A Seat at the Table: Five steps to select the best dietetic program for you
By Arielle Buckley, MPH, Diversify Dietetics Intern
Chronic illnesses related to diet affect Black and Hispanic individuals at a disproportionate rate. However, less than 15% of dietitians are people of color. There is a lack of dietitians who identify with the culture of their patients. Registered dietitians nutritionists (RDN) are professionally credentialed nutrition experts who guide you to make well-informed decisions about your diet. Dietitians with diverse backgrounds push the field forward. They offer insight and expertise to create health equity tools and culturally relevant nutrition materials. If you are a person of color looking to pursue a career in dietetics, follow these steps below to ensure you choose the right program for you.
Step 1: Assess your personal goals
Before embarking on any endeavor, it is important to evaluate your personal goals.
Questions to ask yourself before selecting a dietetics program:
What are my long-term career goals as a dietitian?
Do I want to specialize in a particular area of dietetics (i.e community, clinical, food service, sports nutrition, retail nutrition, health technology, nutrition communications)?
What are my strengths?
What are some skills I hope to develop during this program?
Where do I want to live and work after obtaining my RDN credentials?
Do I enjoy working in a hospital environment?
Step 2 : Review the Pathways to become a RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are required to complete 1000+ hours of supervised practice from an accredited program, and have a graduate degree. DaVianna Robinson, a 2023 Diversify Dietetics Intern, says when she began to do more research, she realized the program she previously chose wasn’t accredited. To save time, it is important to ensure your program is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. You can find a list of accredited programs here.
To select the best accredited program for you, refer to this article to learn more about the four pathways to dietetics. After identifying the best pathway for you, move to the next step.
Step 3: Consider the Cost
Dietetic Programs can cost thousands of dollars for a quality education. The cost of a program should be considered when selecting the best program for you. Stacie Elliot, a 2023 Diversify Dietetics Intern, says cost was a main factor in her decision to choose a dietetics program. She chose distance programs because they were “cheaper and ultimately yielded the same result.”
The burden of high-cost programs is lessened via funding sources. Funding sources for university-based programs include financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Funding sources for stand alone dietetic internships may include scholarships and grants, but in most cases not federal financial aid.
Financial aid: Complete the FAFSA each year to be eligible for financial aid support through your university. A financial aid package will be created based on need. This may include loans, scholarships, and/or grants. If you need help navigating financial aid, don’t hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office at your school.
Scholarships: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (ANDF) offers scholarships for nutrition students every year. These scholarships range from $500-$25,000. You can learn more about these scholarships on the ANDF Website.In addition, consult with program directors about scholarships offered to students in need. Some programs may waive the entire program cost. Jamie Cotton, a 2023 Diversify Dietetics Intern says, “Financial aid and scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of an internship program. I was fortunate to find a program that offered a scholarship for the internship, which made it even more appealing.”
Stipends: There are a few dietetic internship programs that offer stipends for dietetic interns. The program cost is typically covered and students are given a stipend to help cover some of their cost of living.
Review the Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice to learn more about the cost of each program. This PDF has a cost, however, you can speak with a program director to check if they have access. If you are a member of the Diversify Dietetics community, you can access this guide for free.
In addition to the applicant guide, here are some free resources that will help you identify and apply to dietetic programs.
Use these resources to select 5-7 programs based on ideal location, cost, and your personal goals. Now, move on to the next step.
Step 4: Consider your culture
There is an urgent demand for dietetic programs that not only values diverse cultures, but also fosters inclusivity, and advocates for cultural competence. Attending program open houses will allow you to delve deeper into program curriculum and staff diversity. According to Asha McElroy, a 2023 Diversify Dietetics Intern, “Diversity in [a dietetic program] curriculum is important because you are exposed to different populations where you can improve your cultural humility for the communities that you serve.” Asha also says a “diverse staff will provide you with a myriad of diverse experiences that you can learn from as you develop your own skill set as a future dietitian.”
It is important to recognize your own cultural background adds significant value to the populations you will serve. As a person of color, pursuing a career in dietetics, finding an environment where you ensure you feel safe, heard, and understood is paramount.
When speaking to program directors and individuals who have completed the program, be sure to also ask questions about how a program actively embraces inclusivity and teaches students to effectively work with individuals from various cultural backgrounds..
Step 5: Evaluate your top programs
Once you’ve thoroughly assessed your preferred pathway, personal objectives, finances, and attended open houses, create a comprehensive list of pros and cons for each program you are considering. This approach will enable you to discern which program aligns best with your needs.
In addition to this, seek out help from organizations dedicated to increasing diversity within the dietetics field. Ashley Smith, a 2023 Diversify Dietetics Intern, said “the only thing that I would do differently is to get involved with organizations like DD (Diversify Dietetics) sooner. I may have been able to get more help with personal statements, applications, applying for scholarships, and participating in mentorship.”
With your own search and the help of the Diversify Dietetics community, you can make a well-informed decision and select the best dietetic program for you. May your endeavors be filled with inspiration, determination, and achievement.