People always ask me: why did you choose Nutrition as a career? My response would always be – I did not choose nutrition; nutrition choose me. In this blog i will be sharing with you my journey from wanting to be a Pilot to pursuing a career in Nutrition and my experiences in the field.
Was Nutrition my first career choice?
In high school, I knew very little about careers in Nutrition. In fact, Nutrition was never in my thought process.
Wanted To Become A Pilot
I have always dreamed of becoming a Pilot or land a job in the field of Aviation. My obsession with planes would often lead me to take the bus to the The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and sit on the waving gallery. I would be inspired and fascinated by the planes as they took off and landed.
The high school I attended in Jamaica allowed us to choose classes or subjects that reflected the career path we may have wanted to explore.
Sciences I Studied in High School.
In high school, I studied mostly the sciences: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Geography. These classes were some of the requirements to get into pilot school.
Unfortunately, my physics teacher choose to engage in a 40 day fast with no food and he became very ill.
His substitute did not do a great job teaching Physics and I was failing the class. I had to drop the class and my only other 2 options were: Food and Nutrition or Accounts.
Nutrition Choose Me.
Accounting to be was boring, so I choose Food and Nutrition. I fell in love with the idea of planning and preparing a meal and eating it afterwards.
My dream of becoming a Pilot over time, faded in the limelight of a career path in Nutrition. I strongly believe that I was ordained to be in the field of Food and Nutrition- Nutrition choose me.
What Happened After High School?
After sitting my CXC exams and successfully passed 7 subjects, I applied to the University Of Technology (UTECH) and got accepted into their Dietetics and Nutrition Program. It was at this college that my journey into the field of Dietetics and Nutrition started to germinate.
Fast forward 3 years later, l completed my Diploma and landed my first full-time job in Food and Nutrition.
My 1st Full-time Job in Nutrition
I have worked a summer job as a Dietetic Clerk or what they call a Nutrition Assistant in the US, at The Spanish Town Hospital.
After completing University, I obtained a job as a Food Service Supervisor in the Dietary Department at The University Hospital Of The West Indies , commonly known as UHWI. (pronounced Uwee).
This is the same hospital where my mom and dad worked for many years.
Food Service and Patient Care
To date, this is the toughest job i have ever worked.
I was fresh out of college, and had very little experience.
I looked like a 12 year old. Yet, I had to supervise dietary staff that were old enough to be my mom and grandmother.
But i grew,developed and gained a lot of Food service and patient care related skills.
Studied Food and Nutrition Sciences In The US.
After resigning from my job as a Food Service Supervisor in Jamaica, i migrated the US and enrolled into the Nutrition Program at Brooklyn College CUNY.
I received both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Health and Nutrition Sciences while holding a full-time job.
Disparity of Black Professionals in the Nutrition Field.
It is very obvious that the field of nutrition is predominantly Caucasian. Look at the colleges, nutrition seminars and the work place.
While Brooklyn college is a melting pot of students with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the Nutrition and other Programs did not reflect this diversity.
Lack of Diversity In College Nutrition Programs.
There were some classes where I was the only African American. This is also true for the faculty or professors in the program.
There were only 2-3 African American Professors I have encountered during my tenure at Brooklyn College.
Moreover, these black professors were not the ones who taught the core nutrition classes.
10 Facts About the nutrition field
(1)
It’s a female dominated field.
(2)
Predominately Caucasian; very small % of African Americans/blacks.
(3)
College Nutrition Program is heavily science based: Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Clinical Nutrition, Micronutrients, and Statistics & Research.
(4)
Salary will not get you rich
(5)
The profession is underrated and least valued compared to the other healthcare professions.
(6)
Need to be an Registered Dietitian (RD) to work in a hospital setting.
(7)
To become a RD, you must apply to at least 1 internship program (at least $50 for each application), sit an exam after completing and pass it.
(8)
A Dietetic Internship can run for 9-12 months full-time. Internship programs can cost from $10,000 to $25,000.
(9)
Without the RD license, you are limited to jobs outside of a clinical setting or those that require you to be a RD. These jobs includes: WIC Nutritionist, Food Service Supervisor, School Teacher, Public Health Inspector, just to name a few.
(10)
You have to love and have a passion for food and nutrition sciences to last in the field. Least to say, it is a very rewarding career.
Master’s Degree In Nutrition Needed by 2024
Note: By 2024, a Master’s degree will be required to not only make you more marketable, but to help you get placed into a DI Program.
Therefore, if you are planning on pursuing a career in Nutrition, an advanced degree is highly recommended.
What is the Nutrition Dietetic Internship program?
Eatright.org
After completing your BS Degree in Nutrition, you will have to apply to a Dietetic Internship (DI) Program. The Academy Of Nutrition and Dietetic provides you with a directory of all accredited nutrition and DI Programs in the US.
Online and Part-time Dietetic Internship Programs
There are now online or distant Internship programs. However, you may have to find your own preceptors. Some DI programs now offer part-time placements.
In addition, The University Of Colorado Post-Baccalaureate DI Program provides a distance education model that allow you to complete the DI program without relocating.
Combined Master’s and DI Programs.
Some colleges or universities allows you to take both the Dietetic internship and Masters Program together.
The University of St. Joseph in Connecticut offers this same dual concept that allows their students to apply to their DI program.
Once they get matched to their program, they can apply to the Master’s Degree program and both can be taken simultaneously.
Brooklyn College, the school i attended, now has a DI Program tied into their MS Nutrition Program.
Dietetic Internships (DI) Uses DICAS
The Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Process (DICAS) is an online application service that allows students to apply to as many DI as needed.
Each DI program has a limited number of slots (~5 – 20) for interns.
The DI Matching Process
The Applicants then goes through a matching process where they can get selected to one of the DI programs they applied.
The matching process is very competitive as hundreds of students across the US are applying for one of 5 – 20 placements at a particular DI Program.
New York Presbyterian Hospital DI Program provides you with the breakdown of the application phases of their DI Program.
1200 Hours Internship
Once you are selected or matched to an internship program and you must pay your “$15,000” tuition fee.
You will need to complete 1200 hours of supervised practice in Clinical Nutrition, Community Nutrition and Food Service Management.
Some internship programs may offer other additional rotations.
The RD Exam and Fee
After you have successfully completed the 1200 hours of supervised rotations, you will be cleared by your DI Preceptors to register and pay a $200 fee for the The Register Dietitian (RD) Exam .
The RD exam is not easy. You will have to first study different modules that covers clinical nutrition, food service, Management and community nutrition.
What is the RD Exam?
The Exam consist of 125 scenario type choice questions. You will have 2.5 – 3 hours to sit the exam and you must get 25 points to pass the exam.
The grading system is very complicated. But, the computer will detect when you are failing in a certain area and will feed you more questions until you either redeem yourself or continue to fail.
Once the exam is finished, the computer screen will go blank and you will know right there and then if you passed or failed.
NYSED Office Of The Professions
When you pass the exam, you will be able to start the application process either online or by mail to get your RD licence.
A fee of $294 is due once the application is received. You can pay online or personal cheque can mailed to the NYS Education Department. (NYSED).
Academy of Nutrition Membership
After you have passed your RD exam and maybe were offered a job to work in a hospital as a Dietitian.
If you have not done so already, you will need to apply to be a member of the The Academy Of Nutrition and Dietetic.
In addition, the Academy’s yearly membership will cost you around $235.
It comes with a number of discounted benefits and continuing Education (CE) credits opportunities to help maintain your RD license.
Dietitian vs Nutritionist
Many people unknowingly use the term Dietitian and Nutritionist interchangeably. But they both carry different weight.
However, the main difference between the two is the legal restrictions that each titles carries.
While some states require that a Nutritionist obtain a occupational license from their state’s nutrition board, some states allow individuals to practice as nutritionist without any formal education or training.
The Dietitian on the other hand, must obtain at least a Bachelor Degree, pass the RD exam in order to become licensed and be legally called a Registered Dietitian.
Would I Recommend Someone to Pursue Nutrition?
Nutrition is a great field to pursue. In this blog I have encapsulated a little of my experiences and knowledge in the field of Nutrition.
The Nutrition Program is growing and changing. The Academy of Nutrition said that they are trying to promote more racial diversity in the field.
Responsibilities vs. No Responsibility
Honestly, the Nutrition Program was designed for students who recently graduated from high school and is still living with their parents with little or no financial obligations.
In comparison, for someone who lives on their own and/or has a family with more financial responsibilities, pursuing a career in Nutrition with the hopes of becoming a RD, may pose some financial challenges.
But do not let anything or anyone discourages you from reaching your goals.
If you have the passion and love for Nutrition, you have already established your foundation for continued growth and building a career in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Mentor and Networking
Mentorship and networking help a lot.
I highly encourage that you network with people in the nutrition field very early and establish a mentor to help guide you through your journey.
Let Me Know What You Think.
Hope you liked this blog. Leave a comment or a question, would love to know what you think. Also check out my other blogs and share.
I visited various web sites however the audio feature for audio
songs current at this web site is actually excellent.
It’s difficult to find well-informed people in this particular subject,
however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
But Why a 1 star?
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website
before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll
be book-marking and checking back often!
Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to drop by anytime. Share with tour friends and family members
Actually no matter if someone doesn’t be aware of then its up to other visitors that they will help, so here it takes place.
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
My contact form is not active as yet.You can contact me on my other social platforms
Genuinely when someone doesn’t know afterward its up to other
people that they will help, so here it occurs.
hi!,I really like your writing very so much!
share we keep up a correspondence more approximately your article on AOL?
I require a specialist on this house to unravel my problem.
May be that is you! Taking a look ahead to peer you.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be
book-marking and checking back frequently!
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post,
I’ll try to get the hang of it!
I am not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for
my mission.
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe
guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My blog covers
a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the
way!
Thank you.i will keep you posted
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website
before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it’s new to
me. Regardless, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and
checking back often!
This piece of writing will assist the internet people for setting up new webpage or even a
blog from start to end.
Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your
site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a
look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, good site!
Thank You. I appreciate you stopping by. Feel free to check out my other blog post-please leave a rating; I would love to know what you think.
Very nice article, exactly what I was looking for.
Hey there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the outstanding work!
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!
I think the admin of this web page is really working hard in support of his
site, since here every data is quality based material.
I’m really loving the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems?
A couple of my blog readers have complained about my site not
operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any recommendations to help fix this problem?
I am sorry, but i have no idea. I am just a blogger. You can contact your web hosting care line and they will help you.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is simply placing the
other person’s weblog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do similar
for you.
Inspiring story there. What occurred after? Good luck!
Hello, just wanted to say, I loved this blog post.
It was helpful. Keep on posting!
My partner and I stumbled over here from a different
web address and thought I may as well check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web page yet again.
It is not my first time to visit this web page, i am browsing this
web site dailly and take fastidious facts from here daily.
I think this is one of the most important info
for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the
articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
I do trust all the ideas you have presented in your post.
They are really convincing and can definitely work.
Still, the posts are too quick for starters. May just you
please lengthen them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through
some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board
and I to find It truly useful & it helped me out much.
I’m hoping to give something again and aid others
like you aided me.
Asking questions are really pleasant thing if
you are not understanding something entirely, however this piece of writing
presents pleasant
understanding yet.
Hey there, You have done a great job. I will definitely digg
it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from
this web site.
After exploring a handful of the articles on your blog, I really like your way of writing a blog.
I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future.
Take a look at my website as well and tell me what you think.
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble
locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you
might be interested in hearing. Either way,
great site and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.