Abstract
As the science of nutrition advances, so does the practice of clinical dietetics and nutrition. Consequently, the need for practitioners at varying levels of practice is expanding. The need for an advanced-level dietetics expert in nutrition diagnosis, evidence-based practice, outcomes monitoring, order writing, and the conduct of research in the practice setting is evident; however, academic opportunities for such individuals have not previously existed. Advanced degree options in dietetics have been limited to the master's degree or the doctor of philosophy, which is a research degree. Clinical practice doctorates have evolved in other allied health disciplines (ie, physical and occupational therapy) to fulfill similar advanced practice needs. The School of Health Related Professions at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey opened the first clinical doctorate in dietetics for registered dietitians in 2003. A Web-based program was designed with didactic and clinically oriented courses, an advanced practice residency, and a clinical research project. The primary goal of the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition is to prepare dietetics practitioners with a foundation of knowledge and clinical competencies to function at the advanced level, linking science and advanced practice and designing clinical research studies that contribute to the body of scientific evidence in the profession.