Master of Clinical Nutrition - Nutrition Science
About the Online Program
The UT Southwestern Master of Clinical Nutrition- Nutrition Science is a fully online course of study in advanced nutrition topics to prevent and manage disease as well as optimize health through food and nutrition strategies.
This program is specifically designed for undergraduate students with a passion for nutrition, as well as medical students, Registered Dietitians, and healthcare professionals looking for an advanced degree to enhance their expertise in this field.This program will support the development of research skills, stimulate independent thought, and provide up-to-date knowledge to graduates to understand advanced medical nutrition therapy in inpatient and outpatient settings.
All students in the Master of Clinical Nutrition-Nutrition Science must complete 36 credits of which six credits will be non-thesis research.
Objectives
Nutrition plays an integral role in achieving positive patient outcomes. With the specialized education provided through this program, participants will gain significant training contributing to both clinical and professional development. On completion of the program, the graduate will demonstrate an understanding of clinical nutrition principles and the application of nutritional management for stressed and critically ill patients.
The MCN-NS program includes opportunities to develop and understand the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
- Apply knowledge of clinical nutrition for patients with acute and chronic conditions and critical care.
- To become a leader in specialized medical nutrition therapy and demonstrate an advanced knowledge of clinical nutrition and influence the development of other healthcare practitioners, with the potential to improve patient outcomes.
- Collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to provide nutrition support for patients with complex medical problems.
- Understand and provide nutrition education to populations with diverse nutritional needs.
- Analyze published research to support the evidence-based practice of clinical nutrition.
Classes and research opportunities reflect the rich research and clinical care environment of UT Southwestern Medical Center. Students will be exposed to current nutrition research. They interact with practicing health care professionals and researchers as they learn about evidence-based care and cost-effective treatment options.
UT Southwestern's Clinical Nutrition-Nutrition Science Online Program aims to meet the need for advanced training.
Mission of the Department of Clinical Nutrition’s Master of Clinical Nutrition – Nutrition Science
The MCN-NS utilizes the unique resources of the medical center to prepare graduates to meet the demands of the changing health care system and practice dietetics at an advanced level. Having developed a strong knowledge base in clinical nutrition, health professional graduates use this information effectively in the prevention and treatment of disease with an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Individualized experiences facilitate students’ pursuit of their own career goals, be they in health care, research, and/or as an expert for the public.
Based upon this philosophy, the program has established the following goals.
- Prepare students to be competent in nutrition screening and assessing the nutrition status of patients to provide nutrition care within their scope of practice and make appropriate referrals to the registered dietitian.
- Prepare students capable of interpreting and communicating science-based principles of nutrition science and current research.
Accreditation
UT Southwestern Medical Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Master of Clinical Nutrition-Nutrition Science. Questions about the accreditation of UT Southwestern Medical Center may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.
Meet the Department Chair
Meet the Program Director
Parul Sharma, Ph.D., RDN, LD, CNSC
Assistant Professor
parul.sharma@utsouthwestern.edu
