Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition




What does the term “clinical nutrition” mean? Clinical nutrition is the science that studies how nutrients are digested, absorbed, transported, metabolized, stored, and eliminated by the body. In simple words, this is the study of the relationship between food and a healthy body.

Nutritionists examine how food works in the body, how the environment affects the quality and safety of foods, and what influence all these factors have on health and disease. Professionals in such field as clinical nutrition assess a person’s nutritional needs based on family and medical history, individual lifestyle and laboratory tests. They examine the results of this assessment and make recommendations on a person’s diet and nutritional needs.

Online degree programs in clinical nutrition include general nutrition courses and courses in specific areas (pediatric nutrition or geriatric nutrition). During their studies individuals get a solid foundation on how to apply the principles of dietetics and the biomedical and nutrition sciences to design and manage effective nutrition programs as part of clinical treatment and therapy programs and to manage health care facility food services.

While earning a degree in clinical nutrition students study human nutrition, nutrient metabolism, the role of foods and nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention, planning and directing hospital food service programs, nutrition as a treatment regime, diet and nutrition analysis and planning, supervision of food storage and preparation, client education, special diets, and professional standards and regulations. Students can also take such courses as pharmacology, body composition and disease prevention.

There are several levels of degrees that prepare individuals for careers in Clinical Nutrition. They may include:

If we talk about certification in the USA, the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board provides certification for Clinical Nutritionists. The majority of Clinical Nutritionists are also registered dieticians. It means they have received certification from the Commission on Dietetic Registration for the American Dietetic Association.

No doubt that a degree in clinical nutrition opens the way to a wide range of carrier opportunities. Graduates can easily find a job in hospitals, acute care centers, weight management clinics, healthcare consulting firms, government agencies, pharmaceutical or food companies, sports agencies and long-term care facilities.

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