Nutrition Month

Obviously Nutrition is a huge part of my life as I complete my undergraduate career in Dietetics. In Celebration of Nutrition Month I thought it would be nice to interview some dietitians I know and respect, for my own sake, to learn more about my career possibilities. I decided to share them with you, so that you can know more about what it takes to be a Registered Dietitian, and what day-to-day work can be like as an RD.

but first, What is an RD?

Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. The expertise, training and credentials that back a registered dietitian are vital for promoting positive lifestyle choices. -American Dietetic Association

In order to become an RD you complete a four year program at a accredited, respected university, to get a B.S. in Dietetics. Then you embark on a 9 month internship and learn even more about the work of a dietitian, everything from ICU to community garden work. After that you must pass a national exam to get the right to place those two letters behind your name. Many RDs go on to get Masters and Doctorates in Nutrition or other Health Sciences. I am currently in the first "stage"-getting my BS at Boston University. Courses are very rigorous-we're taking Biochem and Organic Chemistry with the Pre-med students, while learning how to write meal plans, and calculate enternal nutrition for critically patients.

RDs work in the community, with private clients. They also work in a clinical setting, helping those who are terminally ill and with chronic diseases. Some dietitians work in corporate wellness, schools, on community gardens, write, and educate people about a healthy diet.
The ADA is a great resource, and they have links to help you find a RD near you.
I think you will enjoy this series of posts, I definitely had fun talking with some of my role models about what my future could look like!

If you have any questions about what it is like to be a dietitian, shoot me an email at ejarrard [at] gmail [dot] com and I will try to get you some answers!