Degree
Doctor of Clinical NutritionContact
Mission
MISSION OF THE DOCTOR of CLINICAL NUTRITION
The mission of the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program is to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to be scholar-practitioners with advanced skills and competence to lead the integration of evidence-informed healthcare services, critical thinking, and/or research in professional settings.
Accreditation
Regional Accreditation
All programs at the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Specialized Accreditation
N/A
Program Description
The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) is a professional practice doctorate that prepares Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) to competitively progress in their careers and excel in positions of advanced nutrition practice, practice-based research, and leadership in healthcare and academia. The DCN integrates and applies critical thinking, nutrition practice, scholarship, leadership skills, and educational theory to practice. There is an emphasis on the provision of evidence-based nutrition services, scientific inquiry and research, adaptive and responsible leadership, higher education administration, advocacy and innovation, and interprofessional collaboration. Students engage in practice-based research throughout the program, and there are multiple opportunities for students to produce publication-worthy manuscripts.
Students select a leadership focus which allows them to tailor their course projects, research, and residency hours. Focus areas include leadership in higher education administration, healthcare and clinical management, and community health services. The program culminates in students completing 320 hours of an advanced practice residency and a doctoral research project which are individualized to the student’s professional goals and focus area.
DOCTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION PROGRAM GOALS
- Provide safe, ethical, equitable, and culturally relevant evidence-based healthcare, education, and community services.
- Lead integration of evidence-informed best practices, critical thinking and/or research in professional settings.
- Model leadership and management skills in organizational, healthcare, and academic settings.
- Work collaboratively in interprofessional settings to provide comprehensive approaches to healthcare services and education.
FOCUS AREAS
Leadership in Higher Education Administration
- Implement evidence-based best practices in Higher Education Administration.
- Apply appropriate pedagogical and andragogical approaches to undergraduate and graduate programming.
Leadership in Healthcare and Clinical Management
- Implement evidence-based best practices in Healthcare and Clinical Management.
- Lead the delivery of services through strategic guidance and management of personnel.
Leadership in Community Health Services
- Implement evidence-based best practices in Community Services.
- Lead community education initiatives through the development, implementation, and evaluation of targeted programming.
OBJECTIVES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS OF THE DOCTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
Graduates of the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Doctor of Clinical Nutrition will:
- Apply adaptive and responsive leadership skills in healthcare, higher education, and community settings (depending on student focus area).
- Apply evidence-informed approaches when generating, appraising, and utilizing research.
- Lead the provision of safe, ethical, and evidence-based healthcare, higher education, and community services.
Curricular Requirements
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| DCN 800 – Nutrition Research Theory and Implementation | 1 |
| DCN 805 – Nutrition Assessment and Therapy | 4 |
| DCN 810 – Advanced Methods in Nutrition Research I | 3 |
| DCN 815 – Nutrition Pharmacotherapy | 2 |
| DCN 820 – Counseling and Health Behavior Change | 3 |
| DCN 825 – Adaptive Leadership | 3 |
| DCN 830 – Advanced Nutrition Practice | 3 |
| DCN 835 – Healthcare Ecosystems and Management | 3 |
| DCN 840 – Responsive Business Leadership | 3 |
| DCN 845 – Food Justice and Advocacy | 2 |
| DCN 850 – Advanced Topics in Health Professions Leadership I | 3 |
| DCN 855 – Residency I | 2 |
| DCN 860 – Focus Area Elective | 2 |
| DCN 865 – Research Practicum | 3 |
| DCN 870 – Advanced Methods in Nutrition Research II | 3 |
| DCN 875 – Residency II | 2 |
| DCN 880 – Fundamentals of Manuscript Preparations | 3 |
| DCN 885 – Advanced Topics in Health Professions Leadership II | 3 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 48 |
|---|
Academic and Technical Standards
MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.
GRADUATION
Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via U-Online. Please see the Graduation FAQ for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
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