Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition
Northeast College's Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition (ACN) program is centered on using whole-food nutrition as a primary means of transforming lives.
With our 100% online, flexible M.S. program, you can complete your degree in as little as 16 months with our accelerated program.
Why Study Nutrition at Northeast?
The Applied Clinical Nutrition program at Northeast prepares highly-trained professionals to apply knowledge and skills and become dedicated clinical nutritionists. Our curriculum puts an emphasis on a science-based, whole-food approach to the prevention of disease, the achievement of optimal performance and the maintenance of health. You’ll gain the expertise to translate complex nutritional science into practical, real-world strategies that improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.
- Earn your master's degree 100% online in 24 months or an accelerated 16 months, you can choose
- Become an expert in evidence-informed, whole-foods approaches to health and optimal performance
- Manage your life, work, and studies in a program designed to support flexible learning for professionals
- Build your credentials in a rapidly expanding career field
- Learn to analyze evidence and apply the highest standards in dietetic assessment, intervention, the promotion of health and case management
- Look at full case histories — including dietary patterns, physiology and lifestyles — to provide insights into patients' health
As an ACN student, you will work closely with outstanding professors and motivated peers to view nutrition through an integrative, whole-food approach and make a substantive difference in the lives of others. Upon graduation, you will be an expert in the assessment of nutritional imbalances and equipped to design personalized prevention, treatment, and intervention programs incorporating diet, exercise, nutritional supplementation recommendations and therapeutic and detoxification programs.
Coursework covers a diverse range of subjects like macro- and micronutrients, nutritional assessment, genomics and personalized nutrition, the microbiome, the use of herbs, therapeutic nutrition and drug-induced nutrient depletion, sports nutrition, behavioral nutrition and clinical practice.
- Summarize and interpret the theories, definitions, biochemical and physiological pathways, and interactions pertaining to clinical nutrition;
- Observe and analyze common eating patterns and relate the importance of early intervention in the prevention of disease and maintenance of health;
- Assess nutritional needs of individuals, establish nutritional priorities, and apply an individualized evidence-based therapeutic intervention;
- Integrate individualized lifestyle modifications in nutritional protocols and overall health;
- Describe and defend the fundamental elements of research design and evaluate empirical literature for quality and applicability;
- Utilize effective written and verbal skills to communicate the principles of nutrition and their role in health and wellness;
- Evaluate the role of demographics, ethical decisions, and community influences in nutritional needs, choices, attitudes and behaviors; and
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning and professional behavior applicable to nutrition practice within an integrative healthcare environment.
16-Month Program
| Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| First Trimester | |
| NTR 5104 Biochemistry I: The Macronutrients | 3 |
| NTR 5106 Theories and Principles of Applied Clinical Nutrition & Whole Food Science | 3 |
| NTR 5206 Biochemistry II: The Micronutrients | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
| Second Trimester | |
| NTR 5306 Genomics and Personalized Nutrition | 1 |
| NTR 5307 Clinical Nutrition for Pain and Inflammation | 2 |
| NTR 5207 Nutrition Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| NTR 5503 Nutrition Assessment | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
| Third Trimester | |
| NTR 5406 Clinical Herbalism | 3 |
| NTR 5504 The Microbiome and Gastrointestinal Health | 1 |
| Elective | 2 |
| NTR 5305 Design, Analysis, and Critical Evaluation of Research | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
| Fourth Trimester | |
| NTR 5402 Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion & Herb/Drug Interaction | 3 |
| NTR 5605 Medical Nutrition Therapy | 2 |
| Elective | 2 |
| NTR 5610 Clinical Nutrition Capstone Project | 2 |
| Total | 9 |
| Elective Course Options | Credits |
| NTR 5405 Behavioral Nutrition | 2 |
| NTR 5604 Clinical Sports Nutrition | 2 |
| NTR 5607 Introduction to Clinical Practice | 2 |
| Total Elective Credits Required | 4 |
| Total Required Credits - M.S. in applied clinical nutrition | 36 |
ACN Coursework-16 Month Program
24-Month Program
| Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| First Trimester | |
| NTR 5104 Biochemistry I: The Macronutrients | 3 |
| NTR 5106 Theories and Principles of Applied Clinical Nutrition & Whole Food Science | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
| Second Trimester | |
| NTR 5206 Biochemistry II: The Micronutrients | 3 |
| NTR 5207 Nutrition Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
| Third Trimester | |
| NTR 5305 Design, Analysis, and Critical Evaluation of Research | 3 |
| NTR 5306 Genomics and Personalized Nutrition | 1 |
| NTR 5307 Clinical Nutrition for Pain and Inflammation | 2 |
| Total | 6 |
| Fourth Trimester | |
| NTR 5406 Clinical Herbalism | 3 |
| NTR 5503 Nutrition Assessment | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
| Fifth Trimester | |
| NTR 5402 Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion & Herb/Drug Interaction | 3 |
| NTR 5504 The Microbiome and Gastrointestinal Health | 1 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total | 6 |
| Sixth Trimester | |
| NTR 5610 Clinical Nutrition Capstone Project | 2 |
| NTR 5605 Medical Nutrition Therapy | 2 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total | 6 |
| Total Core Credits | 32 |
| Elective Course Options | Credits |
| NTR 5405 Behavioral Nutrition | 2 |
| NTR 5604 Clinical Sports Nutrition | 2 |
| NTR 5607 Introduction to Clinical Practice | 2 |
| Total Elective Credits Required | 4 |
| Total Required Credits - M.S. in applied clinical nutrition | 36 |
While a background in healthcare is not required in order to be accepted into the program, it is highly recommended that applicants have a science or healthcare background to garner the most from the program.
Applicants are required to show proof of successfully completing 90 semester hours (136 quarter hours) of college credit, including:
- Nine credits (9) of bioscience course work prior to matriculation, from an, accredited, degree-granting institution, with a grade of "C' or better in the prerequisite bioscience course(s).
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale is desired for pre-professional college study.
Study with faculty who teach, mentor and are seen as some of the preeminent practitioners in the world.
Career Paths with Clinical Nutrition.
Interested in reimagining your future?
Whether you're ready to move forward in your career, or just starting to explore what the future holds, Northeast College is here to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions. We're here to support you as you make the choice to transform your life and professional path.