Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
The UNTHSC Clinical Nutrition Program has applied to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) to start a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program in fall 2026 to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The eligibility application was accepted by ACEND, and UNTHSC is in the candidacy process for the proposed program. The program is not accepting applications at this time but will do so upon successful completion of the eligibility application process if the program receives candidacy for accreditation status from ACEND.
For more information about the ACEND accreditation standards, visit eatrightpro.org/acend.
For more information about the upcoming program, please contact Admissions and Recruitment at admissions@unthsc.edu.
How do I become an RDN?
To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, you will need to:
- Complete a graduate degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college.
- Complete nutrition courses accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
- Completed an ACEND accredited supervised practice (coordinated program or Dietetic Internship).
- Pass a national credentialing examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
Take your first step
Top career paths for RDNs
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts. RDNs help people live healthy and active lives through the transformative power of food and nutrition. RDNs work in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice.
- Clinical Dietitian (Healthcare & Hospital)
- Work in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities
- Provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) including specialized meal plans for patients with complex health conditions
- Community and Public Health Nutritionist
- Works in government programs (e.g., WIC, SNAP-Ed), nonprofits, and community agencies
- Promote nutrition, wellness, and food insecurity in the community
- Private Practice, Corporate Wellness, and Consulting
- Offering personalized nutrition counseling and coaching
- Develop and implement workplace wellness programs and online courses
- Consult with food company to develop nutrition products and education materials
- Food Service and Management
- Oversee menu planning, food safety, and nutritional quality in healthcare facilities, schools, and corporate cafeterias
- Manage food service operations and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Sports and Performance Dietitian
- Provide nutrition counseling for athletes and sport teams
- Design meal plans to enhance sports performance and recovery
- Research and Academia
- Conduct research to advance scientific knowledge in food and nutrition
- Teach nutrition courses at universities and mentor future dietitians
Salaries and job outlook for RDNs
According to the 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession, the median full-time salary of RDNs is $79,000 per year. As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings, scope of responsibility and supply of RDNs. Salaries increase with experience and many RDNs — particularly those in business, management, education and research — earn incomes above $100,000.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians is projected to grow 7% from 2023-2033, faster than the average for all occupations, because of the increased emphasis on the role of food and nutrition in preventing and treating diseases, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition.
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