Doctor of Clinical Nutrition

One of the Best Clinical Doctorates in Nutrition and Dietetics in the Nation and Globally

Our online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) was the first Advanced Practice Clinical Doctorate program in the U.S. and globally, created exclusively for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).

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Why Study Clinical Nutrition the Rutgers School of Health Professions?

Our DCN prepares graduates to design, conduct, and analyze practice-based research for use in diverse settings. Through cutting edge nutrition science and research coursework and an advanced clinical nutrition practice residency, our graduates become advanced-level dietetics practitioners and are viewed as leaders in the field of dietetics.

$110,410
* average salary of a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition graduate.

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Caareer Paths Chart Clinical Nutrition Doctorate

Program Highlights

Our clinical nutrition doctoral program instills an appreciation for advanced clinical practice and research. Students complete a practice-based research project and a residency. A 15 credit research curriculum and faculty mentor support result in success in achieving valuable and applicable practice-based research. Approximately 75% of our student research projects are published in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition students complete a 350-hour advanced clinical nutrition practice residency individualized to meet their professional goals and geographic resources. The residency is an approved advanced-practice residency by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Students receive in-depth coursework on research methods, statistics, nutrition science, clinical nutrition and leadership.

What Our Students Say

Claudia Scott
M.S., RD, LD, CDCES
DCN Student
Clinical Associate Professor/Director, Dietetic Internship Program, University of Houston

“As a Rutgers DCN student, I have gained a rich understanding of the research process, far beyond what I knew and practiced before enrolling in the program, from scientific writing and developing manuscripts for publication to creating research proposals, surveys, IRB submissions, and defending and implementing research. I am much more equipped to conduct meaningful nutrition research because of what I have learned and applied during the program.”

Claudia Scott, M.S., RD, LD, CDCES, DCN Student
Clinical Associate Professor/Director, Dietetic Internship Program, University of Houston

Dr. Terry Brown, DCN, MBA, MPH, RD, LD, CNSC
DCN Alumni
Director, Medical City Healthcare Dietetic Internship Program

The Rutgers DCN Program was a phenomenal experience and I would highly recommend the program to educators and clinicians. The collegial, expert faculty mentored me as I honed my research and scientific writing skills. As a result, I was able to increase my self-efficacy in doing scholarly research and writing manuscripts and published 8 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals during my DCN journey. Not only did I get the opportunity to learn about regional and international differences, similarities, and best practices from a diverse group of peers, but I also developed some life-long friendships. Also, my 350-hour advanced practice residency in critical care and nutrition support was one of the highlights of my DCN experience, especially working closely with Dr. Carol Ireton-Jones in her private practice. The residency experience allowed me to put all of the advanced practice skills fine-tuned during the DCN program into practice.

Lastly, I have utilized my advanced practice knowledge and training to strengthen my dietetic internship program by incorporating many of the advanced practice skills and scientific writing techniques into the curriculum. Dr. Terry Brown, DCN, MBA, MPH, RD, LD, CNSC, DCN Alumni
Director Medical City Healthcare Dietetic Internship Program.

Dr. Terry Brown, DCN, MBA, MPH, RD, LD, CNSC, DCN Alumni Director Medical City Healthcare Dietetic Internship Program

Dr. Emily Schwartz, DCN, RD, CNSC
DCN Alumni and Chair of Dietitians in Nutrition Support DPG

“I’ve had people ask me if I’m using my degree, and my answer is that I use it every day. I learned so much during the years I was in the DCN program; everything from clinical knowledge, to writing and publishing skills, to evidence analysis and research critique. Because of the DCN program, I’ve been able to publish papers, do a residency with a brilliant nephrologist, advocate for better compensation, and make lasting connections with some truly inspiring RDs. For me, it has been a very worthwhile endeavor, and I’m so grateful to the faculty for making the program as high-caliber as it is.”

Dr. Emily Schwartz, DCN, RD, CNSC, DCN Alumni and Chair of Dietitians in Nutrition Support DPG

Dr. Michaelann Hahn, DCN, RD, LD, CNSC

“The Rutgers’ DCN program provided me with numerous opportunities to publish my work which aided in my confidence with research and the publication process. Additionally, the Rutgers’ DCN program challenged me as a clinician to ask the “why,” dig deeper to understand more and have a stronger desire to contribute to the nutrition community on different levels. My DCN degree is something that will follow me throughout my career and will continue to establish me as a committed clinician in the dietetics field.”

Dr. Michaelann Hahn, DCN, RD, LD, CNSC, DCN Alumni

Dr. Shelby Yaceczko, DCN, MS, RDN-AP, CNSC, CCTD
DCN Alumni

“The DCN program has allowed me to gain not only knowledge, but the Rutgers faculty connected me to a professional network that I likely would not have at this point in my career. I am serving in multiple leadership roles, participating in research and manuscript writing, and supporting high-level program development in our profession upon my graduation. I can’t recommend the DCN program at Rutgers enough.”

Dr. Shelby Yaceczko, DCN, MS, RDN-AP, CNSC, CCTD, DCN Alumni

Program Overview

Program Director
Dr. Jane Ziegler

The clinical nutrition program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice through online academic courses, an advanced clinical practice residency, and a practice-based research project.

Program Goals

Provide an in-depth study of clinical nutrition and evidence-based practice through coursework and an advanced clinical nutrition practice residency that prepares graduates to become advanced-level dietetics practitioners.
Prepare graduates to design, conduct, and analyze practice-based research for use in diverse settings.
Develop experts in evidence-based nutrition practice using clinical reasoning and scientific inquiry.
Foster professional leadership, service, and scholarly efforts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

Practice

Practice as an advanced dietetics practitioner for individuals, communities, and/or clinical populations with expert-level competency in assessment, diagnosis, implementation, and evaluation of clinical nutrition care plans using the Nutrition Care Process model, standardized language, and evidence-based practice guidelines.
Conduct a comprehensive nutrition-focused physical examinations and interpret results relative to nutritional well-being and disease status using nutritional diagnostic reasoning and standardized language.
Incorporate knowledge of body composition and nutrition physiology to guide clinical decision-making in the assessment of healthy and medically complex patients with acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses.
Assimilate knowledge of drug-nutrient, and drug-dietary supplement interactions and associated pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in patient care.
Apply a global perspective to professional practice by incorporating scientific, clinical, and cultural implications of food and nutrition into clinical practice.
Apply critical thinking skills in communication, information management, problem-solving, and resource utilization to foster professional autonomy in clinical practice.
Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, industry, and academia as the nutrition expert.
Mentor and teach clinical nutrition practice to students and colleagues across diverse health care arenas.
Analyze current nutritional interventions using an evidence-based approach.
Become lifelong learners, using self-assessment and continuing education to continuously advance individual knowledge and skills.
Comply with the Code of Ethics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and display ethical behavior in practice, education, and scholarly activities.

Research

Demonstrate competence in the interpretation and critique of scientific healthcare literature using an evidence analysis approach; apply and integrate findings into practice settings.
Design, conduct, analyze, and author papers on clinical nutrition outcomes research.
Present and defend research findings to professional audiences and develop a manuscript worthy of publication to a peer-reviewed journal.

Our Graduates

Graduates of the DCN program have many exciting career options and opportunities available.

Alumni publish in peer-reviewed journals, present in international and national forums, write grants, conduct research, and hold leadership positions in professional organizations.

Based on a recent alumni/graduate survey:

More than 80% of alumni continue to be involved in research activities
More than 60% have presented at national/international conferences
More than 50% continue to publish in peer-reviewed journals and books/book chapters and professional newsletters

For Student and Alumni Abstracts, click here.
For Student and Alumni Poster Presentations, click here.

Admission Criteria

Application deadline is May 1, 2025

NOTE: RDN credential and to have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of four years of full-time post-credentialing work experience or a master’s degree with a minimum of two years of full-time post-credentialing work experience.

The deadline for admission to the clinical nutrition doctoral program is May 1 for Fall admission.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
International applicants must hold an equivalent credential that meets US standards by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (www.cdrnet.org).
A master’s degree, preferably in nutrition or a health-related field (with a minimum GPA of 3.4).

Or a BS in nutrition and dietetics with a minimum GPA of 3.4

Must have at least two years of full time post-credentialing professional experience as a RDN with Master’s Degree
Must have 4 years of full time post-credentialling professional experience as a RDN with Bachelor’s degree and RDN Credential
Clinical nutrition doctorate applicants required materials:
1. SHP application, available at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/overview
2. An official copy of the transcripts from the highest degree earned
3. If the highest degree is not in nutrition, the transcripts from the nutrition degree must also be included
4. RDN Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Number
5. Resume or CV
6. A letter of intent describing reasons for pursuing the DCN program, research interests, and short- and long-term goals for completing the DCN program
7. Two letters of recommendation, one from an individual with a doctoral degree who is familiar with your professional and/or academic achievements.

Applicants who meet the admission criteria for the DCN will be scheduled for an interview with select faculty in the Rutgers SHP Department of Clinical and Preventative Nutrition Sciences.

Questions? Email Program Director Jane Ziegler.

Tuition and Fees

For Tuition and Fees, please see the Graduate Tuition and Fees.
(Scroll down to 2023-2024 Rutgers Health Tuition and Fee Rates and click on School of Health Professions)

Curriculum

Clinical nutrition doctoral program online courses are supplemented with face-to-face virtual meetings and one on-campus visits. We focus on advanced clinical nutrition practice, assuring that RDNs are integral members of the health care team in any practice setting. Students complete didactic courses, an advanced clinical nutrition practice residency, and a practice-based research project.

Our 50-credit clinical nutrition doctoral program, which can be taken on a part-time basis (9 to 15 credits/year), generally takes approximately four to five years to complete, depending on semester credit loads.

MSCN-DCN Dual Enrollment Program

The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN) to Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Dual Enrollment Program provides an opportunity for prospective students to obtain the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degrees. These advanced practice degree programs emphasize interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice through hybrid (synchronous and asynchronous), a master’s research project, a mentored advanced practice clinical residency, and a practice-based research study.

Both the MSCN and DCN programs are advanced-level, clinically focused, graduate degree programs designed exclusively for Registered Dietitians (RD). The ideal candidates for this track are self-motivated RD practitioners who are committed to advancing their knowledge, skills, research and practice and would like to do so in an expedited time frame. Our graduates are innovative, autonomous, advanced dietetics practitioners and researchers with expert-level knowledge and skills, critical thinking proficiency, and aptitude in scientific inquiry.

Our dual degree program instills an appreciation for advanced clinical practice and research. Students complete a 350-hour mentored clinical nutrition advanced practice residency individualized to meet their professional goals and geographic resources. The residency is preceded by academic courses offered through our web-based Learning Management System, supported with synchronous face-to-face virtual meetings and asynchronous sessions providing flexibility for working adult learners. The residency is an approved advanced-practice residency by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

This dual enrollment program is a hybrid program. Our cohort model groups students together for an enhanced educational experience which fosters academic success through an expedited course sequence which is designed to accelerate the completion of courses and both degrees within 5.5 years.

Admission is offered once a year for the MSCN-DCN Dual Enrollment program.

The application deadline is May 1 for the following Fall admission. Applications can be accessed at: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/apply-now.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
At least 1 year of clinical experience as an RDN by time of matriculation into program (September when the fall semester begins).
International applicants must hold an equivalent credential that meets US standards set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (www.cdrnet.org).
A minimum GPA of 3.4 from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended is required for admission.

Application Materials

SHP application to MSCN-DCN Dual Enrollment program
RD Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Number
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
Resume or CV
Two letters of recommendation from individuals with a graduate degree who are familiar with applicant’s professional and/or academic work addressing professionalism, communication skills (written and oral), and other relevant characteristics and skills
A letter of intent describing short and long-term goals for completing the MSCN and DCN programs. Applicants should address their interest in this dual degree route, clinical and research interests

Applicants who meet the admission criteria for the MSCN-DCN Dual Enrollment program will be scheduled for an interview with members of the program selection committee.

Students accepted into the MSCN-DCN Dual Enrollment program are conditionally accepted into the DCN if they maintain the criteria below throughout the program:

Maintain an annual GPA of 3.4
Maintain good financial standing within the institution
Maintain good ethical, professional and academic standing with no honor code infractions at the level 1 violation or higher

For Students

Resources and Quicklinks

Canvas Online Learning platform
Rutgers Online Library

Department Social Media

Facebook – Rutgers SHP – Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition
Instagram
LinkedIn Clinical and (graduate Programs in Clinical Nutrition) Preventive Nutrition Sciences

Rutgers Student Alumni Connect Portal

Where students and alumni can connect and network

FAQs

What is the DCN program?

Our DCN program is the first advanced practice clinical doctorate program in the U.S. and globally exclusively for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Our program is a 50-credit program that when taken on a part-time basis (9 to 15 credits/year) generally takes approximately four to five years to complete, depending on semester credit loads. Our program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice through classes, an advanced clinical practice residency, and practice-based research project.

In addition to coursework, our DCN program includes a 350-hour advanced clinical nutrition practice residency approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This residency is designed to meet the student’s professional goals and geographic resources. The residency includes advanced dietetics practice experiences supplemented with seminars and discussion topics in an online learning environment.

What will the DCN do for you?

The DCN prepares our graduates with expert-level knowledge and skills, critical thinking proficiency, and aptitude in scientific inquiry to foster the development of innovative and autonomous advanced dietetics practitioners and researchers.

The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice in nutrition and dietetics, which provides the foundation for our students to complete a practice-based research project.

What is the admission criteria for the program?

Prospective students must be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
• International applicants must hold an equivalent credential that meets US standards by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (www.cdrnet.org).
A master’s degree, preferably in nutrition or a health-related field (with a minimum GPA of 3.4)

Or a BS in nutrition and dietetics with a minimum GPA of 3.4

Must have at least two years of full time post-credentialling professional experience as a RDN with Master’s Degree
Must have 4 years of full time post-credentialling professional experience as a RDN with Bachelor’s degree and RDN Credential

May 1 is application deadline

How do you apply to the program?

You must apply through the SHP application.

Application materials include:

An official copy of the transcripts from the highest degree earned. If the highest degree is not in nutrition, the transcripts from the nutrition degree must also be included
Copy of RDN card
Resume or curriculum vitae
A letter of intent describing reasons for pursuing the DCN program, research interests and short and long term goals for completing the DCN program
One letter of recommendation from an individual with a doctoral degree who is familiar with your professional work

Applicants who meet the admission criteria will be scheduled for an interview with select faculty in the Rutgers SHP Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences.