Dietitians are health professionals who are experts in nutrition and the human diet. Dietitians blend scientific research, nutrition, behavioral science, and social science to promote health, prevent disease, and shape the dietary choices of healthy and sick people.
Scope of practice
When special diet considerations are needed due to illness, injury, or surgery, a registered dietitian can create meal plans and keep track of a patient’s progress. In working with the general population, dietitians can conduct nutritional screenings and counsel patients on behavioral changes to increase their wellness or meet nutritional goals.
Depending on your place of work, dietitians may work with doctors, recreational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, allied health care staff, and patients of all ages.