Clinical nutritionists develop personalized diet and exercise plans for patients with specific medical conditions. They educate patients about healthy diets and create shopping lists and cooking instructions. Nutritionists need a bachelor’s degree and licensing exams, and attend continuing education classes to stay current.
A clinical nutritionist consults with physicians, healthcare professionals, and patients to develop personalized diet and exercise plans. He or she educates patients about the importance of healthy diets and how their specific medical conditions require them to adhere to very specific dietary guidelines. Additionally, a professional can create a shopping list and explain cooking instructions to ensure patients eat the right meals. Most clinical nutritionists are employed in hospitals and assisted living facilities, but some professionals operate their own consulting centers.
Before meeting with a patient, a clinical nutritionist will usually review the forms provided by the referring physician. He or she goes over the medical history, current condition, and any relevant special information about allergies or exercise restrictions. Nutritionists rely on their training and medical expertise to create individualized plans based on each patient’s special needs. They understand that patients with diabetes, for example, must have different dietary restrictions than individuals with heart disease.
With the appropriate plan in place, a clinical dietitian can review the recommendations with the patient and their caregivers. The nutritionist explains why a special diet is important, detailing how sugars, cholesterol, protein and carbohydrates affect overall health. He or she outlines which foods to eat, which to avoid, and how to prepare healthy, tasty meals. Dietitians often meet with their patients several times during their hospital stays or recoveries to check in on how they are doing and determine if their dietary regimens need to be adjusted.
A person who wants to become a clinical nutritionist usually needs to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in nutrition, dietetics, biology, or another subject related to health and diet. In addition, many regions require prospective employees to pass licensing exams before they can work independently in private hospitals or clinics. Most new clinical nutritionists also seek voluntary certification to further improve their credentials and their chances of finding work.
To maintain licensure and ensure the best possible services for patients, a clinical dietitian attends continuing education classes and seminars throughout their career. It is important for a registered dietitian to stay current on the latest research findings on dietary recommendations for specific types of patients. Skilled and informed professionals often have long careers in the field and enjoy many opportunities for advancement. With experience, a registered dietitian may advance to an administrative, policy-making position within a hospital or even open their own clinic.
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