Why Dietetics?

Becoming a(n) Registered Dietitian(RD)

First thing first, you might be wondering what the heck an RD is/does. A Registered Dietitian is someone who has completed a bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics at an accredited university through the ACEND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), who has then either completed an internship or a coordinated program (more explanation later), who has then passed the CDR exam to finally be able to have the RD credential.

"What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?"

Right now I am a nutritionist. I have no credentials behind my name but I have a good background of health. But like I said, a nutritionist has no legal right to give out personal advice because they haven't gone throughout the entire process of becoming an RD.

"What are you going to even do?"

This is a question that my BOYFRIEND of almost a year asked me the other day. So I figured I should explain a little about the job aspect of being an RD.

Clinical Dietitians work in hospitals or nursing homes providing medical nutrition therapy to patients. They evaluate individual patient requirements and develop personalized diet plans to fit their needs. Clincal RD's may also run the entire kitchen program!

Community Dietitians promote health and try to prevent disease in a group setting. They tend to work in health clinics, fitness centers, or home health agencies. Someone who works in a home health agency will help elderly individuals or parents with children who have special requirements for their diet, plan and prep meals that meet their requirements.

Management Dietitians hire, train and oversee other dietitians in a large-scale facility. This could be in hospitals, jails, schools, etc. The job entails budgeting and purchasing, preparing reports of how the facilities are doing, and simply managing their crew.

Consultant Dietitians this is where you can have your own practice (My Goal)! Like a clinical dietitian, you perform nutritional assessments for clients, give out structured meal plans for what ever their health needs require.. from a patient who needs to lower their cholesterol to a child who is becoming over weight and so on. You can also work for sports teams, healthcare facilities and wellness programs.

What's my dream???

Right now as I learn more, I think the specifics of what I want to do change a lot. I love pediatrics but I also want to be able to use everything I learn and do more of the medical aspect at some point! The great thing about this field is that the more experience you gain, the more options you have for a job!!