Doctor of Nutrition and Dietetics
Completely online degree program for registered dietitian nutritionists who wish to enhance or advance their practice.
Why pursue a Doctor of Nutrition and Dietetics Degree?
The Advanced Practice Doctorate is intended to prepare registered dietitian nutritionists as advanced clinicians, educators, clinical or community researchers, administrators and emerging leaders in advanced professional or specialized roles. The advanced practice degree is distinct from the entry-level master's degree in nutrition and dietetics as well as the research PhD. The DND has the potential to protect the public through assuring the competence of advanced practice nutrition professionals, improve the public’s health, increase recognition of RDNs’ expertise, attract and retain expert practitioners in advanced clinical and clinical leadership positions, and enhance graduates’ career trajectories.
Why pursue a DND at UNMC?
Completely Online
The fully online 48-credit hour curriculum may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis and includes didactic courses and hands-on experiences. You are allowed up to seven years to complete the program; however, it is possible to complete in eight semesters as a full-time student or 13 semesters as a part-time student.
Mission and GoalsIn Your Home Community
We use a variety of distance learning technologies for the didactic coursework, while the residency and scholarly project are completed in your home community under the guidance of UNMC faculty and an onsite mentor.
Program Snapshot
Program Highlights
Experienced Faculty
Our doctoral-trained faculty are experienced clinicians and researchers who bring their knowledge and expertise to RDN education. You'll get real-world education from caring faculty in a supportive community learning environment.
Accreditation
We are the first doctorate program in nutrition and dietetics to seek accreditation under the new ACEND standards.
Focus in 5 domains
Our focus area encompasses 5 domains: Advanced nutrition science; Leadership; Advocacy; Education; and Critical Inquiry, Research and Scholarship.
Opportunities and Outcomes
This program does not lead to licensure. Doctor of Nutrition and Dietetics students enter the program as credentialed RDNs. The evolving role of RDNs requires advanced knowledge and competencies, and many practicing RDNs are seeking to advance their education and credentials. Data from ACEND and other sources indicates that the nutrition profession is projected to grow substantially over the next ten years with the potential for increasing demand for professionals holding a doctorate degree.
Program outcomes data are available upon request.