dietetics program

  • Dietetics Programs

    Director Interview: Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship

    What are the top three things applicants can do (besides good grades and getting experience) to stand out?

    In terms of DICAS, we review all aspects of the application to obtain the whole picture of each applicant. Strong applicants tend to have certain qualities:

    • – Passion. It is evident when applicants demonstrate their passion for the dietetics field by illustrating compelling stories in their statement.
    • – Communication skills. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential for success in our program, and we score these qualities in the DICAS application and the interview.
    • – Be organized. We can tell when applicants have been intentional with all aspects of their application and are thinking about being an intern. We require applicants to obtain their rotations, and the rotation schedule is a straightforward tool we use to assess the applicant’s ability to plan and organize their future internship experience.

    In general, applicants may reach out via email (attach a resume!) and attend one of our Virtual Open House events. These avenues allow applicants to get to know our program in more detail and ask any questions they may have.

    What are one or two common mistakes you see applicants make?

    It is clear when an applicant has not had anyone else review their application. If we see typos or another program name listed in the personal statement, we assume the applicant is not serious about our program. More than you would think, we see sections of the DICAS application left empty such as volunteer or work experience and honors and activities. Still, the applicant will have included these experiences on their resume. If an applicant sends an email inquiry and asks an obvious question on our website, it shows they did not research our program ahead of sending the email. Attention to detail like completing all portions of DICAS, reviewing documents for errors, and intentionally planning an email is essential for success in our program.

    What are the benefits of a distance dietetic internship?

    There are many benefits to a distance dietetic internship program! The most tangible benefit is that each intern has the opportunity to create their own educational experience by customizing their rotation schedule to suit their strengths and passions. The distance aspect allows for flexibility in a geographic location of rotations that can be scheduled where the intern has family and support available. By working with dietitians local to their community, interns benefit from creating a network of dietetic professionals early in their careers, leading to multiple connections and future job opportunities.

    What qualities make a successful distance dietetic intern?

    Interns who are most successful in our program are very independent and organized. While our program offers a great support network, we expect our interns to manage their daily schedules with their preceptors and remain on top of our internal curriculum tasks. Interns need to have good communication skills across all mediums. We communicate with our interns often via email, phone calls, and Zoom, expecting interns to communicate effectively. Successful interns are ambitions. It is apparent when interns put forth the effort to produce good work with their preceptor and through our curriculum, and we typically see those interns pass the R.D. exam right away.

    Where are the graduates of your program working today? 

    Everywhere! Based on intern feedback, our program provides graduates with the skills they need to succeed in all practice areas. We have graduates working in corporate wellness, clinical dietetics, school foodservice, community nutrition, private practice, and government programs!

    Can you describe what makes your program different from others?

    Our program has a concentration in Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion. This is enhanced by the wellness rotation and wellness-related didactic learning components of our curriculum. BWS DI offers support to our interns through Faculty Advisors, who mentor interns throughout their program. The 1:5 ratio allows for a high touchpoint between Faculty Advisors and interns, with frequent communication with interns and preceptors throughout rotations. The Lead Faculty foster a strong sense of community among the interns, encouraging communication and collaboration among each cohort. Interns are placed into small groups that meet monthly for online conference meetings and Journal Clubs, fostering connections within the small groups and Faculty Advisors. Our program provides R.D. exam study material and professional development resources to our interns to help them be successful entry-level dietitians. The Lead Faculty are supportive and dedicated to the success of each intern and strive to maintain academic caliber through innovative curriculum development. As a distance program, interns have flexibility and autonomy with their rotation schedule. The emphasis rotation allows interns to have exposure to a specialty area of dietetics that suits their passions. Overall, our program strives to be innovative, forward-thinking, and supportive to our interns as they embark upon their careers as dietitians!

    Is there anything else you want to tell future applicants?

    The field of nutrition and dietetics is changing. While distance programs may require work upfront to secure rotations, it is worth the effort because it creates a network of dietitians to help build a future career. Our distance program can provide the opportunity to become a dietitian with experience in the wellness, and that unique characteristic is appealing and sought after in communities nationwide.

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    Meet the Director

    Katie Bigart, MS, RDN, LD

    Katie completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health Nutrition and completed her dietetic internship at CWRU.  

    Katie began her career as a K-12 school nutrition consultant for a private consulting firm, Pisanick Partners, L.L.C. in Cleveland, OH, and then went on to join the corporate wellness company, Be Well Solutions, as an Account Manager and Wellness Dietitian. Katie eventually transitioned her role at Be Well as the Program Director of the Dietetic Internship. Katie loves having the opportunity to work alongside interns, helping them discover their passions and goals within the field of dietetics, as well as creating an innovative curriculum to educate future dietitians! Katie is also a certified Health Coach through the American College of Exercise and embraces the balance of an active and healthy lifestyle, filled with hiking, weightlifting, cooking, and movies.  She loves spending quality time with her husband, boy/girl twins, and two dogs.

    P.S. Learn more about Be Well Solutions and what other dietetic internship Directors are looking for in the Dietetic Internships Toolkit!

    P.P.S. Click here to learn more about the Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship!

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  • Student Life

    How to Build Relationships in Your Field of Interest as a Dietetics Student

    Implement these five key strategies to build relationships with dietitians in your field of interest as a dietetics student.

    As a dietetics student, you are probably aware that there are numerous routes you can take when searching for your dietetics niche. Perhaps you want to be a registered dietitian (RD) in clinical, a sports RD, a community RD, or something else. With what seems like an endless number of paths to take, discovering which area of the field you are interested in can be exciting yet daunting.

    Now, your next thought may be: where do I begin? To relieve some stress around this process, below are a few tips to help motivate you to build relationships in your field of interest as a dietetics student and bring you one step closer to becoming the RD you imagine yourself to be!

    Connect with your professors 

    As a student, you have potential connections all around you. When you are in class, several opportunities are waiting for you to make the first move. Making an effort to build relationships with your professors is one of the simplest ways to get your foot in the door.

    It is crucial to building relationships with professors who teach classes specific to your area of interest. Chances are, they work in that particular field or may have previous experience in the field to assist you in your journey.

    However, do not limit yourself to building relationships exclusively with those professors. Your medical nutrition therapy professor likely knows another RD who works in your field of interest or can provide you with a reference and sound advice to get you started. At the very least, your professor may know what you are interested in and will have your name in the back of their mind should an opportunity come up that could be a fit.

    Example

    I spent my entire freshman and sophomore years as a dietetics student hiding in the back of every classroom and seeing no reason to talk to my professors. That was until I met one of my new best friends in my junior year, who told me about her current internship and a past nutrition expo she had worked as a volunteer. As a dietetics student, I knew the importance of getting intern/volunteer hours, and I wanted to build those types of relationships. After asking my friend how she found those opportunities, she told me they came through her professors. At that moment, I knew I needed to do the same to get myself the options I saw myself in.

    I began speaking with my professors to form a connection, even if it was just small talk. It did not take long before I was given two contacts to reach out to for intern experience. Three weeks later, I had my dream internship as a student. Who knows where I would be now if I decided to reach out to professors earlier. It is never too late to start! 

    Join an association connected to your field of interest 

    Once you discover your calling in dietetics, it is time to become a part of organizations and associations related to your field. A simple Google search will help you discover precisely what those are. For example, suppose you are interested in becoming a sports RD. In that case, the CPSDA (Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association) is a great way to become a part of the sports dietetics community.

    Through organizations such as the CPSDA, you can connect with RDs who already work in the field. Typically, there is a list of practicing RDs who you can reach out to. By becoming a member, you gain access to free educational materials, discover intern and job opportunities, and learn more about what working in your field of interest will look like once you become an RD. These tools may give you more to talk about and potentially more questions to ask when reaching out to these dietitians. Being an active member of their association or organization will show how genuinely interested you are in the field.

    Example 

    When I was a  dietetics student, I had professors (the ones I built relationships with!) and peers tell me about the CPSDA. Once I discovered it, I was excited to research and connect with the full-time sports RDs in this network. I took the initiative to introduce myself, let them know that I found them on the CPSDA website and that I was an aspiring sports RD. To my surprise, I received responses from almost all of the RDs I reached out to. I was even asked for my resume by a few of them. I often check in with many of these RDs and regularly interact on social media. These relationships formed when you are a student will prove to be the most important in building your future career.

    Reach out to other professionals via social media or email 

    Now that you are a member of the association/organization (wink, wink!), you can take the list of RDs and begin searching through Google or social media to start the conversation. The Get Hired Course has a section dedicated to networking on social media.

    Send the RD a tailored direct message on a particular platform or a professional email if their email address is public.

    When sending an email to build a relationship with an RD, let them know that you are an aspiring RD interested in their specific field. Express genuine interest in their professional journey to learn how they got to where they are today. Ask if you can have 15-minutes of their time through a scheduled phone call. Do not expect an internship or paid opportunity through relationship building; the possibility of that may come in the future.

    After reaching out, keeping in touch with your connections is just as important. Continue to build these relationships by checking in every few months through email or direct message, even sharing their content on social media. Being genuine and consistent goes a long way.

    If you cannot join an association or organization, you can still search for RDs through social media and Google and build relationships in the same way. Find commonality by reading their biography and checking out their LinkedIn profile.

    Example

    Similar to my story about reaching out to sports RDs, I had a friend interested in holistic nutrition. She followed a private practice RD, introduced herself, and told her she loved what she did as an RD. This friend shared that the RD then asked her to send a resume, and she then started virtually interning with her and creating social media content. This virtual internship served as an excellent experience for her dietetic internship application. Again, a genuine connection and a vast opportunity were the results of a simple email.

    Volunteer 

    As dietetics students, we know that volunteering plays a big part in securing a dietetic internship and landing future jobs as an RD. It is also a great way to get your name out there and build relationships in your field of interest. If you’re applying to distance dietetic internships, relationship building is even more critical as starting with who you know is the best first step to preceptor searching. Reach out to multiple RDs at a time, and provide them with the information they need to secure yourself a volunteer opportunity. 

    While volunteering can be a great experience, it can be a lot to balance if you’re a dietetics student with a full-time job or a family at home. However, it’s important to note that volunteering does not have to be a long or full-time commitment. Taking the initiative to volunteer for a one-day event can be just as powerful and even better if you made a solid first impression and stayed in contact with the RD you worked with. Also, if you already have a full-time schedule during school months, try volunteering over winter or summer break. You do not have to commit hundreds of hours to make a good impression and build a great relationship.

    Example

    Much of my personal volunteer experience and what I have learned when speaking with peers is that we have built relationships with a specific RD. We have interned for, but these experiences have opened doors to making many other relationships with others. When volunteering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I was fortunate to get to know and work with two of UCLA’s other sports RDs. I am still in contact with all three of these RDs and have been able to refer to them for mentorship and positive letters of reference. I am incredibly appreciative of their support.

    Be a Go-Giver

    For our future careers as dietitians, it is essential to connect with as many dietitians in the field as possible. Creating relationships and offering your time to work with other dietitians gets your name out into your area of interest, shows other dietitians your dedication, and may even be the key to landing your dream job. To be successful in this, you must be willing to put in extra work. Founder Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD, encourages you to be a go-giver and “think about what you can give instead of what you can receive.” She firmly believes that what you give, you will get back in return. It is a constant flow.

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    About the author:

    Thanks for reading! My name is Brittni Whitesides, and I am a dietetic intern. I am so grateful that I practiced these tips in building relationships as a student at California State University, Los Angeles. Through doing all of these things, I have gained tons of experience in my field of interest (sports nutrition) through volunteer work and interning and have made numerous connections with sports RDs. I have spoken to several RDs who currently are in the position I dream about being in one day, and I am confident that they know who I am, my passion, commitment, and interest in the field. As a current dietetic intern, I plan to continue building relationships while maintaining my already made ones. So, what are you waiting for? Start sending out those direct messages and emails to begin building relationships today!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice, How to Become a Dietitian, Student Life

    What is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?

    Curious about a coordinated program in dietetics? Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about coordinated programs for dietetic students!

    Truthfully, finding a program that will allow you to take all of your didactic classes and hopefully help you successfully become placed with a dietetic internship is hard. Not to mention, finding a dietetic internship can be even more challenging, especially if you went to an undergraduate university where nutrition programs are slim to none.

    Now imagine doing all of your didactic coursework AND your internship at the same time! Coordinated Programs offer a unique experience for future dietitians to study and experience a dietetic internship. Here are some frequent questions I get asked about coordinated programs in dietetics.

    What is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?

    Coordinated programs are popping up all over the country. A coordinated program in dietetics enrolls and places students in their didactic coursework and dietetic internship.

    Each program tends to be shorter than the traditional DPD than the DI route. They typically last about two and a half years. Coordinated programs challenge students to complete their coursework and supervised practice simultaneously. Though they are shorter, coordinated programs leave students with the same experience and education as every other program without the stress of applying to a dietetic internship!

    Coordinated Programs are becoming more popular. Their shorter timeframe allows students to start their careers as dietitians sooner than traditional programs. They take away the stress of applying to DICAS and enable students to practice while learning about nutrition and the field of dietetics.

    Coordinated programs can be found both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Since a master’s degree will soon be required for upcoming dietitians in 2024, coordinated programs are an excellent option for students who are currently getting an undergraduate education but will miss the timeframe to sit for the RD exam without a master’s degree. 

    Are There any Prerequisites Required for a Coordinated Program at the Master’s Level?

    Many master’s programs will require students to have taken some coursework before enrolling in their coordinated program. Many of the classes required are biology or chemistry-related that typically are completed in undergraduate didactic studies. Some programs allow students to complete these courses throughout their master’s studies. Be sure to reach out to the director of each program you are looking at to understand better what is required.

    Click here to see the typical prerequisite courses for dietetics programs!

    Can I Work While Enrolled in a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?

    YES! Though these programs tend to be more time-consuming, it is possible to work while getting your degree. 

    Time management skills are critical while enrolled in a coordinated program. If you plan your internship hours, classes, and study times appropriately, it is possible to work, enjoy life, and be enrolled in a coordinated program! 

    Coordinated programs allow you to gain experience and become closer to doing the work that you are passionate about when you start the journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. You can find a list of all schools offering a Coordinated Program here. 

    PS. If you aren’t sure which path to take on your dietetics journey, please do not worry! You will find what works best for you.

     

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  • Dietitian Career Advice

    Best Job Search Tips for New Dietitians

    You’ve done the hard work- completed a DPD program, a Bachelor’s degree, a 1200 hour dietetic internship, and passed the national registration exam. You are now a registered dietitian! You’re ready to land your first job as an RD, but… where do you even begin? Below are my top tips to help you land the position of your dreams.

    Get clear on your goals. 

    After completing rotations in various areas, you may know what position you would like to work in. Was clinical not your thing? What about food service? Narrow down your niche, and then use LinkedIn, practice groups, Instagram, and even Google to help you create your goals and find inspiration from other RDs.

    Network. 

    Dietetics is a relatively small field, so use your current network to help you succeed. Is your past preceptor connected to a dietitian you admire on LinkedIn? Reach out and ask for an introduction. There’s no harm in trying, and it’s ok to do some creepy searching for the sake of your dream job!

    Use social media.

    Before you begin job searching, make sure your social media presence is professional and represents you well. Next, join virtual groups dedicated to RD job searching, research potential organizations through their social media pages, and learn more about open positions by studying them online. This will help you learn about the organization and role you are applying for and can help you have a great interview.

    Use the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

    The Academy has various resources that can help you learn your worth, such as the compensation packet. This packet shares up-to-date knowledge of salaries for different niches in the field. Use the salary calculator to determine the average income for your education, experience, and even location! 

    Prepare. 

    Once you land an interview, do your best to be ready. Our Get Hired Coaching will teach you how to restate the question, provide 2-3 points or a STAR theory, and answer with a clear conclusion that ties into the company or role. Extra preparation for an interview can set you apart and help you land your dream job sooner. 

    While the job application process may be new and overwhelming, using these tips and tricks will lead you down the right path. Do you think you would benefit from extra help in this process? Check out the Get Hired Course to help you showcase your talents, sell yourself to employers, and stand out from the competition. 

    PS. We have so many great career resources to help you land your dream job!

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  • Student Life

    Prerequisite Courses for Dietetics Programs

    Before becoming a Registered Dietitian, you have to complete many prerequisite courses. Check out our list of standard classes to decide where to start!

    If you have decided to go back to school to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, the odds are that you have a few prerequisites to take. As a career-changer, I understand the overwhelming feeling of having so many classes to take but not being quite sure where to start.

    Likewise, you will find that most dietetic programs require similar prerequisite courses. When you decide on a specific program you want to attend, make your list of precisely what school requires.

    Click here to find dietetic programs near you!

    Courses that will be required for most programs:

    • Chemistry 1 (with lab)
    • Biology 1 (with lab)
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Organic Chemistry
    • General Microbiology
    • Intro to Biochemistry
    • Intro to Nutrition

    Other courses that may be required:

    • Chemistry 2 (with lab)
    • Medical Terminology
    • Intro to Statistics
    • Intro to Psychology
    • Research Writing
    • Biochemistry 2

    Courses I had to take before starting my dietetics program:

    • Chemistry 1 (with lab)
    • Biology 1 (with lab)
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Intro to Nutrition
    • Medical Terminology
    • Intro to Statistics
    • Intro to Psychology

    Courses I took during my Didactic Program in Dietetics:

    • Organic Chemistry
    • General Microbiology
    • Intro to Biochemistry
    • Research Writing

    From my experience, I completed all of these courses in other online programs through universities that my school approved. This allowed me to have a very flexible schedule to work part-time, and I could take the classes from anywhere.

    Completing these courses was very convenient, but I will say that taking classes online still had many challenges. In many cases, I felt as though I was teaching myself all of the material. There was always an instructor, and some of the courses had PowerPoints and lectures, but it wasn’t the same as sitting in an actual classroom or having a conversation with classmates or the instructor about the topic. All of the courses require a lot of reading, many hours, and excellent organization. It’s not impossible to complete all of these courses online, but if I could redo my experience, I would probably choose to take these courses in the classroom setting. For those looking to catch up on their prerequisite courses, many local community colleges offer science-based courses over the winter and summer, typically less expensive.

    Some of the online programs I took courses through:

    Wondering which courses to start with? I recommend starting with Chemistry 1 and Biology 1. These are very general classes that are necessary for completing several of the other prerequisites.

    Hopefully, this gives you a starting point if you are going back to school to be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist!

    P.S. Just starting your career in nutrition and dietetics? Schedule your free call with Jenny to discuss your background, address any concerns, and decide on the next steps for your dietitian journey!

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