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.
Education Requirements:
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.
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.
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:
Program Goal #2: The program will prepare graduates to advocate for nutrition and demonstrate leadership through their contributions to the dietetic profession.
Objectives:
Program outcome data are available upon request.
First Year Sept.-Aug. |
Second Year Sept.-April |
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Tuition | $29,880 | $17, 928 |
Insurance Allowance | $4,163 | ~$2,700 |
Housing Allowances (varies with occupancy/location) |
$18,000 | $12,000 |
Meetings /Seminars | $200 | $250 (exam review course) |
Books/Supplies (including lab coats, shoes) |
$950 | $500 |
ServSafe certification (if not recently completed) |
$25 | |
Thesis publication costs | $100/optional |
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
Students may be eligible for RUSH University, College of Health Sciences and Department of Clinical Nutrition scholarships.
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
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:
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.
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.
“The faculty and preceptors are amazing!”
“I really enjoyed how the internship and classes were completed simultaneously. Additionally, I liked how the majority of our experience was done at Rush’s main campus. This ensured qualified, experienced, and consistent preceptors.”
“The program provided me with the resources and opportunities to excel in the academic setting as well as clinically. There are a lot of opportunities available within this program that makes it unique.”
“I would definitely recommend this program to any potential student. Being at Rush pushed me out of my comfort zone, but provided substantial opportunities and immense growth. The ability to gain exposure in so many disciplines and learning from experienced dietitians is invaluable.”
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.
Link, by State | Does this program meet the requirements? | |
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Alabama |
YES |
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Alaska |
YES |
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Arizona |
N/A state does not license this specific profession |
N/A |
Arkansas |
YES |
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California |
N/A state does not license this specific profession |
N/A |
Colorado |
YES |
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Connecticut |
YES |
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Delaware |
YES |
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Florida |
YES |
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Georgia |
YES |
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Hawaii |
YES |
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Idaho |
YES |
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Illinois |
YES |
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Indiana |
YES |
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Iowa |
YES |
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Kansas |
YES |
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Kentucky |
YES |
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Louisiana |
YES |
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Maine |
YES |
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Maryland |
YES |
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Massachusetts |
YES |
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Michigan |
N/A state does not license this specific profession |
N/A |
Minnesota |
YES |
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Mississippi |
YES |
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Missouri |
YES |
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Montana |
YES |
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Nebraska |
YES |
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Nevada |
YES |
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New Hampshire |
YES |
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New Jersey |
In review by the state. |
TBD |
New Mexico |
YES |
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New York |
YES |
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North Carolina |
YES |
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North Dakota |
YES |
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Ohio |
YES |
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Oklahoma |
YES |
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Oregon |
YES |
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Pennsylvania |
YES |
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Rhode Island |
YES |
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South Carolina |
YES |
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South Dakota |
YES |
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Tennessee |
YES |
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Texas |
YES |
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Utah |
YES |
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Vermont |
YES |
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Virginia |
YES |
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Washington |
YES |
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West Virginia |
YES |
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Wisconsin |
YES |
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Wyoming |
YES |