| About Nutrition
What Is Nutrition? Is Nutrition Right for Me? How Do I Choose? | Glossary
Treatment Applications Types of Nutrition Credentials |
Types of Dietitians
Clinical Dietitian
Clinical dietitians assess patients' nutritional needs, develop and implement nutrition programs, and evaluate and report the results. They work in institutions such as hospitals and nursing care facilities, and confer with doctors and other health care professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs. Some specialize in the management of overweight patients or in the care of critically ill or renal (kidney) and diabetic patients. In addition, they may manage food service departments.
Community Dietitian
Community dietitians counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent disease and promote health. They work in public health clinics, home health agencies, and health maintenance organizations. Dietitians working in home health agencies provide instruction on grocery shopping and food preparation to the elderly, individuals with special needs, and children.
Consultant Dietitian
Consultant dietitians work under contract with health care facilities, or in private practice. They perform nutrition screenings for their clients and offer advice on diet-related concerns such as weight loss and cholesterol reduction. Some work for wellness programs, sports teams, supermarkets, and restaurants. They may consult with food service managers, providing expertise in sanitation, safety procedures, menu development, budgeting, and planning.
Management Dietitian
Management dietitians oversee large-scale meal planning and preparation in health care facilities, company cafeterias, prisons, and schools. They hire, train, and direct other dietitians and food service workers; budget for and purchase food, equipment, and supplies,; enforce sanitary and safety regulations; and prepare records and reports.
