Types of dietician specializations

A dietitian is a nutrition expert who helps promote a healthy way of life through proper eating habits. Before a person becomes a registered dietitian, he must complete a bachelor’s degree, complete an internship, and pass a licensing exam. A dietitian may take additional courses to specialize in specific areas including:

• The clinical dietitian can be found working not only in hospitals but also in facilities with nursing care. The dietitian works with health professionals (physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers) in coordinating the medical findings and nutritional requirements of a patient. A dietician works in a medical nutrition therapy for patients. A clinical dietitian may work in the management of overweight or critically ill patients, patients with kidney disease or diabetes. The clinical dietitian also helps in the management of food service departments.
• The Community Dietitian works with health organizations around the world, public health groups, day care centers, resorts, health clubs, and clubs to develop an effective nutrition program. This dietitian gives advice to an individual or a group of individuals, educating them on proper and nutritional habits that will help in the prevention of diseases. Community dietitians may also work with some home health agencies, visiting and advising a household on the proper procedure for grocery shopping. In it, the dietician also informs the household about what and how to prepare food for the elderly, for children and for people with special needs. The home visit is also carried out by a dietitian for patients who are seriously ill and cannot attend the consultation at the center or establishment.
• The gerontological dietitian is specialized in developing a dietary and nutritional plan for the elderly. This dietitian works in nursing homes and care facilities.
• The pediatric dietitian gives health advice to young people under 18 years of age.
• The food service dietitian is involved in planning and providing meals for large numbers of people, such as in schools, cafeterias, restaurants, and prisons. Part of this work of dieticians is to evaluate, plan and coordinate the services and processes of food with a health center. A food service dietitian also deals with the nutrition and operational management of kitchen and delivery staff, including attendants and aides.
• The research dietitian is involved in research related to diets, foods, and nutrition. These investigations are typically conducted in hospitals and research facilities to raise awareness of aspects of food provision and preparation that are critical to patient health. The research dietitian also works on how the quality of dietetics can be improved.
• The consultant dietitian may work in private practice or be hired by health care associations and facilities. The dietitian assesses a client based on her nutritional concerns, provides essential advice on diet-related concerns such as losing weight and lowering cholesterol levels.
• The administrative dietitian manages a dietary department.
• The corporate nutritionist works in companies that manufacture food, offer nutritional supplements as well as supplies used in tube feeding.