Medical nutrition therapy is a major component of the curriculum in nutritional sciences and dietetics. A strong interest in science is required for all students to succeed in the medical nutrition therapy sequence of the Nutritional Sciences curriculum. Medical nutrition therapy is based on the applications of biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and psychology. 

At TCU, NTDT 30333/40333 - Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II are advanced-level courses which provide students with the foundation knowledge and skills in nutrition therapy. This two-semester sequence is required of all students majoring in the Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate skill mastery through various laboratory experiences, case study assignments, and counseling/interviewing role play. Registered dietitians and other health care personnel employed in the clinical setting throughout the Fort Worth-Dallas area provide shadowing experiences and serve as guest speakers regarding their particular area of expertise.

Students in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics complete over 280 hours of supervised practice in medical nutrition therapy under the direct supervision of a registered dietitian (RD) during Fall of the senior year. Student activities and assignments for the medical nutrition therapy supervised practice are designed to provide students with the competencies for entry-level practice as stated by the American Dietetic Association. The TCU Coordinated Program in Dietetics has the support of many local RDs who serve as preceptor for this experience. These professionals are employed at local hospitals such as All Saints Hospital, Arlington Memorial Hospital, Huguley Memorial Medical Center, John Peter Smith Hospital, Osteopathic Medical Center, and Plaza Medical Center, to name a few.

Current literature indicates that over 60% of nutrition and dietetics graduates choose the medical nutrition therapy field as their first employment following graduation. Entry-level medical nutrition therapy positions held by recent TCU Nutritional Sciences graduates include clinical dietitian for acute-care hospital, clinical dietitian for transitional-care or rehabilitation hospital, consulting dietitian for long-term care patients in nursing homes, and consultant for wellness organizations and health food stores. In addition, graduates can utilize their medical nutrition therapy knowledge and skills as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical or nutrition company.