The School of Dietetics trains personnel to work in the field of food and human nutrition. The dietitian can deal with the clinical aspect, quality control and nutritional values of food, hygiene of food production, health education, and analysis of the nutritional condition of a population.

Direct teaching and traineeships in hospital wards, practical work at collective catering facilities and at the Marco Polo Hotel Institute, internships in food industries, food epidemiology surveys in the area.

Freelance; employment in public and private organisations and in companies operating in the catering and food production sectors; collaboration in professional practices in the field of medicine and wellness; academic career; activities in developing countries.

Nourishment is a fundamental moment for every individual: with proper nutrition we maintain our healthy state and promote our longevity.
Nourishment is not only about satisfying nutritional needs, but also about connecting with others and with nature. Our organism and our social living cannot do without food.

The dietician learns:

• the functioning of the body in relation to digestion, absorption absorption, metabolisation and utilisation of food
• the chemical properties of food
• the psychological, social and environmental dimensions related to food 
• techniques and technologies related to the production, preservation and distribution of food 
• canteens and the rules governing them.

With this knowledge the dietician is able to:

• develop a research protocol in the nutritional field
• identify dietetic-nutritional assistance needs from the educational aspect preventive, clinical and rehabilitative aspects
• implement dietetic-nutritional assistance interventions
• manage therapeutic education programmes.

Department of Internal Medicine - DIMI
Viale Benedetto XV, 6
16132 Genova

1) What job does a graduate in Dietetics do?
A graduate in Dietetics is the health professional competent in activities aimed at the correct application of food and nutrition, including educational and collaborative aspects, and the implementation of food policies in compliance with current regulations (Ministry of Health Decree No. 744 of 14 September 1994). In particular: 1) organises and co-ordinates specific activities relating to nutrition in general and dietetics in particular; 2) co-operates with the bodies in charge of safeguarding the health and hygiene aspect of the dietary service; 3) devises, formulates and implements the diets prescribed by the doctor and monitors their acceptability by the patient; co-operates with other figures in the multidisciplinary treatment of eating disorders 4) studies and elaborates the composition of meals in order to satisfy the nutritional needs of population groups and plans the organisation of community feeding services for healthy individuals or patients; 5) carries out didactic-educational and information activities aimed at the diffusion of correct nutrition principles that allow the recovery and maintenance of a good state of health of the individual, communities and population groups; 6) contributes directly to the updating related to his professional profile and research.
 
2) What does a graduate in Dietetics do?
The Dietitian's areas of competence include areas of autonomy and areas of collaboration, from an inter-professional point of view, referring not only to the relationship with the doctor, but also with other health professionals. As far as the elaboration, formulation and implementation of prescribed diets are concerned, although the prescription/diagnosis and the taking of any clinical decisions belong to the physician, the Dietitian will have the task of elaborating, formulating and implementing diets. In particular, the services relating to the assessment of nutritional status, the detection of eating habits and intakes, and the determination of nutritional requirements, fall within the Dietitian's specific remit and are carried out even in the absence of a medical prescription.
 
3) What kind of motivations do those who choose to graduate in Dietetics have?
The student who is about to embark on the path of study to become a Dietitian must be driven by the desire to become a practitioner who educates users/patients to improve their eating habits and lifestyle, doing important primary prevention work. Furthermore, the Dietitian engaged in rehabilitation and secondary prevention must be driven to place the patient and his or her needs at the centre of his or her intervention, must be predisposed to active collaboration with other health professionals, must provide specific training and continuous updating, and must be self-critical in order to be able to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of his or her professional activity.
 
4) Where can I find a job with a Degree in Dietetics?
Graduates in Dietetics will be able to carry out their professional activities independently, either as employees (in both public and private facilities) or as freelancers.
 
5) With what types of users does a graduate in Dietetics work?
Dieticians carry out their professional activities with all types of people who require nutritional intervention and in all age groups. Specifically, in the Public Dietetic and Clinical Nutrition Services and in specialist centres, departments and outpatient clinics, he/she deals with the treatment of: chronic metabolic-degenerative diseases, nephropathies, obesity, eating disorders, cardiovascular, oncological, gastroenterological pathologies, malnutrition by default. The Dietitian also deals with nutritional education in school age, providing assistance to school canteens, and to the healthy population requiring to follow a balanced diet.
 
6) In which public bodies can a graduate in Dietetics work?
The Dietitian carries out professional activities in public health facilities, bodies responsible for food hygiene, RSAs, Universities, Public Administration.
 
7) What outlets does a graduate in Dietetics have in the private sector?
Dieticians carry out their professional activities in private healthcare facilities, catering services for school and company canteens, community canteens, food industries, private research bodies, private professional practices.
 
8) What further training can a graduate in Dietetics access?
A graduate in Dietetics can continue his or her studies by enrolling in first-level Master's degrees and a Master's degree; in addition, once he or she has obtained a Master's degree, he or she can enrol in second-level university Master's degrees and a PhD.
 
9) How many chances does a graduate in Dietetics have of finding a job?
According to recent data provided by the Register Commission of the TSRM PSTRP Order (to which the Dietitians belong) of Genoa, Imperia and Savona, it is estimated that approximately 80% of those registered exercise their profession in the public and/or private sector.
 
10) What career possibilities does a graduate in Dietetics have?
Access to coordinating and specialist positions is provided for by articles 14-17 of the 2018 CCNL health sector collective bargaining agreement, while professional management positions are provided for by law 251/2000. His career development also provides for post-basic training in health management, research and professional specialisation.

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