The Master of Clinical Nutrition (MCN) program is a 21-month non-thesis masters-dietetic internship program. The MCN degree prepares students for careers as registered dietitians by combining high-quality coursework with supervised training experiences in professional settings across central Texas.
The MCN Program is a pathway to become a registered dietitian nutritionist and meet Commission on Dietetic Registration’s graduate degree requirement for eligible candidates who have completed an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD). If you are not currently enrolled or previously completed a DPD program, review the information below on How to Become a Registered Dietitian or reach out to Alicia Gilmore, MS, RD, CSO, LD or Tyler Fadal, Program Coordinator II, using the Contact Us information at the bottom of this webpage.
100% of our graduates pass the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam within one year, and more than 90% pass on the first try.
The Master of Clinical Nutrition program is built on core curriculum in nutrition, including courses in nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, and statistics, which students complete at the College Station campus during their first year. During their second year, students complete the supervised practice component of the degree through the Texas A&M Dietetic Internship Program.
The Dietetic Internship (DI) Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the credentialing exam for a registered dietitian nutritionist. Graduates of the Texas A&M Dietetic Internship Program are working in a variety of practice settings, including: clinical dietetics, clinical management, treatment for eating disorders, school nutrition programs, and university wellness.
1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent.*
2. Didactic Program in Dietetics
Complete an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics concurrently or after completing a degree.
3. Dietetic Internship Program
After a successful application and match, complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship Program.
4. Pass the Credentialing Exam
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionalist.
Upon successful completion of the Texas A&M MCN Program, graduates will be eligible for the credentialing exam by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to become an RDN. In most states, graduates also must obtain state certification or licensure to practice. More information about educational pathways to become a RDN can be found through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students with foreign degrees who want to be credentialed as a RD in the United States must comply with CDR’s eligibility and examination requirements.
*Effective January 1, 2024, the CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an 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.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education or CADE, is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR). ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.
The Texas A&M University Dietetic Internship (DI) Program is accredited by ACEND. In January 2024, ACEND voted to continue full accreditation of the program for a term ending June 30, 2032.
ACEND is recognized by the United States 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 (ASPA) and abides by its code of good practice.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600 ext. 5400
Website: http://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND
Email: [email protected]
Have questions about the Master of Clinical Nutrition or the Dietetic Internship program?
