Registered Dietitian
Registered dietitians, or nutritionists, assess and provide for the nutritional needs of the patient with a disability. They assist the doctor and provide a treatment plan which may include the following:
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Ideal body weight, caloric, and dietary needs
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Foods that help facilitate swallowing
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Special diets
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Dietary modifications that need to be made as a result of the disability
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Tube feeding formulas and schedules for patients who are unable to swallow
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Patient and family education on nutrition topics related to diseases (for example, diabetes)
Registered dietitians may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:
Registered dietitians hold an undergraduate degree, have completed an approved internship program, and have passed a national exam to be credentialed as Registered Dietitians. Many have also earned a master's degree in dietetics or nutrition science.
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