The dietetics field is ever-evolving. This blog post explains more about a new pathway: Future Education Model Graduate Programs.
In 2024, you’ll need a graduate degree to sit for the RD exam. When there is change there are questions and some confusion.
One thing that has not changed is the fact you have to complete the dietetics curriculum and 1,000+ supervised practice hours to be eligible to sit for the RD exam. Sometimes this intimidates individuals into pursuing dietetics as a career, especially for those who might be career changers. Before we go any further, check out this blog post to see if dietetics is right for you.
Within the last year, dietetics programs have been acquiring what is called a Future Education Model (FEM) Graduate Program. This allows individuals to go back to get their registered dietitian credential within two years. This even includes the supervised practice component! The best part about these programs is that you can have any bachelor’s degree: your degree does not have to be nutrition-related. Think of applying to a FEM program like applying to a competitive graduate school: aim to submit an above-average application.
You might be eligible to apply for a FEM program if...
– You have a bachelor’s degree in any area and want to change careers to dietetics.
– You’ve completed your DPD program and want to complete a graduate degree.
– You’re in a DPD program and already have a bachelor’s degree.
– You’re in a DPD program and want to do a graduate degree + internship.
– You’re an international student and completed a degree in dietetics in another country.
People who are career changers would be required to then go back to school for a minimum of two years to obtain adequate courses. They would still need to apply for a dietetic internship to obtain the required hours. Luckily, the change within the field of dietetics will help those individuals and also, gives those with a dietetics degree another option to obtain these hours.
A FEM program can help you finally become a registered dietitian.
Currently, the Future Education Model is considered a pilot program. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is evaluating new graduate competencies and training for individuals interested in pursuing a career in dietetics.
To give you firsthand insight, we interviewed Danika Baer, a student from the first cohort of Penn State’s FEM/Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Nutritional Sciences - Leadership Emphasis.
Do you believe that this model is more accommodating for your future career plans?
“The program that I completed was a 24-month program. During the first year, students complete graduate coursework online and the supervised practice rotations at one of two geographic locations. During the second year, students complete the remaining graduate courses online. The first year is rigorous due to the nature of completing the coursework and supervised practice at the same time. However, the second year was in part designed to allow for more flexibility. Students can complete the coursework remotely from a location of their choosing and have more flexibility to work or spend time on other commitments. Further, the FEM programs focus on meeting competencies. Therefore, there is an attempt to allow students to spend more time on competencies that they need to improve and less time in those that they have met.”
What steps did you take to prepare for the application process?
“The FEM program that I applied to was interested in applicants that had nutrition- or dietetics-related work experience. In order to stand out in this respect, I gained relevant volunteer and work experience while I was completing my undergraduate DPD program. I took opportunities in various areas of nutrition/dietetics to gain a broad range of skills and experience. For example, I volunteered with a local food bank, worked with the USDA Summer Food Service Program, and worked at a hospital in the food service department.
In addition to experience, I took care in creating a personal statement that really highlighted who I am, why I was interested in the program, and why I thought I was a good fit. I found it very beneficial to share this statement with others who know me well to review. As many of us know, it can be difficult to talk about ourselves sometimes, and those who know us the best or know our goals can often help us to see things in ourselves that are relevant and applicable that we might not see at first.
Regarding DPD coursework, I asked a lot of questions, asked for help when I needed it, and listened to feedback that I received from professors, peers, and others. I wanted to gain as much as possible from my coursework that I could carry with me into my supervised practice experience and, looking back, I know that my hard work during this time paid off.”
What was the most valuable experience you gained?
“Although I could point to many technical components of the program that were extremely valuable in my learning, what stuck out to me was the emphasis on autonomy as a learner. My preceptors and professors were integral in assessing when I met competencies during my experiential learning. However, we were encouraged to utilize and develop our leadership skills. This included taking an active part in and often initiating conversations regarding our skill development and other components of our learning. It also involved learning to advocate for ourselves as students and as developing professionals.”
Do you feel as though this program prepared you for the RD exam?
“I do feel that the program prepared me for the RD exam. The FEM program was designed to address competencies deemed necessary by current professionals working in the nutrition and dietetics field. And, the RD exam, in addition to focusing on technical content, has a large focus on utilizing critical thinking skills and real-world application. The supervised practice allowed me to put my coursework into action to solidify technical content. Further, focusing on the competencies allowed me to practice those critical thinking skills in the workplace. These components came together in the exam (in addition to the studying that I did!!) and were very beneficial because I could relate to what I was practicing in “real life.”
How would you describe your experience as a part of this program to a future student?
“The experience pushed me to grow as a learner and as a professional. It was demanding in the ways that it should be but allowed flexibility where it made sense. I felt supported but encouraged to be autonomous. On that note, I’d stress that, because of the flexibility and autonomy, this is really a program in which you get out what you put into it. And, because of that, it can be really rewarding to see your progress. I was able to gain experience in several areas of dietetics to gain experience and develop an understanding of the different areas.”
Overall, Danika stated that she would recommend the PSU FEM program to students looking to pursue a career as registered dietitians.
FEM programs are up and coming, so if you are deciding if you want to change careers and nutrition has always been at the top of the list, consider this an option for you!
We’re here to give you the support you need at All Access Dietetics! Sign up with one of our expert coaches who can help you submit an above-average application for your dream FEM program.
We’re rooting for you!
PS: To save time and increase your confidence in your FEM program application, work one-on-one with an expert coach! Click here to enroll in FEM Application Coaching to get the support you need.
