About the Clinical Nutritionist Profession

Clinical nutrition is a specialized area within the field of nutrition that emphasizes the importance of diet and nutrition in preventing, managing and treating medical conditions and diseases. It involves evaluating and addressing the nutritional needs of individuals based on their health status, medical conditions and treatment plans.

Registered dietitians typically deliver clinical nutrition services in various health care settings, including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. Additionally, other health care professionals, such as pharmacists and nurses, integrate advanced clinical nutrition knowledge into their respective practices.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Program apply their knowledge of nutritional science in various professional settings, including roles as postdoctoral nutrition researchers; cooperative extension nutritionists providing diet education; registered dietitians; registered nurses; and pharmacists. They may also offer individualized patient care for nutrition-related conditions.

Currently practicing registered dietitians gain significant advantages from completing the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Program. This advanced education enables them to practice as advanced-level practitioners and maintain a competitive edge in the profession.

The program offers flexible degree completion options, with 100% online coursework and in-state tuition for all applicants.

Graduates of nutrition programs find employment in a wide variety of work environments across the United States. Specifically, graduates of the UAMS Master of Science in Nutrition Program are well-qualified for positions in academic, research, clinical and community nutrition settings.

The career outlook for nutrition is promising, with a growing demand for registered dietitian nutritionists across various job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to increase by 7% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations.

Registered dietitians can find employment in a wide variety of settings, including health care; business and industry; community and public health; education; research; government agencies; and private practice.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ 2021 Compensation and Benefits survey of the Dietetics Profession, the median full-time salary for registered dietitian nutritionists is approximately $70,000 per year. As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region, employment settings, scope of responsibility, and the supply of registered dietitians. Salaries tend to increase with years of experience, and registered dietitian nutritionists in management and business roles may earn incomes exceeding $90,000. For more information, refer to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ 2021 Compensation and Benefits survey of the Dietetics Profession.

Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists was $69,680 in May 2023.

More information about registered dietitians can be found on the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s website.