Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition - Dietetic Integrated Track Program Details

The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition - Dietetic Integrated Track program provides students with the supervised experiential learning and didactic coursework needed to meet the core competencies for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Our 21-month program provides coursework and supervised experiential learning opportunities in the areas of clinical nutrition care, food service management, community nutrition and research. These diverse learning opportunities take place within the RUSH University Medical Center system as well as multiple hospitals and community agencies within the Chicagoland area.

The successful completion of the program will result in the conferring of a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from RUSH University, and graduates are eligible to take the National Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

How to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Education Requirements:

• Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) - www.eatrightpro.org/acend
• Complete an ACEND accredited supervised experiential learning program:
  • Dietetic Internship (DI)
  • Coordinated Program (CP)
  • Graduate Program (GP)
• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) - www.cdrnet.org
• Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for dietitians and nutritionists; these requirements are often met by similar training to becoming an RDN. Illinois state licensure info can be found at www.idfpr.com. In addition, each state’s licensing agency can be found on the CDR website - https://www.cdrnet.org/licensure

Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition – Dietetic Integrated track at RUSH University are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s National Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to become an RDN. 

If you already have a bachelor’s degree that is not in Nutrition or Dietetics from an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and are interested in applying to RUSH, you need to have your college transcript evaluated by the clinical nutrition program director at RUSH University. They will evaluate your previous work and identify which, if any, prerequisite courses need to be completed prior to applying to RUSH.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND.

Why Rush University for your training?

• RUSH University Medical Center is a top tier academic medical center located in the heart of Chicago. RUSH is ranked #2 in the nation for quality in health care by Vizient.  In the recent US News and World Report “2020 America’s Best Hospitals” rankings, RUSH is nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties.

• As an academic medical center, RUSH offers a rich environment for learning by working with professionals and students from all areas of medicine. Students learn from supportive staff, as well as patient-care rounds, teaching rounds, grand rounds and research forums. 

• Chicago is a dynamic city rich in culture, diversity, food and tourism. Chicago is home to many food corporations (Kraft, National Restaurant Association, McDonald’s) and professional health care organizations (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Medical Association, The Joint Commission).

• The RUSH MS/DI Program uses a teacher-practitioner model that integrates classroom education, research and service with patient care as part of the learning process. 

• RUSH is committed to improving the health of individuals and the diverse communities it serves and offers many opportunities to contribute to our vibrant community. 

• RUSH University supports students via the Center for Academic Excellence, the Office for Student Life and Engagement and the Office of Student Diversity and Community Engagement as well as more than 30 student organization in which to participate.

Program Mission, Goals and Objectives

Mission: The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition - Dietetic Integrated Track program will prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists to be nutrition experts, leaders and advocates through nutritional sciences and interprofessional education, research and promotion of the nutritional well-being of diverse communities.

Program Goal #1: The program will prepare graduates to be competent entry-level dietitians.

Objectives:                               

• At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3.3 years (150% of the program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 80% of graduates will obtain a mean rating for skill level on employer surveys of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale (5-excellent, 1-unacceptable) for entry-level practice.
• 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• The program’s 1-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within 1 year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• Over a 3-year period, at least 80% of all graduates who take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists will pass on the first attempt.     
• At least 80% of graduates will provide a mean rating for skill level of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale (5-excellent, 1-unacceptable) for entry-level practice.

Program Goal #2: The program will prepare graduates to advocate for nutrition and demonstrate leadership through their contributions to the dietetic profession.

Objectives:

• At least 90% of graduates responding to alumni surveys will be members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and/or other related professional organizations within 3 years of program completion.    
• At least 50% of graduates responding to alumni surveys will report holding an appointed or elected position in a dietetics-related professional organization or activity on a committee within 3 years of program completion.                                  
• At least 50% of graduates responding to alumni surveys will have contributed to the advancement of the dietetics profession through a professional publication (i.e. journal, professional newsletter, abstract) or presentation at a professional meeting within 3 years of program completion.  

Program outcome data are available upon request.

Estimated Program Expenses 2023-2024

	First Year Sept.-Aug.  Fall, Spring and Summer semesters (30 credits)	Second Year Sept.-April Fall and Spring semesters (18 credits)
Tuition	$29,880	$17, 928
Insurance Allowance	$4,163	~$2,700
Housing Allowances Off Campus @ $1,500/mo (varies with occupancy/location)	$18,000	$12,000
Meetings /Seminars	$200	$250 (exam review course)
Books/Supplies Personal Expenses (including lab coats, shoes)	$950	$500
ServSafe certification (if not recently completed)	$25
Thesis publication costs		$100/optional

Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid is available to assist students who qualify for financial aid through the University. Consult the University Catalog, Financial Aid section for more information. www.rushu.rush.edu/rush-experience/student-services/office-student-financial-aid

Scholarships

Students may be eligible for RUSH University, College of Health Sciences and Department of Clinical Nutrition scholarships.

Academic and Program Calendar

The academic calendar can be found at: https://www.rushu.rush.edu/rush-experience/student-services/office-registrar/academic-calendars . The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition - Dietetic Integrated Track program calendar is defined under the College of Health Sciences with some special designations pertaining to clinical nutrition.

Graduate coursework and supervised experiential learning activities occur concurrently throughout the program. Supervised experiential learning activities begin fall semester with food service management. Clinical nutrition rotations start the first spring semester and continue during the second fall and second spring semesters. Community nutrition supervised practice will take place during the summer semester.  Clinical rotations are scheduled Tuesday through Friday.

Clinical Nutrition Plan of Study

Graduation Requirements

Once admitted, students must successfully the required 48 credit hours for graduation. This includes a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning activities. In order to be eligible to take the national registration examination for dietitian nutritionists, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, students must fulfill all requirements of the RUSH University Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition to receive a verification statement. Students must complete all program requirements within 31.5 months from the time they began the program.

Students must meet the following in order to graduate and have the degree conferred:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Successfully complete all didactic coursework
• Successfully complete all required supervised experiential learning activity hours (minimum 1,000 hours)
• Successfully complete all requirements of the master’s research project
• Pass the RUSH University interprofessional course
• Complete a minimum of 16 contact hours of approved professional or community service

Career Options

Job opportunities for alumni are numerous and diverse because of increasing public awareness about the strong relationship between nutrition and health. Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to increase 7 percent through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Accreditation Summary

The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition - Dietetic Integrated Track program is fully accredited by the  Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics: 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606. Phone: (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400.

 

Licensure Information

Institutions are required to make public whether a program is designed to meet educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation or is advertised as meeting such requirements. Institutions are required to make public, for each state, whether the completion of that program would be sufficient to meet licensure requirements in a state for that occupation, did not meet requirements or has not made a determination.  These requirements apply to all programs offered via all modalities (distance education and not).

Students should review the specific academic requirements for the program in which they are enrolling, including those related to practicum/internship as well as pre-qualifications for licensure such as the need for a criminal background check. We highly recommend that students contact the applicable licensure board(s) in their state of residence or in the state where they intend to obtain a license before beginning an academic program that results in licensure and prior to beginning any internship/practicum. Many licensure boards have additional requirements beyond successful degree completion to obtain a license. Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time. Changes in requirements can impact the program’s ability to meet educational requirements for licensure. Enrolled and prospective students are strongly encouraged to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or in the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements. The College will periodically review the state requirements. The College of Health Sciences disclosure does not provide any guarantee that any particular state licensure or certification entity will approve or deny a student’s application.

Licensure Information by State:

	Link, by State	Does this program meet the requirements?
Alabama	CNDI licensing	YES
Alaska	CNDI licensing	YES
Arizona	N/A state does not license this specific profession	N/A
Arkansas	CNDI licensing	YES
California	N/A state does not license this specific profession	N/A
Colorado	CNDI licensing	YES
Connecticut	CNDI licensing	YES
Delaware	CNDI licensing	YES
Florida	CNDI licensing	YES
Georgia	CNDI licensing	YES
Hawaii	CNDI licensing	YES
Idaho	CNDI licensing	YES
Illinois	CNDI licensing	YES
Indiana	CNDI licensing	YES
Iowa	CNDI licensing	YES
Kansas	CNDI licensing	YES
Kentucky	CNDI licensing	YES
Louisiana	CNDI licensing	YES
Maine	CNDI licensing	YES
Maryland	CNDI licensing	YES
Massachusetts	CNDI licensing	YES
Michigan	N/A state does not license this specific profession	N/A
Minnesota	CNDI licensing	YES
Mississippi	CNDI licensing	YES
Missouri	CNDI licensing	YES
Montana	CNDI licensing	YES
Nebraska	CNDI licensing	YES
Nevada	CNDI licensing	YES
New Hampshire	CNDI licensing	YES
New Jersey	In review by the state.	TBD
New Mexico	CNDI licensing	YES
New York	CNDI licensing	YES
North Carolina	CNDI licensing	YES
North Dakota	CNDI licensing	YES
Ohio	CNDI licensing	YES
Oklahoma	CNDI licensing	YES
Oregon	CNDI licensing	YES
Pennsylvania	CNDI licensing	YES
Rhode Island	CNDI licensing	YES
South Carolina	CNDI licensing	YES
South Dakota	CNDI licensing	YES
Tennessee	CNDI licensing	YES
Texas	CNDI licensing	YES
Utah	CNDI licensing	YES
Vermont	CNDI licensing	YES
Virginia	CNDI licensing	YES
Washington	CNDI licensing	YES
West Virginia	CNDI licensing	YES
Wisconsin	CNDI licensing	YES
Wyoming	CNDI licensing	YES