What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
A Registered Dietitian is a health professional who is an expert in food and nutrition. They help people prevent and treat chronic diseases by translating scientific, medical and nutrition information into evidenced based therapeutic diets, healthy eating patterns and lifestyle changes.
What education and training do Registered Dietitians receive?
'Dietitian' and/or 'Nutritionist' are both protected titles in Nova Scotia, just like Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist. For a person to use these titles, they are required to have completed the education and training below.
Minimum of five years of post-secondary education in human nutrition with hands on learning through a dietetic internship
Training in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, food chemistry, fundamental nutrition, human metabolism, chronic disease, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, research, nutrition throughout the lifecycle and more.
Required to pass a national Dietetics exam.
Registration with the Provincial Regulator of Dietetics; ensures evidence based and ethical practice.
Required to complete yearly continuing education to remain up to date with current research and practice guidelines.
What do Registered Dietitians do?
Dietitians can be found working in hospitals, schools, public health, long term care, food service industries, nutrition research, sports teams, private practice and more! The responsibilities and services of the Dietitian will vary depending on the role, some examples include providing nutrition education, managing tube feeding or IV nutrition, ensuring adequate nutrition intake for patients/clients, organizing food programs or nutrition classes.
What can I expect during my appointment with the Registered Dietitian?
The Registered Dietitian will complete a nutrition assessment which may include a review of your medical history, medications, bloodwork, nutrition intake, a nutrition focused physical exam and an anthropometric measurement analysis. The dietitian will then determine a nutrition diagnosis and develop interventions tailored to your individual nutrition care plan. This may involve limiting certain foods, increasing nutrient intake through food, nutritional supplementation and/or general healthy lifestyle changes. You will be provided with nutrition counselling and resources to help achieve your goals. You can also expect follow-up appointments to monitor progress towards goals, adjustment of interventions, and ongoing nutrition education to support you and your health.
Will my insurance cover appointments with the Registered Dietitian?
Most Canadian health benefit plans include coverage for a Registered Dietitian. Check your health insurance plan to see how much coverage you have.
***To schedule an appointment with our Registered Dietitian CLICK HERE ***