Online Medical Classes

Does a clinical registered dietitian need to know about diseases, medical terms, etc?

I'm 15 and researching becoming a clinical RD, and I know it means you develop meal plans for people with diseases and conditions. Does that mean you have to learn a lot of medical things? Is it like a branch of being a doctor? Please provide information on this aspect of the profession.

Public Comments

1. Yes. Medical history is always taken into account, especially in terms of diet. :) For better or worse, we all have reactions to certain foods, right? And there are those unfortunate souls who have allergies. :( Not me!!!
2. Hello, I'm currently a dietetic intern preparing to be a dietitian and here's some info about being a clinical dietitian. In a clinical setting you are part of the team that cares for patients and will spend a good amount of time speaking with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. Being that you will be communicating with these health professionals you will need to know the medical language. If you find that working in a clinical setting is not for you there are many other opportunities for dietitians outside of the hospital. Please see the link for more information and good luck!