Month: March 2017

  • Dietitian Career Advice, Student Life

    How to Keep Learning Post-College

    If you’re looking for a way to expand your horizons after you step out of the classroom, read this list!

    So you finally got your Bachelor’s degree….now what?! If you’ve ever had that thought, you aren’t alone. Many people can agree that you never stop learning, and that’s particularly true in the ever-changing dietetics field with the variety of continuing education opportunities available. Luckily, you can continue lifelong learning in many ways!

    1. Master’s Degrees

    Master’s degrees are a common way that many RD’s, or those in the nutrition field, further their education. Besides, all new RD’s will have a Master’s starting in 2024, so why not get ahead of the game? Many Master’s programs are more in-depth and specific to a particular subject in comparison to Bachelor’s programs- so this is your chance to delve into a topic you love. Many RD’s earn their MPH (Master’s of Public Health), MBA (Master’s of Business Administration), or Master’s of Science (MS). Find a Master’s program located near you here.

    2. Ph.D. or Doctorate Degrees

    A Ph.D. or Doctorate is the highest level of education you can achieve, and it will set you apart from the rest. Only around 5% of RD’s have their Ph.D., and most are found in the educational or research setting. These degrees are typically grounded in research and take around 3-5 years to complete. A doctorate, such as a Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition, is equal to a Ph.D. but is typically for established professionals who want to increase their expertise in their field.

    3. Coursera

    Don’t want to commit to an academic program but still want to take some classes? Check out Coursera, a website that lets you take courses online from renowned universities. There are hundreds of courses available from an endless amount of topics. The best part? You don’t have any homework 😉

    4. Certifications

    Are you already an RD and looking to specialize in a certain area and gain expertise? There’s probably a certification for you! The Commission on Dietetic Registration currently has seven options for certification. You can become a board-certified specialist in:

    • Nutrition Support (CNSC)
    • Oncology Nutrition (CSO)
    • Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
    • Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
    • Renal Nutrition (CSR)
    • Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)
    • Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM)

    These certifications are earned after working as an RD for three years, having worked at least 4000 hours in the area of your desired specialty, and passing the board certification exam. Another specialty certification is the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Information can be found here. In addition to boosting your earning potential and making you more marketable to employers, you will also gain expertise in the field and add to your skills as an RD.

    5. Keeping Up with Research

    What better way to keep up with the field than by reading the latest research? Stay on top of what is happening in the world of nutrition by being aware of current news. As nutrition students and professionals, we are constantly reminded of how vital evidence-based research is. And besides, it will come in handy when your Dr. Oz-loving friend asks you about that new crazy trend.

    6. CEUs

    CEU’s, or continuing education units, require all RD’s to maintain their credentialing. CEU’s are offered through attending conferences, local symposiums, or even through taking certified online programs. You never know what you will learn!

    7. Teach

    Many have often said that the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. This is so true! If you are still a student, see if you can become a teaching assistant or volunteer in the tutoring center. If you are an RD, scope out opportunities by teaching a class where you work or at a local school or hospital.

    What is your favorite thing to learn about? Sound off in the comments!

    P.S. Are you a new Registered Dietitian searching for your first job? Join Get Hired Coaching to land the position of your dreams!

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  • Student Life

    How to Deal with Google Degrees

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    As a Registered Dietitian, you may encounter people who have gotten their knowledge from Google. Here are our keys to show your expertise!

    The nutrition world is filled with self-proclaimed experts who get most of their information off of the frequently used and often unreliable World Wide Web. As all of us know, the most reliable source of dietary advice is from a Registered Dietitian, who completes a rigorous academic program and over 1000 hours of supervised practice before being able to call themselves experts in the field. Although it’s great that these so-called Google Degrees are so interested in nutrition, we all know that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, especially about food. So what do you do when you find yourself talking to someone who quotes unreliable or false information? Whether this happens on Facebook or in real life, here’s how to deal.

    1. Disagree politely

    There’s nothing wrong with disagreeing, as long as you do it politely. Make sure you avoid negative language, name-calling, or Facebook fighting, but don’t be afraid to stand up for your field.

    2. Have research ready

    There’s nothing like a little bit (or a lot) of evidence-based research to support your argument against a food fallacy. Staying on top of current research will keep you updated on the latest in the field. A quick tip: find up-to-date research in nutrition using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library. There’s nothing like facts to squash a fad.

    3. Be confident

    You are on your way to becoming a nutrition expert, so don’t be afraid to show it off. Be confident in your knowledge because you worked hard for it. Besides, you’re only doing them a favor!

    What’s the craziest thing about nutrition you’ve ever heard someone say? Sound off in the comments!

    P.S. – Mine was when someone tried to convince me that she didn’t eat carbs because her body had a carbohydrate intolerance and stored all carbs as fat. It looks like those micronutrient metabolism classes paid off 😉

    P.P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? With Get Matched Coaching, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity you need to get a dietetic internship! 

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  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice

    The Ultimate Back Up Plan if You Don’t Get Matched

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    “Registered Dietitian.” That is the goal. We go through the rigorous undergraduate program, wash pots and pans in a hospital kitchen, volunteer every spare moment we can, and perfect our statements until we recite them by heart. Then, we wait… and it just isn’t in the cards this year for some of us. You didn’t match. BUT IT’S NOT OVER. There are distinctive opportunities to capitalize on that will allow you to persevere, grow, and better yourself as an applicant next year. Hey, you may even make some money while you’re at it! We have compiled a list of prospects to serve as your “Plan B” until you achieve your “Plan A!”

    1. Dietetics, 4-year degree

    • Eligible to become a Diet Technician, Registered (DTR)- A DTR works with the dietitian to design menus, prepare meals, formulate nutrition information, involve yourself in patient-centered care, order food, and manage budgets. DTR’s can work in schools, hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes.
    *Must pass the credentialing exam.
    • Eligible to become a Certified Dietary Manager- A CDM runs the operations of a food service establishment (i.e., hospital, nursing home, school, etc.). The CDM will do all scheduling, payroll, hiring, and performance management.

     2. Fitness Specializations 

    • Certified Personal Trainer- Accredited through the National Athletic Trainers Association.
    • Certified Personal Trainer- Accredited through the National Academy of Sports Medicine or American College of Sports Medicine.
    • Personal Trainer/Group Fitness- Accredited through the National Association for Fitness Certification.
    • Group Exercise Instructor- Accredited through the American College of Sports Medicine.
    • With a fitness specialization, you may work in hospital or rehab clinics, fitness centers, and grade school athletics.

    3. WIC 

    WIC Nutritionist- Responsible for providing WIC Registration Assessment and counseling staff of the WIC program. Also responsible for nutrition education for individuals and groups.

    4. Master’s Degree

    There are many options for continued education in the field of nutrition. The most common opportunities include Master of Science (MS) or Master of Public Health and doctoral degrees.

    5. ISPP or Future Education Model

    • ISPP is the alternative pathway to obtain a dietetic internship, similar to a distance program.
    • Future Education Model is a supervised practice program with a graduate component preparing for the 2024 graduate requirement.

    Must have graduated from a DPD program and have a DPD verification statement. To be eligible for an ISPP, you must not have matched on your first attempt.

    6. Health Promotion 

    • Health educators can work for health departments, schools, and community or non-profit organizations.
    • Careers include Health Coordinator, Nutrition Specialist, and Fitness Instructor.

    7. Dietary Aide

    • The Dietary Aide job details vary depending on the facility type. Dietary Aides are commonly hired at nursing homes and hospitals.
    • This job usually entails preparing and understanding therapeutic diets as indicated in the menu, appropriately interacting with patients/residents, and other facility policies.
    • Oh… and you will more than likely rock an awesome hairnet. Woohoo!

    Keep going. Keep growing. Never give up. There isn’t just one way to become a dietitian. Find the path that fits YOU and take on your goals!

    P.S. Almost 50% of Get Matched Coaching clients are repeat applicants. Give yourself the most excellent chance of having a happy Match Day by investing in yourself and your future.

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