Clinical Nutrition

Dietitians provide a broad range of medical nutrition therapies and nutrition education for specific medical conditions in every inpatient unit as well as the following programs and outpatient clinics:

In addition to our programs in Milwaukee, a fee-for-service Nutrition Clinic is available at the New Berlin Clinic for a wide variety of nutrition-related concerns.

To learn more about the availability of dietitians or any of our programs, contact the clinical nutrition manager at (414) 266-2559.

Dietitian and Dietetic Technician Overview

RDs' educational backgrounds include a baccalaureate degree, and often an advanced degree, covering a multitude of subjects including but not limited to: biology, chemistry, biochemistry, human physiology, anatomy, genetics, bacteriology, psychology, behavioral health, sociology, economics, business, and anthropology, with extensive training in nutritional sciences and food sciences. 

Prior to becoming a RD, one must complete a dietetic internship at an accredited facility with a minimum of 900 hours of supervised didactic experience, and then must pass the national registration examination.  Internships may emphasize clinical nutrition, community nutrition, or food service, with most exposing interns to all three areas of practice.  Visit www.eatright.org to learn more about the process of becoming a RD.

Many dietitians at CHW have furthered their education by obtaining specialty certifications, including Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), and Certified Specialist in Pediatrics (CSP).  In addition to any specialty certifications, all Registered Dietitians are required to advance their education by completing a minimum of 75 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 5 years.

RDs complete a wide variety of nutrition interventions in a multitude of clinics and inpatient units throughout CHW.  In addition to nutrition assessments, RDs make frequent interventions such as comprehensive nutrition education, nutrition counseling, parenteral and enteral nutrition recommendations, nutrition analyses, and supplementation recommendations, amongst others.

Registered Dietetic Technicians (DTR) also play an important role in the clinical nutrition team.  To become a DTR, one must first either complete an associate degree in dietetics or a 450 hour supervised practice experience; he or she must then pass the American Dietetic Association registration exam.  DTRs play an important role in the promotion of optimal nutrition care by completing nutritional screenings and nutrient intake analyses, and providing basic nutrition education and counseling.  CHW DTRs also participate in professional organization activities and complete continuing education.