Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics M.S.
Program Outcomes, Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics M.S.
Degree: M.S.
Location(s): Rhode Island
Start Date: Fall
Length: 16 Months
Credits: 48-54
Program Outcomes
Mission
The mission of JWU’s M.S. in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics (MSCND) program is to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists by fostering a strong academic and supervised experiential learning experience emphasizing advanced nutrition science, evidence-based practice, interprofessional education and cultural competence.
Program Goals & Objectives
Graduates will apply evidence-based nutrition science to clinical practice settings as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
Goal 1 program objectives:
- At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 24 months (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.
- At least 80% 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%.
- At least 75% of employers responding to graduate evaluations will rate program graduates as good to excellent.
- At least 75% of program graduates who respond to a post-graduate survey will rate their preparation for professional competency as good to excellent.
- At least 90% of program graduates who respond to a post-graduate survey will report routinely using current evidence-based research in their professional practice.
Graduates will be prepared to work as integral members of the healthcare team by participating in interprofessional practice with various providers.
Goal 2 Program Objective:
- At least 75% of program graduates who respond to a post-graduate survey will report participating as part of an interprofessional team in a professional capacity.
Program outcomes data is available upon request.
Requirements to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Outlined below are the requirements to becoming and practicing as an RDN:
- Complete a minimum of a master’s degree granted by a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited didactic, coordinated, graduate or international program.
- Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship, coordinated program, graduate program or an individualized Supervised Practice Pathway offered through an ACEND-accredited program.
- Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes.
- Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.
Review the requirements for becoming an RDN via the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Fact Sheet.