Registered dietitians are experts in food and nutrition. They help people achieve healthier eating patterns and lifestyles to prevent and treat of chronic diseases. They translate scientific, medical and nutrition information into practical therapeutic diets and meal guidance.
What do Registered Dietitians do?
- assess patients and provide nutrition care plans
- help ensure nutritional needs of patients are met by food, supplements, or via a tube or intravenous feeding
- provide education programs and materials
- counsel patients to help change their behaviour
- help patients develop a healthy relationship with food and eating
- provide other health professionals with advice and information on nutrition
- collaborate with government, school boards and other partners to develop and implement policies and guidelines
- lead and participate in nutrition research and evaluation
Where do registered dietitians work?
- Hospitals
- Outpatient programs and clinics
- Long-term care and supportive/assisted living facilities
- Home care
- Primary care and physician offices
- Community health centres
- Communities
- Food services
Registered dietitians at AHS
Alberta Health Services employs about 600 registered dietitians.
What are the credentials of a registered dietitian?
- Registered dietitians require a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics and/or Foodservice Administration
- Registered dietitians will have successfully completed an accredited internship program
- Dietitians are registered by the College of Dietitians of Alberta. Dietitians must be authorized by the College to perform certain restricted activities (e.g. prescribing Total Parenteral Nutrition, provision of drug samples).
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