Abstract
Physical assessment of nutritional status is an increasingly essential component of clinical nutrition practice for registered dietitians from entry to advanced levels. However, educational competencies and strategies for training dietetics students in nutrition-focused physical assessment are not adequate to meet the needs of healthcare today. The advent of the Nutrition Diagnostic Codes requires registered dietitians at all levels of practice in clinical nutrition to be competent in the conduct of nutrition-focused physical examination. Defined competencies for physical assessment from entry to advanced practice in the profession are needed. Examples of competencies and skill sets are addressed along with caveats and challenges to the integration of nutrition-focused physical assessment in nutrition care.