Master of Clinical Nutrition Program Description

The Master of Clinical Nutrition program at the University of Iowa is an on-campus, non-thesis, 20-month graduate level program awarding the Master of Clinical Nutrition degree and verification statement providing eligibility to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration Entry-level Registration Examination for Dietitians.

One class of 16 students is enrolled in August each year. Applicants must apply through Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application System (DICAS). All application materials, including three recommendations and college transcripts, must be completed and received between August 5, 2024 to February 1, 2025 for the Master of Clinical Nutrition graduate students who will begin the program in the fall semester of 2025.

The University of Iowa MCN program offers admission on a rolling basis. Completed applications are reviewed as they are received, and those applicants considered most competitive, will be invited for a personal interview. Interviews will be conducted from September 2024 through February 2025. Candidates who meet admission selection criteria will be offered admission, traditionally, within two weeks of an interview. Final applicant notification of admission status will occur on March 1, 2025 and applicant decision is required by March 15, 2025.

Master of Clinical Nutrition Outcomes Data

The University of Iowa Master of Clinical Nutrition graduates have outstanding outcomes:

  • 100% of program students completed the degree requirement within the 20-month program.
  • 100% of graduates who were seeking employment were employed in nutrition and dietetics fields within 3 months of graduation.
  • 100% of graduates took the Registration Examination for Dietitians within 45 days of graduation.
  • 97% of graduates passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians on the first attempt (well above the national average first attempt pass rate of 63.1%).

Additional program outcomes data is available upon request.

Master of Clinical Nutrition Program Standards

University of Iowa Master of Clinical Nutrition (MCN) program accreditation status is accredited until June 30, 2030.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Graduate Program Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics. These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

University of Iowa demonstrated its leadership in education by being in the first cohort of programs to be accredited by ACEND under these new standards.

Master of Clinical Nutrition Program Accreditation

The University of Iowa Master of Clinical Nutrition (MCN) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

ACEND® serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND® is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper. This recognition affirms that ACEND® meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs.

ACEND® is also a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors and abides by its code of good practice. Additional information is available online.

Need to contact ACEND?

ACEND
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Phone: 1-800-877-1600, ext. 5400