Online Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition
Earn a post-graduate certificate from a world-class university!
This new 12-credit online certificate program builds on knowledge and skills obtained in your undergraduate studies and professional experiences. It is designed to expand your knowledge and give you new insight and experiences in:
- critical care
- nutrition support
- complex nutritional assessment
- nutrition counseling
- advanced pediatrics
- clinical nutrition research
Areas which are essential for success in today’s complex clinical environment. The four courses can be completed in as little as 12 months.
At-a-Glance: Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition
When: Begin any semester—fall, spring or summer—and complete the program in one (1) year.
Where: Completely online format
Who Should Apply: Recent graduates and experienced professionals seeking graduate-level education in Clinical Nutrition
Contact:
Makayla Schuchardt – MS, RDN, CNSC
Program Manager – Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition
Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, UW-Madison
1415 Linden Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
608-261-1397
Benefits to You
Obtain 12 graduate-level credits that may be used toward a graduate degree.
Beginning in 2024, a graduate degree will be required to obtain the R.D. credential.
Develop advanced level “cutting-edge” clinical nutrition skills needed in today’s competitive job market.
The courses focus on areas where employers are seeking advanced skills and reflect the most reliable, research-based knowledge in the field.
Improve your chances of obtaining a competitive Dietetic Internship.
Currently, only 50% of internship applicants receive appointments.
Flexibility of an online program allows you to complete the program while employed or during your Dietetic Internship.
Highly experienced and engaged instructors.
All instructors have more than 15 years of clinical nutrition teaching experience at UW-Madison.
Receive continuing education credits to maintain your credential for the Registered Dietitian and other professional certifications.
Why Choose UW-Madison?
Reputation of the University
UW-Madison has long been recognized as a world-class university. Founded in 1848, it has an extraordinary legacy of learning and discovery.
A Dedication to Continuous Learning
Our students have the opportunity to work with people who embrace meaningful and spirited discussion, and who embrace learning as a lifelong journey.
Access to Cutting-Edge Research
Research is a critical component of this university. Students are immersed in the latest discoveries and challenged to think critically. Get ready to be inspired by your instructors, challenged by your classmates, and supported in your desire to learn.
Stand Out in a Competitive Environment
We can help you stand out in an increasingly competitive environment through our unique combination of teaching excellence, vibrant experiences, cutting-edge research, innovation and credibility.
Listen to our Advance Your Career Blog to hear what one of our former students had to say about the program.
Be part of more than 150 years of excellence in education at UW-Madison!
Instructors:
All instructors
- have more than 15 years of clinical nutrition teaching experience at UW-Madison!
- have graduate degrees!
- are Registered Dietitians with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics!
With whom you will be working:
Julie Thurlow, PhD, RD is a Faculty Associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences where she has been involved in the teaching of core courses in the dietetics program, including Clinical Nutrition. Her previous experience includes developing the UW course World Hunger as an online course, serving as program director and instructor for a graduate program in dietetics, and working as a clinical dietitian at major medical centers in the areas of pediatrics and nutrition support. She received her BS in Dietetics from the UW-Madison, her MS in Nutrition with an Emphasis in Clinical Education from Boston University, her Doctorate in Public Health Nutrition at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health, and did her dietetic internship at St. Mary’s-Mayo.
Michelle Johnson, MS, RD has been involved in teaching the capstone course, ‘Applications in Clinical Nutrition’ for the UW-Madison Dietetics Program. Her prior experience includes work in clinical dietetics as a nutrition support specialist for hospitalized and home care patients. She has also worked as a metabolic dietitian for individuals with inborn errors of metabolism. In addition to her work as a clinical dietitian, Michelle has also served as Associate Outreach Specialist coordinating research activities for a multi-state project. She received her BS in Dietetics from the UW Steven Point and her MS in Nutrition from UW- Madison. She completed her dietetic internship at the VA Medical Center in St. Louis, MO.
Makayla Schuchardt, MS, RDN, CNSC, is the Program Manager of the Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition.
How the program works
NS 651: Advanced Clinical Nutrition – Pediatrics
NS 650: Advanced Clinical Nutrition – Critical Care and Nutrition Support
NS 653: Clinical Nutrition
Course Descriptions
Nutri Sci 650: Advanced Clinical Nutrition: Critical Care and Nutrition Support, O SS; 3 cr. This course provides advanced study of the metabolic demands of critical illness and how these alterations influence the nutritional needs of critical care patients in various disease states. Using an evidence-based medical approach, students will assess nutrient requirements and determine best methods of nutrient delivery in various disease states. Anthropometric measures and hematological indices will be incorporated to assess nutritional status and monitor response to nutritional therapies.
Upon completion of the program, the “Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition” will be granted and posted on the UW-Madison official transcript.
Admission Requirements*
- Earned Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥ 2.80 (on 4.0 scale)
- Completed Didactic Program in Dietetics OR the following prerequisite courses:
- General Chemistry
- 2 courses in Biological Sciences
- 1 course in each of the following— Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, Statistics
- 2 courses in Nutrition (Human Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition)
*NOTE: If you do not have the prerequisites, you may apply to UW-Madison as a University Special Student to complete them.
Eligibility of International Students
- International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa to legally study in the United States are not eligible to apply for the Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition.
- If you are already in the U.S. on another visa type (e.g. J-1 scholar, J-2 dependent, HIB), you may be eligible for admission.
- International students who are abroad and plan to live abroad while completing the program are eligible for admission. We are unable to provide any type of visa to study in the U.S. through the Capstone Certificate program.
Application Process & Contact Information
- Visit the Adult Career and Special Student Services website to apply online as a University Special Student.
- Submit the following materials to the Program Director (see contact information below):
Official transcripts from all colleges/ universities attended
Brief essay describing your reasons for applying and your career goals
Resume or curriculum vitae
Makayla Schuchardt, MS, RDN, CNSC, Program Coordinator- Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, UW-Madison 1415 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706 608-261-1397 E-mail: mlschuchardt@wisc.edu
Costs
Tuition and fee information for the University of Wisconsin–Madison is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website. Please note that tuition and fees for the Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition are charged at $800 per credit.
Document Fee – Students are assessed a $65 one-time fee on their first semester tuition bill. This fee impacts students whose first enrolled term is Fall 2015 and beyond. Students who were enrolled for a term prior to Fall 2015 are exempt from the fee. This fee entitles students to unlimited official transcripts among other benefits. Please visit the Official Document Fee page of the Office of the Registrar for more information.
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