The program was granted accreditation candidacy and is set to begin fall 2026.
UNT Health Fort Worth has a new degree – a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition that will give students a path for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist and allow them to enter one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, or ACEND, notified UNT Health on Wednesday that it had granted candidacy for accreditation status to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. The program’s first students are expected to start in fall 2026.
Approved by the UNT System Board of Regents in February 2024, the master’s program is housed within the Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being in UNT Health’s College of Health Professions. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will be eligible to sit for the national credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN.
“We developed this program with a clear vision: to prepare future RDNs to lead in communities and clinical settings where nutrition can have the greatest impact,” said Misti Zablosky, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being. “By integrating cutting-edge science, personalized health strategies and meaningful supervised practice, we’re training the next generation of practitioners to meet today’s most pressing health challenges with confidence and compassion.”
The 22-month graduate program will be delivered fully online and includes supervised practice through clinical rotations with RDNs across North Texas. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and the integration of technology and simulation in training.
The curriculum is designed to prepare RDNs to lead in chronic disease prevention and management, address food and nutrition security, and improve population health through innovative, community-engaged and culturally responsive approaches aligned with ACEND accreditation standards.
The program prepares graduates to enter a fast-growing field. Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An average of 5,600 openings for dietitians are projected each year over the decade.
RDNs serve in a variety of roles across health care, public health and industry. They provide medical nutrition therapy in clinical settings, support wellness and food access through community programs, and offer personalized counseling in private practice or corporate wellness. RDNs also oversee food service operations, work with athletes to enhance performance, and contribute to research and teaching in academic settings.
As of 2024, candidates must have a master’s degree, complete an ACEND-accredited program, and fulfill supervised practice requirements to be eligible for the RDN exam. UNT Health offers a seamless integrated program that includes the graduate degree, the didactic coursework and supervised practice — allowing students to complete all requirements two years.
“Students will gain hands-on experience through simulation, supervised practice and interprofessional collaboration with other members of the health care team — preparing them to deliver high-quality, patient-centered nutrition care in real-world settings,” said Christina Liew-Newville, Ed.D., program director.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the U.S. is facing a shortage of RDNs amid a growing health crisis. Preventable conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are on the rise, driving demand for nutrition services — especially in underserved communities. Factors such as rising obesity rates and an aging population are expected to continue fueling that demand.
The need for nutrition education has gained attention at the state level. Senate Bill 25, signed into law June 22, mandates nutrition training for medical and other health-related students at state-funded institutions, as well as continuing education for practicing professionals.
“I believe we have an obligation to address the growing need for RDNs,” said Dr. Glenn Forister, dean of College of Health Professions. “Their expertise in medical nutrition therapy and disease prevention makes RDNs crucial in a healthcare system increasingly focused on preventative care and personalized nutrition. Our program employs some of the best and brightest minds in the field, and we’re excited to see generations of students make a difference in our community.
For information, visit unthealth.edu/MSCN. To speak to an academic advisor, book an online appointment.
