MS in Clinical Nutrition:
For Aspiring Dietitians
Meeting the Growing Demand for Well-Educated RDNs
Are you ready for 21st-century healthcare? By January 1, 2024 students will need to have a master’s degree in order to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
To meet new requirements in the profession, the Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences is offering a new, innovative master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition* to become RDNs. The program integrates online didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future models of practice.
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. Faculty members serve as role models in dietetics education, practice, and research, along with providing leadership and service to the profession.
*Formerly named Entry-Level Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (ELMSCN).
Program’s Accreditation
Rutgers School of Health Professions, Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences is an accredited demonstration program under the Graduate Degree (Future Education Model) Accreditation Standards. (see www.eatrightpro.org/FutureModel). 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. Program graduates will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
All U.S. states and territories with licensure and certification laws accept the RDN credential for state licensure and certification purposes. It is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program is designed to and does meet all state dietetics licensure and certification laws as some states may interpret their statutes differently. Please refer to the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s web page that has a listing of state and U.S. territory licensure and certification laws, see [licensure by state table].
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
To learn more, please email Program Director Dr. Jennifer Tomesko
Graduates from any bachelor’s degree program can apply for this “entry-level” master’s program. Our students will be prepared to meet a growing demand for well-educated Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who have expertise in evidence-based nutrition care.
We offer:
- Innovative demonstration master’s degree program that integrates 11 credits of supervised experiential learning (SEL) which includes clerkships in acute, long term, rehabilitation and ambulatory care settings with 31 credits of didactic courses in an online learning environment and frequent virtual face to face sessions.
- 42-credit program spanning 16 continuous months including courses and SEL.
- Students complete 3, 3-day workshops on the Rutgers SHP Newark campus in March, June and December.
- Students choose from local (Rutgers NJ sites) and remote tracks for SEL All clinical sites are obtained by Rutgers for the students.
- Remote sites include: Long Beach, CA; West Palm Beach, FL; Fort Wayne, IN; Indianapolis, IN; Albuquerque, NM; Milwaukee, WI; Lebanon and Wilkes Barre, PA.
- Maximum class size of 35; up to 20 students will be accepted for the local track and up to 15 students will be accepted for the remote track.
- 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 Credentialing Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists.
Mission Statement: The mission of the MSCN is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in nutrition and dietetics education, clinical practice, research, and service. Our definition of clinical practice is adopted from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and is the provision of direct nutrition care to individuals and/or groups which encompass nutrition care in any practice setting. We will prepare students in an online learning environment with virtual face-to-face (F2F) seminars and innovative experiential learning to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) providing client and patient-centered, interprofessional, and evidence informed and based nutrition care
Goal One: Prepare graduates to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who will meet the employment needs of New Jersey, the nation, and international communities.
Objectives for Goal One:
- At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 2 years (150% of the program length).
- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- During their first year of employment, program graduates will be ranked by at least 80% of employers who respond to our employer survey as “satisfactory” or better in professional knowledge and skills as compared to the expected competency of entry-level RDNs.
- 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%.
- At least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- At least 90% of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey will indicate that they collaborate inter-professionally in client/patient-centered care activities.
Goal Two: Prepare graduates to utilize and apply evidence-based and evidence-informed research in professional practice.
Objectives for Goal Two:
- At least 85% of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey will indicate that they routinely use current evidence-based and informed research findings in professional practice.
- At least 75% of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey will indicate that they apply the evidenced-based and informed research process to make decisions in professional practice
Program outcomes data are available upon request.
Virtual Open Houses
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.
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
Early Admission Deadline: January 15
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 application deadline for Fall 2023 admission is January 15, 2023. All application requirements must be submitted by this date, virtual interviews scheduled end of January and priority admission decisions given first week of February.
Regular application deadline for Fall 2023 admission is February 15, 2023. All application requirements must be submitted by this date, virtual interviews scheduled end of February and regular admission decisions given end of March.
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 clerkships located in New Jersey.
- Remote track refers to clerkships 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.
- Submit application at Dietetic Inclusive Central Application Service (DICAS), http://dicas.liaisoncas.com
- Resume or CV
- Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement or transcripts demonstrating completion of all prerequisites
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or academic advisors
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- B.S. degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university; international students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores and international transcript evaluation records
- Personal statement (up to 750 words) with short and long-term career goals
- Complete Supplemental Application** form in DICAS indicating local or remote track (if remote track, please rank your top 3 city preferences.) Remote applicants must be willing to relocate for SEL (in 2020, late March through December to complete Clinical Nutrition/Dietetics Clerkships I, II and III). Local track refers to Rutgers- affiliate sites located in New Jersey. Remote track refers to sites greater than 100 miles from the Rutgers SHP Newark campus.
- Candidates for admission will be scheduled for an interview with our selection committee via F2F virtual interview (to be scheduled following review of complete application
*International applicants must obtain an official evaluation of their credentials unless applicants have a degree or sufficient coursework from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and achieve a minimum score of 550 or higher on the TOEFL or 6.5 or higher on the IELTS. They must also submit an official copy of a transcript evaluation by a recognized transcript evaluation agency such as World Education Services (WES) or similar transcript evaluation service in addition to the previously stated admission requirements.
| Prerequisite Courses |
| Anatomy and Physiology |
| General Chemistry |
| Introduction to Nutrition |
| Experimental Foods |
| Microbiology |
| Organic Chemistry |
| Biochemistry |
| Human Nutrition or Metabolism ( Micronutrient/Macronutrient Metabolism) |
Program prerequisites include either completion of a U.S. DPD or all of the prerequisites courses listed below. Program prerequisites may be completed at any accredited institutions. Students will need to have achieved a grade of B or better in all prerequisite courses.
SHP offers four prerequisite courses. Information on the courses can be found here.
Click here to download the PDF.
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)
Program Specific Costs
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 clerkship 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 lab coats for clerkship sites. Estimated costs for 2 lab coats @ $50 per coat = $100.
Scrubs
Students at some clerkship sites will need to purchase scrubs. Estimated costs for 2 sets of scrubs @ $25 a set =$50.
Travel Expenses
Travel fees are variable. All travel fees incurred while traveling to and from supervised experiential learning (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
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
| Fall 2023 | |
| 8/15/2023 | Mandatory MSCN Orientation (Class of 2025) |
| 8/28/2023 | Fall Courses open in Canvas |
| 8/30/23 | Fall I Classes Begin (Class of 2025) |
| 9/1/2023 | Fall II Classes Begin (Class of 2024) |
| TBD | NJMS CAT Librarian Session on Zoom 1-5pm ET (Class of 2025) |
| 9/4/2023 | Labor Day (Holiday) |
| 9/5/2023 | Clerkship III Begins (Class of 2024) |
| TBD | CVA- IPE on Zoom 2-5 pm ET (Class of 2025) |
| 11/23/2023 | Thanksgiving Day (Holiday) |
| 11/24/2023 | Day After Thanksgiving (Holiday) |
| 12/11-13/2023 | Newark Workshop III (Class of 2024) |
| 12/15/2023 | Fall Semester Ends |
| 12/25/2023 | Christmas Day (Holiday) |
| Spring 2024 | |
| 1/8/2024 | Spring I Classes Open in Canvas |
| 1/11/2024 | Spring I Classes Begin |
| 1/15/2024 | January Graduates degree conferred (Class of 2024) |
| 1/15/24 | Martin Luther King’s Day (Holiday) |
| 3/12-14/2024 | Newark Workshop I |
| 3/18/2024 | Clerkship I Begins |
| 4/1/2024 | Hospice IPE on Zoom 2-5pm ET ( Class of 2025) |
| 4/27/2024 | Rutgers Day |
| 5/16/2024 | Clerkship I Ends |
| 5/12/2024 | Rutgers University Commencement |
| 5/17/2024 | SHP Convocation |
| 5/27/2024 | Memorial Day (Holiday) |
| Summer 2024 | |
| 5/28-30/2024 | Newark Workshop II |
| 5/28/2024 | Summer I Classes Open in Canvas |
| 6/3/2024 | Clerkship II Begins |
| 6/7/2024 | Summer I Classes Begin |
| 6/13/2024 | New Student Welcome on Zoom 3-5pm ET (Class of 2026) |
| 6/21/2024 | Juneteenth (Holiday Observed) |
| 7/4/2024 | Independence Day (Holiday) |
| 8/13/2024 | New Student Orientation on Zoom 10am-6pm (ET Class of 2026) |
| 8/15/2024 | Clerkship II Ends |
| Fall 2024 | |
| 8/26/2024 | Fall Courses open in Canvas |
| 8/28/24 | Fall I Classes Begin (Class of 2026) |
| 8/30/24 | Fall II Classes Begin (Class of 2025) |
| 9/2/2024 | Labor Day (Holiday) |
| 9/3/2024 | Clerkship III Begins (Class of 2025) |
| TBD | NJMS- CAT (Class of 2026) |
| TBD | CVA- IPE (Class of 2026) |
| 11/14/2024 | Clerkship III Ends (Class of 2025) |
| 11/28/24 | Thanksgiving Day (Holiday) |
| 11/29/24 | Day After Thanksgiving (Holiday) |
| 12/10-12/2024 | Newark Workshop III (Class of 2025) |
| 12/16/2024 | Fall Semester Ends |
MSCN Program Calendar 2023-2024 (pdf)
| Fall 2024 | |
| 8/13/2024 | Mandatory MSCN Orientation (Class of 2026) |
| 8/26/2024 | Fall Courses open in Canvas |
| 8/28/2024 | Fall I Classes Begin (Class of 2026) |
| 8/30/2024 | Fall II Classes Begin (Class of 2025) |
| TBD | NJMS CAT Librarian Session on Zoom 1-5pm ET (Class of 2026) |
| 9/2/2024 | Labor Day (Holiday) |
| 9/3/2024 | Clerkship III Begins (Class of 2025) |
| TBD | CVA- IPE on Zoom 2-5 pm ET (Class of 2026) |
| 11/15/2024 | Clerkship III Ends (Class of 2025) |
| 11/28/2024 | Thanksgiving Day (Holiday) |
| 11/29/2024 | Day After Thanksgiving (Holiday) |
| 12/10-12/12 2024 | Newark Workshop III (Class of 2025) |
| 12/16/2024 | Fall Semester Ends |
| 12/25/2024 | Christmas Day (Holiday) |
| Spring 2025 | |
| 1/13/2025 | Spring I Classes Open in Canvas |
| 1/17/2025 | Spring I Classes Begin |
| 1/20/2025 | January Graduates degree conferred (Class of 2025) |
| 1/20/25 | Martin Luther King’s Day (Holiday) |
| 3/11-13/2025 | Newark Workshop I |
| 3/17/2025 | Clerkship I Begins |
| TBD | Hospice IPE on Zoom 2-5pm ET ( Class of 2025) |
| 4/26/2025 | Rutgers Day |
| 5/16/2025 | Clerkship I Ends |
| 5/18/2025 | Rutgers University Commencement |
| TBD | SHP Convocation |
| 5/26/2024 | Memorial Day (Holiday) |
| Summer 2025 | |
| 5/27-29/2025 | Newark Workshop II |
| 5/27/2025 | Summer I Classes Open in Canvas |
| 6/2/2025 | Clerkship II Begins |
| 5/30/2025 | Summer I Classes Begin |
| TBD | New Student Welcome on Zoom 3-5pm ET (Class of 2026) |
| 6/20/2025 | Juneteenth (Holiday Observed) |
| 7/4/2025 | Independence Day (Holiday) |
| TBD | New Student Orientation on Zoom 10am-6pm (ET Class of 2026) |
| 8/15/2025 | Clerkship II Ends |
| Fall 2025 | |
| 9/1/2025 | Fall Courses open in Canvas |
| 9/1/2025 | Labor Day (Holiday) |
| 9/2/2025 | Clerkship III Begins (Class of 2026) |
| 9/3/2025 | Fall I Classes Begin (Class of 2027) |
| 9/5/2025 | Fall II Classes Begin (Class of 2026) |
| TBD | NJMS- CAT (Class of 2027) |
| TBD | CVA- IPE (Class of 2027) |
| 11/14/2025 | Clerkship III Ends (Class of 2026) |
| 11/27/2025 | Thanksgiving Day (Holiday) |
| 11/28/2025 | Day After Thanksgiving (Holiday) |
| 12/15-17/2025 | Newark Workshop III (Class of 2026) |
MSCN Program Calendar 2024-2025 (pdf)
There are eight remote clerkship sites. Long Beach, CA; West Palm Beach, FL; Fort Wayne, IN; Indianapolis, IN; Albuquerque, NM; Milwaukee, WI; Lebanon and Wilkes Barre, PA.
Yes. All students will be provided a survey once enrolled so they can rank their top preferences. Every effort will be made to provide students with their top experiences.
interprofessional educational experiences, that arise throughout the semester that students will benefit from by attending in
person if they are in the local track or interested in traveling to them. These experiences are scheduled in advance to assure
that students are available.
classmates to work on projects and assignments. During the Spring, Summer and final Fall semesters,
full-time clerkships are Mon-Thurs (four days per week), with the 5th day for classes which include
virtual live sessions. Attendance is mandatory for all clerkships and class sessions. We recommend students focus on
maximizing their learning experience.
http://shp.rutgers.edu/tech4sure/services.htm
To learn more, please email Program Director Dr. Jennifer Tomesko.
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 |
LEARN MORE › |
Learn More › |
Learn More › |
Learn More › |
State Authorization and Professional Licensing Disclosure:
- The Rutgers School of Health Professions MS in Clinical Nutrition for aspiring RDNs meets the professional licensing requirements of the following states: AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, PR
- All states not listed above, to the best of our knowledge, do not require professional licensure to practice within our profession.
Updated: August 10, 2022