3-49. HOSPITAL DIETITIAN
a. Qualifications. The hospital dietitian possesses a baccalaureate degree with
a major in both foods and nutrition or institution management and has completed a
dietetic internship acceptable to the DA.
b. Functions. Dietitians have appetizing and nutritious food prepared and
served to patients and other eligible personnel within the authorized budget, instruct
enlisted and civilian cooks in elements of normal nutrition and diet modification, and
direct and formulate hospital food service policy. Dietitians serve as Chief, Food
Service Division and as Chief, Clinical Dietetics Branch. In addition to assignments to
hospital food service responsibilities worldwide, dietitians serve as SP procurement
counselors, as instructors in nutrition, in research assignments, and in special
assignments at such locations as the AHS, US Army. Dietitians do not prescribe diets.
They plan menus and instruct cooks in the preparation of recipes that meet the
nutritional requirements of special diets as prescribed by medical officers.
3-50. PHYSICAL THERAPIST
a. Qualifications. The PT possesses a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited institution which has included, or been followed by an approved PT
education acceptable to the DA. (The AHS conducts a 12-month PT course that leads
to certification.)
b. Functions. The PT applies evaluative, preventive, and treatment procedures
to patients with, primary, physical disabilities.
(1) The PT treats disease or injury through the use of physical properties of
heat, cold, light, water, electricity, and exercise. The goal is rehabilitation of patients
through the use of such modalities as whirlpool, hot packs, ice, diathermy, ultrasound,
and various exercise programs. Physical therapy deals with varying diagnoses such as
cerebral palsy, orthopedic conditions, and neurological conditions.
(2) Physical therapy treatments are given in nursing units, in physical
therapy clinics, in gymnasiums, swimming pools, and at recreation areas.
(3) The physical therapist acts under the direction of a psychiatrist of the
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service or, when no psychiatrist is assigned to a
hospital, a medical officer of the Orthopedic Service (Department of Surgery).
3-51. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
a. Qualifications. The OT possesses a baccalaureate degree, has completed
an accredited curriculum in OT (including clinical affiliation acceptable to the DA), and
has met eligibility requirements for the national registration examination of the American
MD0004
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