf)

What Our Students Say…

“I had a successful career but needed a change. As this was a second career for me, I knew I needed a first-rate education to set me up for my second act. The Rutgers program did that for me and I love my new life helping people.”
–Tricia Scott-Sahler January 2022 Graduate

“I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to participate in the Rutgers MS in Clinical Nutrition for Aspiring Dietitians! This program allowed me to change career paths without having to complete a second Bachelor’s degree; upon graduation, I felt able and ready to enter the workforce as a dietitian and I continue to enjoy working in the field today!”
–Sarah Hatzenbuhler January 2022 Graduate

“Transitioning from exercise science to dietetics was challenging due to the limited options for programs accepting candidates without a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Rutgers’ Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition program, which not only accepted non-traditional candidates like me but also provided an accelerated, hands-on learning experience through a flipped classroom approach. This program, coupled with prerequisite courses, offers the perfect pathway for aspiring dietitians facing similar hurdles.”
—Zoe Paxos January 2023 Graduate

“MS in Clinical Nutrition: For Aspiring Dietitians has truly changed my life. Moving across the world to start this program was worth it, it gave me opportunities I never thought I would have, provided me with connections, made me think outside of the box, and challenged me to become a better clinician. As I am currently an inpatient clinical dietitian, I am grateful that I am able to apply every single thing I learned into practice on a daily basis. I would recommend anyone who’s interested to apply, you will not regret it!”
–Jennifer Chalhoub January 2022 Graduate