A career as a Dietitian

[polishprancer]

I have been thinking about switching my major from Psych to Dietetics. Only like 3 months ago have i gotten into seriously working out and keeping my nutrition in check. With detailed macros and extensive research. I spend a great deal of time, and thoroughly enjoy, researching different things about nutrition and how they affect the body, etc. My dream job was always to be something that helps others achieve their goals or give them will power. I was wondering is anybody on here a Dietitian and what do they think of the job? Also, what things must you enjoy to truly love a job as a Dietitian?

[almightyares]

I have been thinking about switching my major from Psych to Dietetics. Only like 3 months ago have i gotten into seriously working out and keeping my nutrition in check. With detailed macros and extensive research. I spend a great deal of time, and thoroughly enjoy, researching different things about nutrition and how they affect the body, etc. My dream job was always to be something that helps others achieve their goals or give them will power. I was wondering is anybody on here a Dietitian and what do they think of the job? Also, what things must you enjoy to truly love a job as a Dietitian?

I think a lot of people like researching about nutrition, but from what I heard, its a totally different story when you actually get a job somewhere. Basically, its not like what you are thinking right now.

If you want to help people achieve their goals, why not be a [good] trainer for a while and see how you like it?

[MajorTwang]

I work with clinical dieticians in a hospital. Most of their work is focussed around ensuring adequate nutrition for the sick & elderly who have no real appetite.

I'd say that one of the most important things is an ability to get on with people - especially old people who you need a lot of patience with.

I'd be rubbish at it, because I'm not a particularly social animal.

[polishprancer]

I think a lot of people like researching about nutrition, but from what I heard, its a totally different story when you actually get a job somewhere. Basically, its not like what you are thinking right now.

If you want to help people achieve their goals, why not be a [good] trainer for a while and see how you like it?

My friend is a PT and hes really good at it, but somehow i just couldnt see myself doing that. And thats what i was also wondering, that once you get a job as a Dietitian it turns into a completely different thing than you expected. Would be cool if someone who works in the field could write what happens in a normal day for them.

[racindude52]

Well some things you should know before you switch majors... to become a registered dietitian you need to complete an accredited dietetic internship (or a combined masters program with internship). The thing you will find is that there are not enough programs for the number of graduating prospects. For example one internship I tried to apply for I never submitted because I found that the year before 245 people applied for 4 spots hows that for statistics. needless to say most of them are VERY competitive. If your grades a above a 3.2 GPA and you can start getting LOTS of volunteering in before you graduate, you should be able to get matched, otherwise, you are in for a rough ride. Once you are registered there are numerous opportunities in many aspects of dietetics, but getting there is tougher than it needs to be.

[polishprancer]

Well some things you should know before you switch majors... to become a registered dietitian you need to complete an accredited dietetic internship (or a combined masters program with internship). The thing you will find is that there are not enough programs for the number of graduating prospects. For example one internship I tried to apply for I never submitted because I found that the year before 245 people applied for 4 spots hows that for statistics. needless to say most of them are VERY competitive. If your grades a above a 3.2 GPA and you can start getting LOTS of volunteering in before you graduate, you should be able to get matched, otherwise, you are in for a rough ride. Once you are registered there are numerous opportunities in many aspects of dietetics, but getting there is tougher than it needs to be.

Anything that you know in psychology that is similar to a dietitian? lol

[racindude52]

Anything that you know in psychology that is similar to a dietitian? lol

Maybe you could minor in nutritional science and keep the major in psych. I worked in an eating disorder clinic and of the staff, there was only 1 RD all the other staff came from a psych background.

but working with individuals who have eating disorders is not for everybody... was just a thought.

[polishprancer]

Maybe you could minor in nutritional science and keep the major in psych. I worked in an eating disorder clinic and of the staff, there was only 1 RD all the other staff came from a psych background.

but working with individuals who have eating disorders is not for everybody... was just a thought.

Ive been extensively researching tonight and ive come up with this....


Occupational Health Psychology
Clinical Health Psychology
Public Health Psychology

Thoughts? Or is there something even more similar?

[lexinak]

I think a lot of people like researching about nutrition, but from what I heard, its a totally different story when you actually get a job somewhere. Basically, its not like what you are thinking right now.

If you want to help people achieve their goals, why not be a [good] trainer for a while and see how you like it?

Because dietitians have much more job security and much better benefits than trainers, generally speaking.

As for dietetics: Do expect it to be a bit like training. Most people are so stupid they don't know they're stupid. You will encounter situations like this.



But this is assuming you go into private practice. Many dietitians work in large institutions that have to feed a lot of people - hospitals, prisons, schools, etc. - in more of an administrative-type setting.

Dietetics is a great career choice; the USA of all places needs dietitians, and will continue to need them badly, as long as obesity and disease continue their upward trend. And dietitians aren't treated nearly as badly as trainers; you'll have an office of your own, with a desk and a nameplate, and health/retirement benefits (unlike most training jobs where you're lucky to get paid a living wage!).

[cheguevarac]

Dont do it.

I am a dietetic intern currently. At the end of the day you gotta be able to pay your bills. Max a dietitian will ever make about 50-70,000 and that is pushing it. If you ever want to make more then you have go for your MS at this point any MS degree will land you a management job anyway.

Just like someone else said gettin into the internships are extremely competitive. Sure grades, experience, voluntering is important but at the end of the day 1/3 of the people that apply only get in.. Rest are left to either work at WIC for 30,000 or go back to school.

[cheguevarac]

and 2nd I have yet to do any kind of sports nutrition education. You will always be a in a hospital or nursing homes or dialysis centers working with sick ppl.. there are almost non-existant job oppurtunities for sport nutrition. forget about that.. I have settled currently but def will be going back to school for possibly for Chemistry or just my MBA. This shhit is bull.

[fowens]

forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=130522633

Read that. From what I have found; Alan Aragon is the 'truth'. I will be subscribing to his blog soon and already subscribe to Tom Venuto's research and FB page. These guys definitely know what they are talking about and will keep it straight-forward.