Clinical Nutrition (CLNP)

Program Name

Clinical Nutrition Program

Program Level

Bachelor’s Degree

Program Overview

The Clinical Nutrition program (CLNP) at the College of Applied Medical Sciences (CoAMS) is a clinically focused program that integrates biomedical and nutrition sciences to develop a deep understanding of clinical nutrition therapy. The College adopted (with modifications) the Clinical Nutrition program of the University of Oklahoma in the USA. This program expands the knowledge of the biochemical basis of human nutrition as it relates to health, disease and disease prevention. It aims to prepare dietetic professionals qualified in the methods, implementation and interpretation of clinical nutrition discipline. Also it prepares them for future careers as dietitians in health care, community, and private practice clinical settings. Within the context of this broad aim, the program is designed to prepare graduates with in-depth, evidence-based knowledge and intellectual skills in Clinical Nutrition to encourage the development of autonomous advanced dietetics practitioners and researchers in Saudi Arabia. The period of study for the Bachelor of Clinical Nutrition program is four years followed by a one year of internship which student will receive demanding training in one of the units of clinical nutrition in the hospitals. Students in the program receive coursework in nutritional biochemistry, nutritional assessment, medical ethics, and medical nutrition therapy and community nutrition. Working under the guidance of a faculty mentor, each student completes a research project, collects and analyzes data, and presents the results in both written and oral formats. Clinical Nutrition program started at 2014 at Riyadh, 2015 at Jeddah then 2016 at Al Ahsa.

Study Type

Coursework + Field Experience + Internship

Study Level

Undergraduate

Female Campus

College of Applied Medical Sciences - Jeddah

Male Campus

Not available

Required Qualification / Major

High School Certificate (Science Track)

Program Duration (Years)

4 Years + 1 Internship Year

Study Schedule (Morning / Evening)

Morning

Total Credit Hours

138 Credit Hours

Credit Hours Required for Graduation

138 Credit Hours

Tuition Fees

No tuition fees

Admission Criteria

Admission to King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences is competitive and based on the General Secondary School Certificate score (30%), Qiyas Aptitude Test (30%), and Achievement Test (40%), in accordance with the university’s approved regulations.

Program Educational Objectives

To provide the optimum educational standard in the field of clinical nutrition
To provide training to enhance research skills in Clinical Nutrition at under graduate leve
To participate in community services for health promotion and disease prevention programs

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
- K1 Outline the appropriate dietary modifications needed to promote health/or for treating of different nutrition related diseases and formulate an appropriate treatment plan in clinical settings.
- K2 Describe the role of nutrients in the major metabolic pathways and cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of disease and their application in dietetic practice in diet clinics.
- K3 List the steps in the development of diet related non-communicable diseases, and their complications, and the relationship between nutrition and infections in diet clinics.

Skills
- S1 Evaluate dietetics practice and the need for continued professional development in clinical circumstances.
- S2 Explain the importance of safe handling of food, the related legislation and the effects of preparation and processing on the nutrient composition of food in laboratory setups.
- S3 Explain the importance of scientific inquiry including evidence-based practice through the principles of research design, data management and statistical analysis and interpretation in laboratory settings
- S4 Evaluate clinical condition scenario and nutritional status for individualized therapeutic menu planning in food service setting
- S5 Communicate effectively at an appropriate level of understanding with patient and family in in-patient and outpatient clinics.
- S6 Design research proposals using IT sources in lab vicinities.
- S7 Analyze data using Statistical software.
- S8 Participate in scientific research, community, and inter-professional activities related to Clinical Nutrition.
- S9 Operate appropriate instruments efficiently in anthropometric measurements to assess nutritional status of individuals in the lab.
- S10 Perform a complete physical examination of patients to detect any signs of malnutrition in diet clinics 10
- S11 Conduct experiments in Food analysis in Lab set ups

Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility
- V1 Demonstrate proper professional behavior and work ethics in various localities such as in-patient and outpatient clinics and laboratories
- V2 Show self-learning Skills in the in the library
- V3 Illustrate effective leadership skills and teamwork in laboratory and clinical settings

Program Tracks

None

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Clinical Nutrition Specialist in Hospitals
• Working in major hospitals (National Guard, King Saud Medical City, King Faisal Specialist), health centers, or private hospitals.
• Providing therapeutic nutrition plans for patients with diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and heart disease.
• Assessing nutritional status and following up with inpatients and outpatients in clinics.

Sports Nutrition
• Working with clubs such as Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and the Saudi National Team.
• Designing nutrition plans for athletes to achieve their performance goals.
• Preventing injuries and improving physical performance and recovery.

Food Industry
• Working in major companies such as Almarai, Al Safi Danone, PepsiCo, and Sadia.
• Developing healthy food products.
• Selecting and analyzing ingredients.
• Reading food labels and ensuring quality assurance.

Research and Education
• Academic work as a researcher or faculty member.
• Working in universities and health colleges.
• Conducting research in centers such as KAIMRC.
• Teaching students and providing academic supervision.

Public Health
• Working in ministries and health organizations such as the Ministry of Health and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
• Designing awareness programs and campaigns.
• Developing health promotion programs.
• Supporting national nutrition policies.

Entrepreneurship
• Establishing clinical nutrition clinics or nutrition-tracking applications.
• Healthy meal projects.
• Providing consultations through digital clinics.
• Offering consulting services to companies.