Florida International University

What you'll study

This master’s combines advanced coursework with supervised clinical practice and applied research. Core modules emphasise medical nutrition therapy and evidence-based clinical practice: nutrition assessment and diagnostic reasoning; medical nutrition therapy for acute and chronic disease (cardiometabolic, renal, hepatic, oncology); nutrition support (enteral and parenteral); metabolic and molecular nutrition; paediatric and geriatric nutrition; behavioural counselling and motivational interviewing; and professional issues and leadership in dietetics.

Programme structure typically includes didactic coursework, practicum placements across inpatient and outpatient settings, a capstone or research project and competency-based supervised practice hours required for clinical credentialing pathways. Teaching methods include lectures, case-based learning, simulated patient scenarios, interprofessional rounds and supervised placements in hospital and community settings.

• Nutrition assessment and diagnostic skill development
• Medical nutrition therapy across the lifespan
• Nutrition support: enteral and parenteral feeding
• Advanced clinical biochemistry and metabolism
• Research methods and statistics for clinical nutrition
• Supervised clinical practicum in hospitals, outpatient clinics and community agencies
• Capstone project or clinical competency portfolio

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, food science or a closely related health science field. Candidates without a nutrition-specific undergraduate degree may be considered if they have completed prerequisite coursework that typically includes human anatomy and physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, introductory nutrition, and statistics.

Typical application components include official academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining clinical interests, a current résumé or CV, at least two professional or academic references, and evidence of relevant clinical or volunteer experience. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.

Selection is competitive and based on academic record, prerequisite preparation, relevant experience and alignment of career goals with the programme’s clinical training focus.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for advanced clinical roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, oncology and transplant centres, intensive care units and specialised nutrition support teams. The programme supports preparation for credentialing pathways and enhances readiness for roles such as clinical dietitian, nutrition support clinician, paediatric or geriatric specialist, outpatient clinic director, and programme manager in healthcare settings.

Other career pathways include public health nutrition, research assistant or coordinator positions in clinical trials, educational roles in community and university settings, and opportunities in healthcare administration or industry roles that require advanced clinical nutrition expertise.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University is located in a diverse metropolitan health environment that provides rich clinical placement opportunities across a wide range of hospitals and community agencies. Students benefit from multidisciplinary collaboration with medical, nursing and allied health programmes, and from supervised practice placements that expose them to a broad spectrum of patient populations and complex clinical cases.

The programme’s faculty combine clinical experience with active engagement in applied nutrition research and community health initiatives. Facilities include clinical simulation resources and laboratory space to support practical learning and research projects. FIU also offers professional development services, alumni networks and local healthcare partnerships to help students transition into clinical roles and build careers in nutrition and dietetics.