Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)

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Recognizing the need for clinical nutrition practitioners with advanced training to assess and manage patients/clients experiencing complex chronic illness and to promote wellness through optimal body function, the doctor of clinical nutrition (DCN) program prepares graduates to skillfully address the multifaceted health needs of the individuals they serve. Using a functional medicine framework, students learn to identify the underlying physiological imbalances that cause and contribute to a broad range of illnesses. Therapeutic strategies are grounded in an evidence-informed practice model, applying the best available research evidence to guide approaches to care. Through clinically focused learning activities, students develop the knowledge and skills to effectively address complex, challenging patient cases with nutrition-focused care plans.

The doctor of clinical nutrition (DCN) program is a cohort program where students move through the two-year sequence with a group of peers and take a required set of courses for each of the eight quarters in the program.

Mission Statement

The mission of the doctor of clinical nutrition program is to provide current nutrition professionals with expanded assessment and therapeutic strategies through advanced clinical nutrition and functional medicine education. Graduates will be prepared to deliver effective nutrition-focused care for challenging health issues and to act as leaders in their field.

Admission Requirements - DCN

UWS admits new students into the DCN program each fall (October). Applicants should carefully review the program’s selection criteria to ensure they are making the best possible presentation of their qualifications. The application for admission is available on the UWS website.

Each applicant for the doctor of clinical nutrition program is evaluated holistically, accounting for personal, academic and professional experiences.

In addition to the general entry requirements for the College of Graduate Studies, students must also meet the specific entry requirements below for the DCN program.

• Complete standard admissions application, including a detailed, well-written personal statement discussing professional goals and explaining how the UWS DCN program will help the applicant achieve those goals.
• Successful completion of a Master of Science degree or equivalent in nutrition.
• Minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0.
• Prerequisite coursework in macronutrients and micronutrients, whole food nutrition, nutritional supplementation, meal planning, and functional medicine (one course each). Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
• An interview with the nutrition and functional medicine program directors or program instructor.
• Application fee.

Graduation Requirements - DCN

The DCN degree is conferred upon an individual who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Maintenance of enrollment eligibility through satisfactory academic performance, professional development and behavior, and non-academic behavior.
• Successful completion of all required courses, lectures, labs, practicums, and seminars with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all required coursework.

Program Learning Outcomes - DCN

Graduates of the DCN program will be able to:

1. Apply appropriate patient/client evaluation methods to determine nutritional needs and clinical status.
2. Create nutrition-focused care plans that incorporate scientific evidence and sound clinical judgment to promote therapeutic goals and wellness.
3. Apply functional medicine tools and strategies that enable a whole-person approach to patient/client care.
4. Model ethical methods of practice that accord with applicable principles of jurisprudence.
5. Employ a collaborative approach to clinical nutrition care.