MSCND Mission, Goals and Program Requirements

Mission

The mission of JWU’s M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (MSCND) program is to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists by fostering a strong academic and supervised experiential learning experience emphasizing advanced nutrition science, evidence-based practice, interprofessional education and cultural competence.

Program Goals & Objectives

Program Goal 1
Graduates will apply evidence-based nutrition science to clinical practice settings as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

Goal 1 program objectives:

1. At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 24 months (150% of the program length).
2. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
3. At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
4. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
5. At least 75% of employers responding to graduate evaluations will rate program graduates as good to excellent.
6. At least 75% of program graduates who respond to a post-graduate survey will rate their preparation for professional competency as good to excellent.
7. At least 90% of program graduates who respond to a post-graduate survey will report routinely using current evidence-based research in their professional practice

Program Goal 2
Graduates will be prepared to work as integral members of the healthcare team by participating in interprofessional practice with various providers.

Goal 2 Program Objective:

1. At least 75% of program graduates who respond to a post-graduate survey will report participating as part of an interprofessional team in a professional capacity.

Program outcomes data is available upon request.

Requirements to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

There are three requirements to becoming and practicing as an RDN, as outlined by ACEND’s Future Education Model Pathway (which applies to Johnson & Wales University’s MSCND program):

1. Successful completion of the program’s didactic and supervised experiential learning experiences as well as competency assessments.
2. Pass the national RDN credentialing exam: The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) provides a national exam at various testing centers throughout the nation.
3. Obtain licensure in the state of practice. Inquire about licensure statutes and information by state.

Review the requirements for becoming an RDN via the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Fact Sheet.