Medical Nutrition, MS

Program Overview

The Medical Nutrition MS program at Arizona State University equips healthcare professionals and aspiring students with the knowledge and skills to apply nutrition in healthcare settings. Through a combination of core courses and electives, students explore therapeutic diets, evidence-based practices, and the role of nutrition in disease prevention and treatment. The program emphasizes self-directed learning, research immersion, and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in various healthcare professions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Description: The Medical Nutrition program focuses on the role of nutrition in health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment.
Students learn about therapeutic diets, evidence-based practices, and the application of nutritional knowledge in healthcare settings.
• Objectives: Equip students with the skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions to individual and community health through nutrition.
• Target Audience:
• Healthcare professionals (current and future)
• Medical students, residents, fellows, and practitioners
• Gap-year students
• Bachelor's degree holders seeking admission to professional schools in healthcare
• Emphasis:
• Self-directed learning
• Immersion in current nutrition research
• Nutritional assessment techniques used in clinical practice
• Evidence-based practice recommendations

Outline:

• Degree Requirements: 30 credit hours, including:
• Required Core (21 credit hours): Statistics in Research, Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan, Medical Nutrition in the Care and Prevention of Disease, Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome, Complementary Nutrition, Food Systems, Ethics and the American Diet, Nutrigenomics, Research Methods, and electives.
• Culminating Experience: NTR 593 Topic: Medical Nutrition (3 credit hours)
• Course Schedule: Online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
• Modules:
• Required Core:
• NTR 502 Statistics in Research:
Apply statistical methods to analyze nutrition-related data.
• NTR 510 Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan: Understand the nutritional needs of individuals throughout their life stages.
• NTR 511 Medical Nutrition in the Care and Prevention of Disease: Explore the role of nutrition in managing and preventing various diseases.
• NTR 524 Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome: Investigate the link between inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and chronic diseases.
• NTR 525 Complementary Nutrition: Learn about alternative and complementary approaches to nutrition and their role in health promotion.
• NTR 533 Food Systems, Ethics and the American Diet: Examine the ethical considerations and challenges within the American food system.
• NTR 500 Research Methods: Develop research skills for evaluating nutrition-related evidence.
• Electives: Choose from a range of specialized courses to further customize your learning.
• Culminating Experience: Apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world project in medical nutrition.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods may include:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Participation

Teaching:

• Teaching methods may include:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Online resources
• The program utilizes a faculty of experts in nutrition and related fields.

V. Careers:

• Career opportunities for graduates include:
• Dentist
• Medical Doctor
• Nurse
• Pharmacist
• Physical Therapist
• Physician Assistant
• The program does not prepare students to become registered dietitians.

Other:

• Prerequisites: Introductory nutrition and physiology courses are recommended.
• Personal Statement: Required as part of the application and should highlight your interest in the program, career goals, strengths, and weaknesses.
• References: Three academic references are required.
• Application Deadlines: Fall (July 15), Spring (November 15), Summer (April 15)