Clinical Nutrition

About the Programme

A large number of modern-day diseases are associated with inappropriate dietary habits. Chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer are directly related to nutritional status and poor diet quality. Changes in dietary habits under the supervision of experts in the field of nutrition can prevent or delay the onset of disease, while properly implemented dietotherapy can slow disease progression, increase the effectiveness of treatment processes and improve quality of life.

Individually implemented dietotherapy based on evidence and the competencies of experts can significantly contribute to treatment outcomes, reduce treatment costs and improve quality of life, and has been recommended by the Council of Europe since 2003.1 In Croatia, there has been no educational system for such a profile of healthcare professionals. The purpose of the study is to establish the professional standard of a clinical nutritionist and to initiate the education of experts who will possess specific knowledge and skills in the field of nutrition, as well as the necessary knowledge in medicine and pedagogy in order to contribute to the goals of a multidisciplinary team in the process of patient treatment. The purpose of this multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary study programme is to ensure specialised knowledge and practice in the application of dietotherapy with the aim of improving and maintaining health. (1 Committee of Ministers. Resolution ResAP(2003)3 on Food and Nutritional Care in Hospitals. Strasbourg: Council of Europe; 2003.)

The establishment of the graduate study programme in clinical nutrition at the Faculty of Health Studies should result in the systematic education of clinical nutritionists who will be involved in healthcare at different levels. In the long term, clinical nutritionists should become an indispensable part of educational and preventive programmes for all population groups, clinical teams for the application of dietotherapy in healthcare institutions, and should, through their work, help people learn how to enjoy healthy dietary choices in moderate quantities.

The study programme is designed following the model of European programmes that have been educating and successfully employing such professionals in European healthcare centres for many years.

This professional profile will find its place in hospitals, private clinics, health resorts, national public health institutes, institutions for the care of the elderly and infirm, public and private counselling centres, as well as professional organisations and civil society associations. In order for knowledge to be successfully transmitted and expanded, opportunities for Masters of Clinical Nutrition also exist in educational institutions.

During one academic year, a student must achieve 60 ECTS credits. In other words, 120 ECTS credits must be achieved over the two-year duration of the study programme. Each year, the student enrols in three elective courses from the list of offered elective courses.

After completing the graduate study programme in Clinical Nutrition, participants will expand their theoretical knowledge on the impact of food and dietary patterns on health and improve their knowledge of dietotherapy. Students will recognise the specific features of dietotherapy in certain diseases, will be able to clearly and precisely define the goals of nutritional support in specific diseases, plan and present dietotherapy for a particular disease through a menu, and evaluate the effectiveness of the applied dietotherapy.

Learning outcomes: Students will be trained in problem-solving of clinical cases, which will consequently lead to greater critical thinking in the application of nutritional support and care as part of the treatment process. They will develop skills necessary for the application of procedures based on scientific evidence and “evidence-based practice”. During the university graduate study programme, participants will acquire all the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the educational process. They will be qualified to teach in secondary schools and adult education institutions where nutrition-related subjects are part of the curriculum. In addition, the acquired knowledge and skills will contribute to preparing candidates to introduce changes within the profession itself, with an emphasis on the application of the latest achievements in this rapidly evolving field, enabling them to reach the level of knowledge and skills of their colleagues in the EU. Courses related to research methodology will also enable them to engage in scientific research work in institutes or research centres in the field of nutrition.

Who can apply: The study programme is open to students who have completed a university undergraduate or professional study programme and obtained the title of Bachelor at the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka, the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, Osijek and Split, the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, the Faculty of Kinesiology and the Faculty of Science in Zagreb, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Kinesiology in Split, the Faculty of Food Technology in Osijek, as well as students who have completed a professional undergraduate study programme at one of the polytechnics in the Republic of Croatia, subject to passing differential exams.

Opportunities for further education: Upon completion of the university graduate study programme, it is possible to continue education at the doctoral level at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rijeka or another university, as well as at the doctoral programme of the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology.