Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
One of the Best Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics Programs in the Nation
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).
Our clinical nutrition program is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence through a clinically-focused, advanced dietetics practice doctorate program. Our graduates are innovative, autonomous, advanced dietetics practitioners and researchers with expert-level knowledge and skills, critical thinking proficiency, and aptitude in scientific inquiry.
The clinical nutrition program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice through online academic courses, an advanced clinical practice residency, and practice-based research project.
The deadline for Fall admission to the clinical nutrition doctoral program is June 1.
To learn more, email
dcn@shp.rutgers.edu
or Program Director
Dr. Jane Ziegler
- Provides 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.
- Prepares graduates to design, conduct, and analyze practice-based research in diverse settings.
- Develops experts in evidence-based nutrition practice using clinical reasoning and scientific inquiry.
- Fosters professional leadership, service, and scholarly efforts.
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 examination and interpret results relative to nutritional well-being using nutritional diagnostic reasoning and standardized language.
- Incorporate knowledge of body composition and nutritional 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.
The DCN prepares graduates for expert-level, advanced positions in clinical practice, education and research. Graduates have become tenure-track faculty members, advanced clinical practitioners, research dietitians, and senior management industry professionals. Based on our 2014 alumni survey:
- More than 80% of alumni are involved in research activities
- More than 60% have presented at national/international conferences
- More than 50% of have published in peer-reviewed journals and books
For Student and Alumni Abstracts, click here.
For Student and Alumni Poster Presentations, click here.
You are invited to a Virtual Information Sessions to explore degree programs from the Rutgers School of Health Professions. Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link.
| Monday, Sept. 9 6:00 p.m. Eastern Via a Zoom Link |
Monday, Oct. 28 2:00 p.m. Eastern Via a Zoom Link |
Monday, Nov. 18 2:00 p.m. Eastern Via a Zoom Link |
Monday, Dec. 2 6:00 p.m. Eastern Via a Zoom Link |
| Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 2:00 p.m. Eastern Via a Zoom Link |
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
The deadline for admission to the clinical nutrition doctoral program is June 1 for Fall admission.
- 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).
- Must have at least three years of professional experience as a clinical RDN.
- Clinical nutrition doctorate applicants required materials:
- SHP application, which is available at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/overview
- 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
- RDN Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Number
- Resume or CV
- A letter of intent describing reasons for pursuing the DCN program, research interests, and short- and long-term goals for completing the DCN program
- 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 will be scheduled for an interview with select faculty in the Rutgers SHP Department of Clinical and Preventative Nutrition Sciences.
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)
Clinical nutrition doctoral program online courses are supplemented with face-to-face virtual meetings and a minimum of three 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 both a pilot- and 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.
Canvas: https://canvas.rutgers.edu/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RutgersSHP
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.
The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice in nutrition and dietetics, which provides the foundation for our students to complete both a pilot- study and practice-based research project.
- Prospective students must be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
- International applicants must hold an equivalent credential that meets U.S. standards by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
- A master’s degree, preferably in nutrition or a health-related field (with a minimum GPA of 3.4)
- At least three years of professional experience as a clinical RDN
- Admission is offered once per year for the DCN program. The application deadline is Feb 15 for the following fall admission.
An application must 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 from the Rutgers-SHP Department of Clinical and Preventative Nutrition Sciences.
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN) to Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Dual Enrollment Program
The MSCN-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 online and hybrid courses, 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 in an online learning environment supplemented by virtual face-to-face meetings. Some courses utilize a hybrid format that includes a campus visit. 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. Courses are completed online and supplemented with virtual face-to-face meetings; there are a limited number of campus visits for hybrid courses. The expedited course sequence 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 February 15 for the following Fall admission. Applications can be accessed at: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/apply-now.
- 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.
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
Questions? Contact Program Director Dr. Jane Ziegler at ziegleja@shp.rutgers.edu or call 973-972-8525.
The Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences offers several graduate program options to match the growing opportunities in nutrition and dietetics. Identify your path below.
| For Aspiring Dietitians | For Aspiring Public Health Dietitians | For Practicing RDNs | For Practicing RDNs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Programs |
MS in Clinical Nutrition |
MPH in Nutrition & Dietetic Internship Certificate |
MS in Clinical Nutrition |
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition |
| Admission Criteria | Bachelor’s Degree & DPD Verification Statement OR Prerequisite Courses | Bachelor’s Degree & DPD Verification Statement | Bachelor’s Degree & RDN Credential | Master’s Degree, RDN Credential, & 3 years experience post-RDN |
| Description | 16 Month Combined MS & Supervised Experiential Learning Program | 20 Month Combined MPH & Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate | 3 Year, Part-time Clinically-Focused Graduate Program Designed Exclusively for Practicing RDNs | Clinical Nutrition Doctorate with an Advanced Practice Residency & Practice-Based Research |
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