Thanks for the video! I decided to make a career change at 36, which is 10 years older than when you decided to make the change, but I'm certain it'll be worth it. I originally completed a double bachelors in Law and Commerce (I live in Australia, so college is a little different here - but essentially I graduated from Law School with a double major) and had a well-paying job managing staff in a government department, but I just wasn't happy and I knew I should pursue my hobbies - which are exercise, nutrition, health & fitness. I'm about to finish my first of 4 years of another double bachelors in Exercise & Sport Science/Nutrition Science, and then apply for a Masters of Dietetics which takes 1.5-2 years to complete. Once I complete my Masters then I can register as a Registered Dietitian without needing to complete an internship or sit an exam. As you mentioned, I will need to do some volunteer work to help me get into the Masters, but it'll definitely benefit me by networking and getting an insight into the profession. Sorry for the long message, but I'm just super happy that there are others out there like me and that you've successfully pursued your passions and made your career change work through dedication, hard work, discipline & passion! All the best with your new career :)
I’m 53 and have been a nurse for 29 years, and truth be told I’ve never found total career satisfaction as a nurse. In fact, when I was still in college I wanted to change majors to nutrition, since I worked food service through most of my college career and really enjoyed it, so that would have been an obvious, natural career choice for me. But my parents and family were not supportive of me wanting to change majors, even going so far as guilt tripping me into staying in nursing. The desire to become a dietitian has never left me in all these years, but I fear it is too late at 53 to go back to school, incur more student debt, and change careers at this point. Your thoughts?
Do it. It’s NOT too late. I am a nurse as well, soon to be nurse practitioner but looking to specialize more in whole health. Mental, physical and nutritional aspects of health always interested me. So here I am looking at tips and what I can do to get at least a certification in any of the fields I am interested in.
Thank you so much for this video! It was incredibly helpful and informative. We"re like the same person except my BA is in Psych and I'm 28., lol. Did you ever see people work and complete the internship?
Thank you so much! This was super helpful and informative. It left me with a lot to think as I'm also considering a career change from political science background to a registered dietitian. I didn't know what should be my first step in regards to taking courses, and the explanation about taking prerequisites was exactly what I've been looking for :)
That makes me so happy to hear! It's an overwhelming process, but it's worth it for sure! I hope you have success in your journey. (PS: if you need more help along the way, check out my ebook in the link above.) Best of luck!
Thank you so much for this video!! I have a bachelors in psychology (no science classes) and a masters in mental health counseling. I want a career change and become a dietitian. I also live in NYC and am interested in CUNY schools too! I’m just so confused about the process. I know I’ll need to get a master’s but I’m not sure what undergrad classes I’ll have to do first.. and do I need another whole bachelors too? I can’t seem to find masters programs that lay out the required undergrad classes.
You will need to start with science pre-reqs, like chemistry, biology, anatomy & physiology, organic chem, biochem, etc. Every Master's program is slightly different, but most should list their pre-reqs on their website. If you want more help, contact me and I'll try and point you in the right direction: nutritionalanatalie.com/services/
I’m in the exact same position wow! Also have my masters in mental health counseling. Did you ever decide to pursue becoming a Dietitian? If so do you enjoy it? :)
I want to become RD but I don't really want to work at a hospital. I want to work for myself I just don't know if that brings enough income or how hard it is to find clients. I went to school for graphic design so I know I have to start from scratch. Any helpful tips on how it is to sustain yourself by working for yourself as a dietician?
There are definitely untraditional jobs for RDs that don't include working in a hospital. You will have to do a dietetic internship in a hospital to sit for your RD exam, but it is valuable experience. For example, in the hospital setting, you will learn how to work with patients who might have Diabetes, etc. and then you can apply that your own private practice later. If you want to know more about what I do, I created this video: ua-cam.com/video/Z5bSDroeEPI/v-deo.html. And you can also visit this website to read all about untraditional RD jobs: www.whatrdsdo.com/. Let me know of any other questions!
Thanks for the video! I am interested in becoming an RD after I retire from the military in 3 years. Since I already have a bachelor's, I will be looking into knocking out all the science courses locally to save money! I think the Master's route would be the best for me too since I will be coming up on that 2024 mark soon! I did have a question, it seems like everyone is pushing the ASCEND accreditation, have you seen that being an issue in the job field? I know you said you work for yourself but I was just wondering if you have heard anything. Nothing worse than working hard to get registered and then being turned away because hiring places don't like the school you went to.
Hi Eamon! As far as I know, you have to go to ASCEND accredited schools in order to be able to sit for the RD exam. I dropped a link of accredited universities in the description above. That is where you would need to do your Master's in order to be eligible to get into a DI and then take the RD exam. Let me know if that helps!
@@NatalieRizzoNutrition Thanks for your reply! That is what I was thinking but you are right about it being super hard to figure out what the heck to do in the beginning. It seems like there are loads of schools that offer programs but some don't lead you down the path to becoming an actual RD but more of a Nutritionist. Nothing wrong with that, just want to make sure I don't waste years of my life by not ending up where I want to be. Thanks again!
Do you have to master each Chem course in order to be a successful dietician? My general chemistry knowledge lacks a little bit and it’s been about a year so I’m a bit unsure :/
I would like to become a RD however I would like to do my bachelors online first but I can't seem to find anything credible or accredited, could you give me any recommendations please and thank you
As far as I know, I don't think you can do the entire bachelor's online because some of the science classes require lab work (like chemistry, anatomy and physiology, organic chem, food science, etc). But some of the classes can definitely taken online. The link in the description above shows accredited universities. My suggestion is to go through the list and see if there are any that spark your interest, then contact the nutrition department to speak to someone and get more info. Hopefully that helps!
The University of Alabama offers an entire bachelors in nutrition online. You do have to take most of the science courses elsewhere, but as of now Barton Community College offers everything needed for the program and the courses all transfer to Alabama. I'm currently attending both schools in the middle of my nutrition program.
I am an Indian and I am planning for my masters in nutrition and dietetics with RD but I dont know the universites which are providing registered dietetion. Can you please help me?
Not necessarily! There are scholarships and grants you can apply for. And I made this video a few years ago-- there have been more and more schools offering online programs. I go into all of this in my ebook (in the video description), if you're interested in learning more!
How difficult is to change from a history background to a science background? Do u find difficulties in completing those science knowledges? How much ratio of science are in the dietetic program if u have to rank? Thanks !!
Well I did it, so it's possible! Science classes are definitely tough, but you can get through them. And the dietetics program is 100% science. It's a bachelor or masters of science degree. There are some courses that are nutrition specific, but you need the science background.
Thanks for your answer🧡 they are useful. Seems like studying master in us is the most direct route as masters in either CA UK AUS requires a nutrition bachelor 🥲 im currently 24 and deciding whether to go for social work or dietetics , which is 2 completely different subjects and is stressing to face career change…
Hi, I am in a similar situation as you were when you decided to change careers. I have a BFA degree (in fashion design). I also live in NYC. Are you able to send me the link of accredited schools? The link in your video is not working. I would love to get some advice from you as I am not sure where to start since a masters degree will be required by 2024. I would only be able to go to school part time to complete the prerequisite/science courses required. I want to start taking those courses as soon as possible but It’s a little confusing to me what I should be doing because of the new requirement. I hope to hear from you!
I edited the link in the video, so it should work now. Sorry about that! Most CUNY schools are accredited and are a good place to start with pre-reqs. I would suggest starting with the info here and let me know if you have more questions! www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/become-an-rdn-or-dtr/career-changer
Hi Natalie, switching from a BA in history, did you need to obtain a BS degree AS WELL as completing the prerequisites? I was reading the requirements for obtaining a graduate degree in Nutrition from Rutgers University and they said a BS is required. I’m in a similar situation where I have a BA degree
Hi Rachael. No I did not need to get another bachelor's. The BA was suitable to apply for a Master's program, and I know many other people who have changed careers from other fields. Maybe contact the department to clarify?
I’m 26 and planning a change into dietetics as well :)
Thanks for the video! I decided to make a career change at 36, which is 10 years older than when you decided to make the change, but I'm certain it'll be worth it. I originally completed a double bachelors in Law and Commerce (I live in Australia, so college is a little different here - but essentially I graduated from Law School with a double major) and had a well-paying job managing staff in a government department, but I just wasn't happy and I knew I should pursue my hobbies - which are exercise, nutrition, health & fitness. I'm about to finish my first of 4 years of another double bachelors in Exercise & Sport Science/Nutrition Science, and then apply for a Masters of Dietetics which takes 1.5-2 years to complete. Once I complete my Masters then I can register as a Registered Dietitian without needing to complete an internship or sit an exam. As you mentioned, I will need to do some volunteer work to help me get into the Masters, but it'll definitely benefit me by networking and getting an insight into the profession. Sorry for the long message, but I'm just super happy that there are others out there like me and that you've successfully pursued your passions and made your career change work through dedication, hard work, discipline & passion! All the best with your new career :)
You are so brave👍🏻 love ur sharing!
I’m 53 and have been a nurse for 29 years, and truth be told I’ve never found total career satisfaction as a nurse. In fact, when I was still in college I wanted to change majors to nutrition, since I worked food service through most of my college career and really enjoyed it, so that would have been an obvious, natural career choice for me. But my parents and family were not supportive of me wanting to change majors, even going so far as guilt tripping me into staying in nursing. The desire to become a dietitian has never left me in all these years, but I fear it is too late at 53 to go back to school, incur more student debt, and change careers at this point. Your thoughts?
Do it. It’s NOT too late. I am a nurse as well, soon to be nurse practitioner but looking to specialize more in whole health. Mental, physical and nutritional aspects of health always interested me. So here I am looking at tips and what I can do to get at least a certification in any of the fields I am interested in.
So helpful! I am considering a career as a Registered Dietitian. Thanks a lot
I love this. I’m changing from IT to this and I love these pro tips! I hope I’m not too late to register for classes
Thank you so much for this video! It was incredibly helpful and informative. We"re like the same person except my BA is in Psych and I'm 28., lol. Did you ever see people work and complete the internship?
Thank you so much! This was super helpful and informative. It left me with a lot to think as I'm also considering a career change from political science background to a registered dietitian. I didn't know what should be my first step in regards to taking courses, and the explanation about taking prerequisites was exactly what I've been looking for :)
That makes me so happy to hear! It's an overwhelming process, but it's worth it for sure! I hope you have success in your journey. (PS: if you need more help along the way, check out my ebook in the link above.) Best of luck!
Thank you so much for this video!! I have a bachelors in psychology (no science classes) and a masters in mental health counseling. I want a career change and become a dietitian. I also live in NYC and am interested in CUNY schools too! I’m just so confused about the process. I know I’ll need to get a master’s but I’m not sure what undergrad classes I’ll have to do first.. and do I need another whole bachelors too? I can’t seem to find masters programs that lay out the required undergrad classes.
You will need to start with science pre-reqs, like chemistry, biology, anatomy & physiology, organic chem, biochem, etc. Every Master's program is slightly different, but most should list their pre-reqs on their website. If you want more help, contact me and I'll try and point you in the right direction: nutritionalanatalie.com/services/
I’m in the exact same position wow! Also have my masters in mental health counseling. Did you ever decide to pursue becoming a Dietitian? If so do you enjoy it? :)
I am taking a strange path but will eventually be an RDN!!
I want to become RD but I don't really want to work at a hospital. I want to work for myself I just don't know if that brings enough income or how hard it is to find clients. I went to school for graphic design so I know I have to start from scratch. Any helpful tips on how it is to sustain yourself by working for yourself as a dietician?
There are definitely untraditional jobs for RDs that don't include working in a hospital. You will have to do a dietetic internship in a hospital to sit for your RD exam, but it is valuable experience. For example, in the hospital setting, you will learn how to work with patients who might have Diabetes, etc. and then you can apply that your own private practice later. If you want to know more about what I do, I created this video: ua-cam.com/video/Z5bSDroeEPI/v-deo.html. And you can also visit this website to read all about untraditional RD jobs: www.whatrdsdo.com/. Let me know of any other questions!
Insurance is reimbursing pretty decently for dietitians and could be a nice step into private practice
This was awesome! Thanks!!
Thanks.
Very helpful and informative
Thanks for the video! I am interested in becoming an RD after I retire from the military in 3 years. Since I already have a bachelor's, I will be looking into knocking out all the science courses locally to save money! I think the Master's route would be the best for me too since I will be coming up on that 2024 mark soon! I did have a question, it seems like everyone is pushing the ASCEND accreditation, have you seen that being an issue in the job field? I know you said you work for yourself but I was just wondering if you have heard anything. Nothing worse than working hard to get registered and then being turned away because hiring places don't like the school you went to.
Hi Eamon! As far as I know, you have to go to ASCEND accredited schools in order to be able to sit for the RD exam. I dropped a link of accredited universities in the description above. That is where you would need to do your Master's in order to be eligible to get into a DI and then take the RD exam. Let me know if that helps!
@@NatalieRizzoNutrition Thanks for your reply! That is what I was thinking but you are right about it being super hard to figure out what the heck to do in the beginning. It seems like there are loads of schools that offer programs but some don't lead you down the path to becoming an actual RD but more of a Nutritionist. Nothing wrong with that, just want to make sure I don't waste years of my life by not ending up where I want to be. Thanks again!
Do you have to master each Chem course in order to be a successful dietician? My general chemistry knowledge lacks a little bit and it’s been about a year so I’m a bit unsure :/
What's the difference between a DPD and a coordinated program?
Thank you
I would like to become a RD however I would like to do my bachelors online first but I can't seem to find anything credible or accredited, could you give me any recommendations please and thank you
As far as I know, I don't think you can do the entire bachelor's online because some of the science classes require lab work (like chemistry, anatomy and physiology, organic chem, food science, etc). But some of the classes can definitely taken online. The link in the description above shows accredited universities. My suggestion is to go through the list and see if there are any that spark your interest, then contact the nutrition department to speak to someone and get more info. Hopefully that helps!
The University of Alabama offers an entire bachelors in nutrition online. You do have to take most of the science courses elsewhere, but as of now Barton Community College offers everything needed for the program and the courses all transfer to Alabama. I'm currently attending both schools in the middle of my nutrition program.
I am an Indian and I am planning for my masters in nutrition and dietetics with RD but I dont know the universites which are providing registered dietetion. Can you please help me?
Hello, she has shared a link in her Description, you will find the list of accredited courses over there
I have a B.F.A. but no money to go back to school. I guess the biggest key to change careers is money :(
Not necessarily! There are scholarships and grants you can apply for. And I made this video a few years ago-- there have been more and more schools offering online programs. I go into all of this in my ebook (in the video description), if you're interested in learning more!
@@NatalieRizzoNutrition Thank you so much for this information. I really want to help overweight children.
How difficult is to change from a history background to a science background? Do u find difficulties in completing those science knowledges? How much ratio of science are in the dietetic program if u have to rank? Thanks !!
Well I did it, so it's possible! Science classes are definitely tough, but you can get through them. And the dietetics program is 100% science. It's a bachelor or masters of science degree. There are some courses that are nutrition specific, but you need the science background.
Thanks for your answer🧡 they are useful. Seems like studying master in us is the most direct route as masters in either CA UK AUS requires a nutrition bachelor 🥲 im currently 24 and deciding whether to go for social work or dietetics , which is 2 completely different subjects and is stressing to face career change…
Hi Natalie! What do you think about Distance Didactic Programs? I have a bachelor’s in Business but thinking about changing career to dietitian.
What age did you become a registered dietician
I was 31 when I became an RD
Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD ...... is there anyone that has become a RD in their 20s
@@heva7672 Absolutely! Plenty of people become RDs in their 20s
Hi, I am in a similar situation as you were when you decided to change careers. I have a BFA degree (in fashion design). I also live in NYC. Are you able to send me the link of accredited schools? The link in your video is not working. I would love to get some advice from you as I am not sure where to start since a masters degree will be required by 2024. I would only be able to go to school part time to complete the prerequisite/science courses required. I want to start taking those courses as soon as possible but It’s a little confusing to me what I should be doing because of the new requirement. I hope to hear from you!
I edited the link in the video, so it should work now. Sorry about that! Most CUNY schools are accredited and are a good place to start with pre-reqs. I would suggest starting with the info here and let me know if you have more questions! www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/become-an-rdn-or-dtr/career-changer
Does it matter what school you go to as long as its ACEND accredited?
I don't think it matters that much. As long as you pass the RD exam, you should be able to find a job!
Hi Natalie, switching from a BA in history, did you need to obtain a BS degree AS WELL as completing the prerequisites? I was reading the requirements for obtaining a graduate degree in Nutrition from Rutgers University and they said a BS is required. I’m in a similar situation where I have a BA degree
Hi Rachael. No I did not need to get another bachelor's. The BA was suitable to apply for a Master's program, and I know many other people who have changed careers from other fields. Maybe contact the department to clarify?
@@NatalieRizzoNutrition Thanks for the reply! I have contacted them so I guess I’ll await to hear their response!