Any online degrees to become a registred dietitian. Have BS in liberal studies

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by Dr M, Oct 12, 2013.

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  1. Dr M

    Dr M New Member

    Live in new jersey cannot afford high tuition or 4 yr degree
     
  2. Jonathan Whatley

    Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  4. Dr M

    Dr M New Member

    Thanks so to become RD I need BS and MS in dietetics?
     
  5. Dr M

    Dr M New Member

    What steps will I need to take if I have a BS in liberal studies but do not want a second BS in Nutrition
     
  6. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    You don't need a masters degree to become a dietitian. I had to edit my post; I posted the requirements for the wrong state.

    Edit: This is strange. I can't find the government agency in New Jersey responsible for registering dietitians. CADE's website also does not list a contact agency for New Jersey.
    http://www.eatright.org/HealthProfessionals/content.aspx?id=7093

     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 12, 2013
  7. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I'm sure it varies from state to state. I don't know the rules where you live so you'll have to do some homework. Also, these programs are not always listed as "Dietetics" but sometimes as "Nutritian." You probably already knew that.
     
  8. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Why do you assume online degrees are cheaper than instate tuition? Generally they are not. Anyway, the link Jonathan provided is the one you need to visit. If you have a BS in liberal studies, you have to find a program that rolls everything into it- your sciences and your didactic, you'll need a supervised internship. The only programs that lead to RD must be ACEND accredited, period.

    As far as cost, it is probably cheaper if you'd consider another bachelor's degree. It's also probably cheaper if you can take your sciences locally and transfer them in, but you'd need approval to do that. You'll need the full science sequence of biology 1 & 2 with lab, chemistry 1 & 2 with lab, organic chemistry/biochemistry. That's before you start studying food science, so those classes can sometimes be completed at your community college.

    If you opt for a non-RD degree in nutrition, be sure you have a solid plan regarding what you will do with it, because most nutrition professionals do have the RD credential. In fact, the majority of cohorts in my MS Nutrition program already had their RD before enrolling. (my MS program does not lead to an RD)
     
  9. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

  10. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    I don't know what the employers are looking for in New Jersey, but the state does not require you to be a registered dietitian.
     
  11. Delta

    Delta Active Member

    Nutrition 101 Free Lesson

    "If it tastes good, spit it out, if it tastes like cardboard, eat it!" hehe
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 13, 2013
  12. heythem500

    heythem500 New Member

    iam not sure abou this matter
     
  13. Delta

    Delta Active Member

    Nutrition 102 free lesson

    When you go to the supermarket buy more food that is in the outer circle (fresh vegetables, fruit) and less food from the inner circle (processed, packaged, etc).
     
  14. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    "Dietitian" is one thing. "Nutritionist" is completely another. When I took my single, 2-credit college course in nutrition (instructor was a registered Dietitian) she told us that at that time (1989) here in Canada, a Dietitian needed a specific Master's - no ifs or buts, whereas anyone, regardless of training or lack thereof, could call themselves a "nutritionist" and not go to jail. I'm not sure if that's still true...but it was, then.

    I think Jennifer said it best: "The only programs that lead to RD must be ACEND accredited, period."
    With her background, I guess she should know. :smile:

    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 5, 2013
  15. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    BTW - I've always been glad of that nutrition course. I needed 2 credits in ANYTHING to finish up and that course was my seventh choice. The first six night courses I wanted didn't run - summer term, low enrolment.

    I learned more good things than I expected -- by far. It's so important - everybody's gotta eat -- and health, quality of life and longevity revolve around what you eat -- and what you don't. I'm sure that both the personal advice and the teaching I got in that course have contributed hugely to my excellent health at 70 -- heck, even the fact that I'm still around. I thank my Maker for my health daily -- and I should thank Linda (that was her name) once again for her excellent diet & nutrition instruction, back all those years ago. I'm glad I listened!

    Linda, you rock! :smile:

    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 5, 2013
  16. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Nutrition and dietetics is a very complected field. There are state licenses and credentials (RD, nutritionist, diet tech, etc) and the rules governing them depend on each state. The site link below is pretty helpful as far as figuring out what the state requires. Again, if you're planning on NOT getting an RD, you need to have a good plan how to use your degree. You can't use the word nutrition or diet (and in many states "weight loss") or you can be charged for practicing without a license. There really are rules, and you should know that there are TONS of nutrition degrees out there- but a degree in nutrition is not the credential that allows you to practice; a degree leads to a degree (BA, BS, MA, MS). To become an RD or licensed, you need a credential, and all credentials are very specific about education requirements. Obtaining anything that leads to a license requires a clinical and heavy science. You have to attend an approved program and pass a credential exam IN ADDITION to earning a degree. Even in the couple states that are somewhat flexible, the laws are changing and dietitians are fighting hard for required licensing. Center for Nutrition Advocacy | Empowering Professionals To Transform Health Through Nutrition
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 5, 2013

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