Program Mission

The mission of the University of Kansas doctorate in clinical nutrition is “to serve the citizens of Kansas, the region and the nation by producing advanced-level nutrition and dietetic practitioners, transformational leaders and researchers."

Program Goals

Goal 1: Graduates will demonstrate advanced competence in evidence-based clinical nutrition practice to improve individual and population health outcomes.

Goal 2: Graduates will contribute to the advancement of the profession through clinically relevant research, leadership and dissemination of knowledge.

Objectives

Objective 1 – Program Completion (aligns with both goals 1 and 2).

At least 80% of students enrolled in the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program will complete program requirements within eight years of initial enrollment.

Objective 2 – Research Project Outcome (aligns primarily with goal 2).

At least 90% of students will successfully orally defend a doctoral research project that demonstrates application of research methodology to clinical nutrition practice, as evaluated by the doctoral committee using a standardized rubric on first attempt.

Objective 3 – Residency Experience Outcome (aligns primarily with goal 1).

At least 90% of students will successfully complete the advanced clinical residency demonstrating attainment of advanced-level competencies, as assessed by site mentors and faculty.

Objective 4 – Research Project Outcome (aligns primarily with goal 2).

At least 50% of graduates will present their research findings or clinical innovations at a professional meeting or submit/publish in a peer-reviewed journal during the program or within  two years of graduation.

Objective 5 – Residency Outcome: Interprofessional Collaboration (aligns primarily with goal 2).

At least 90% of students will achieve a rating of 4 or higher on a scale of 1-5 assessing teamwork, coordination and interdisciplinary participation, as evaluated by mentors during the clinical residency.