Resumen

GONZALEZ S, María Angélica. AN OVERVIEW OF NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS FOR NUTRITIONISTS: A FUTURE PERSPECTIVE FOR CHILE. Rev. chil. nutr. [online]. 2012, vol.39, n.1, pp. 86-97. ISSN 0717-7518.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-75182012000100009.

There are currently 68 institutions in Chile offering a Nutrition and Dietetics program, but only six of these are accredited. It is therefore essential that a national examination be administered to measure the minimum competencies for entry-level practitioners. Examinations of four countries were studied. The purpose of the examination in Colombia is to investigate the cognitive skills profile, identify relevant information, interpret situations, discuss decisions, and propose professional alternative actions in each of the nutrition components. In Mexico, it identifies if the graduates have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively enter professional practice. The examination in Canada has been designed to confirm a practice based on knowledge and application of critical thinking skills. It measures the minimum competency level that the dietitian should possess, and its sole purpose is to distinguish between competent and incompetent entry-level practitioners. The objective of the examination in the United States is to protect the public's health by determining an individual's competence to practice, and is a computerized interactive test. It is concluded that a national examination to practice as a nutritionist in Chile should be applied as soon as possible.

Palabras clave : National examination; nutrition; competencies; knowledge and skills.