How to Become a REGISTERED DIETITIAN | Start to Finish

[@TheCristinaEve]

I was definitely the type that wasn't the best at science, but I managed to pick it up well and I LOVE the science behind it now.

[@healthywholesomelifedestin8639]

Do you have recommended books for those who want to be a dietitian, but aren't in college or have just started? I'm really interested in getting background information and knowledge on terms to better prepare myself for my future.

[@emilydow3759]

This was lovely thank you so much! Nice to see someone who hates math (like I do) still made it through bio/organic chem! I've been worried about that

[@freshfitnhealthy]

Us dietitian pros keepin it real :) loved both this and the last one Becca!

[@BeccaBristow]

+Fresh Fit N Healthy Yes!! And thank you so much! :)

[@amanda185]

Just started my nutrition degree and have my first set of midterms this week! Definitely intense but I'm enjoying it:) Love your videos and am looking forward to the one on internships. I thought I would hit the ground running and do volunteering in first year, but I don't know how people find the time! Maybe summer is the best time to get those things in? Keep up the good work and would love more RD-related videos! xo

[@amanda185]

+amanda185 oh and congrats on getting your designation!!

[@Hccai]

It's also important to attend an AND accredited school (for a DPD = undergrad, or CPD = graduate) before applying to the internship :)! This video was so helpful for someone who's currently in the process - can't wait to watch your internship video!

[@BeccaBristow]

Yes great point!! Thanks girl!

[@libertylane35]

I just randomly came across your channel from your what I eat in a day video and I'm soo happy I found you!! I'm currently a sophomore in college and I'm going into dietetics but I haven't gotten into the program yet because I'm completing my pre-reqs and classes to fulfill my AA but this video was sooo helpful! I know you went to Penn state which is a larger school but I was wondering if your program was large? I live in Florida and I'm curious to see how big the program is (at UF) because it seems small so I'm wondering if the competition will be intense. Thanks for all the tips :)

[@BeccaBristow]

+lheimer35 Yay I'm so glad my videos have been helpful to you! Yes PSU is huge haha but that program was relatively small..probably somewhere between 100-200 students

[@libertylane35]

+lheimer35 Wow, thanks so much for replying!! Newest subscriber right here, not gonna lie I'm gonna binge watch your videos lol ;) A good video idea if your up for it would be what to wear to a dietetic internship, I'm always curious on the professional outfits in those settings.

[@BeccaBristow]

Yay welcome!!! That's actually a really good idea I never thought of that one before!! Thank you :)

[@xoxoBriaNicole]

Why don't you have more subscribers??! You are so fun to watch 😊

[@BeccaBristow]

+Bria Nicole Haha thank you!! I'm so glad you enjoy my videos! :)

[@shivanichauhan1244]

You are just way awesome. Beauty with mind :) I am too inspired.

[@BeccaBristow]

+Shivani Chauhan Wow thank you so much!! And thank you for watching! xo

[@seekingknowledge81]

Thank you so much for putting this out here for us.

[@Teacupgirly]

i'm in the process of becoming an RD. they didn't tell me in the beginning how long and strange this process is, lol!! i finished my undergrad, and am applying to internships this february. not looking forward to it at all :( i will most likely be doing a Distance Internship, since my state doesn't offer many internship options. About the science courses.... i did not do very well in them, but neither did a lot of my nutrition classmates. I definitely think you can be a great RD without being a scientist per say, as long as you did really well in all the nutrition courses :)

[@JulieDiana1992]

+Mariya Kuyan That makes me feel better because I am not a math or chem expert

[@motherindia8626]

What is rd can u describes for me plsssß

[@hannahhloveee]

i'm currently in school to become an RD! I would looove if you did a day in the life of an RD

[@breenalizaola7544]

Hey becca, Loved the video. I am a new subscriber! I recently switched my major from nursing to nutrition and was just curious if you had any advice on having a minor?? You're absolutely stunning and loved all the info you provided! Makes me even more excited :)

[@BeccaBristow]

Thanks so much for watching and subscribing! There aren't really any minors that are super nutrition related..I know some people minored in psych or a second language like Spanish, but that's all I know of. I was planning on minoring in entrepreneurship but it ended up not working out so I just didn't have a minor. If you can fit one in that has classes you enjoy, I say go for it! But if not I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[@breenalizaola7544]

+Becca Kay thank you so much for responding! One last question as far as work is concerned would you suggest working in food service field to gain experience? I'm finishing up my undergrad and am currently in retail. Thanks for all the advice!

[@BeccaBristow]

Clinical experience is usually the most valuable/looks the best to internship directors, however any experience at all will help you!

[@sierracooksey783]

Your hair is looking good! Love this makeup- tutorial? 😬😍😍😍

[@BeccaBristow]

+Sierra Elkin Thanks girl!! I'm finally getting my hair back to a color that I like!! Thank god haha

[@leslies9404]

I love that you explain everything so well!👏👏 it's hard to find information when you want to become an RD. You're chanel has the best tips and info, thank you!👍 You have explained the process but what about jobs? was it hard for you to find a job? and I know you should do something because you love it but college is an investment, so would you say the salary is good? After all the years in college I think it's fair to want a good paying job ! 😊 Thank you again for the information!

[@tristinjoy]

You should make a video on what you're doing now!

[@madiiixoxo]

Seriously these RD videos are SOOO helpful! I'm in undergrad now and I'm struggling a lot with all the science, but I know it is going to be worth it in the end. Thanks for all the motivation and advice Becca :)

[@BeccaBristow]

+Madi Murphy You are SO welcome!! I'm so happy I can help! The science is tough but you will absolutely get through it and it definitely will be all worth it!! Good luck with all your classes this semester xoxo

[@theveganrd5770]

You totally forgot a coordinated program! Do you not know about them? :( our undergrad is crammed (quite literally) into three years and our last year is rotations with our preceptors while we are taking a couple classes. It's a lot harder and more competitive to get into the program (you apply and interview your sophomore year) but it really does pay off because you graduate and are ready to take the exam asap! I look forward to a RD exam vid since I'm a junior now and only have one year left! :D

[@BeccaBristow]

+Kaydee Shaw I know about them! I didn't mention them since they're are so few and far between and starting to die out, but they are awesome! I would have loved to have it all done in 4 years. Good luck!

[@23100Battlefield]

You Have Inspired Me To Become An RD, Can you work for a while after you get your undergrad before going on to the internship?? Or, does this look really bad???

[@shonnieshon6791]

what's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietician? what sort of job opportunities are there fpr dieticians?

[@becomingaSwan]

Hi Becca this was a very helpful and encouraging video I'm currently at a community college hoping to transfer to a uni in the next year or so and plan to become an RD I was nervous about the science but was encouraged by your video if I were to want my masters would I get that before looking into internships?

[@BeccaBristow]

Hi! I'm so glad you found this video helpful and encouraging :) You can totally do it! As far as a master's, you could do it before, during, or after. Some internships combine a required master's along with the internship, but most are just the internship (I believe this will be changing in the next 10 years to all required masters with internship). I would suggest applying for the internship right away and trying to get that completed, and then working on your masters after. And if you don't get matched at first, you could always start working on your masters then so you have something to fall back on! I did my internship first, and am now taking classes at night for my masters so I can work full time. This seems to be the most popular path people take! I hope this helps!!

[@ankitakundu7556]

Can u plz upload rd exam tips & more about rd exam info? ???plzzzzzz

[@deanna8559]

I am so nervous on pursuing my career as a dietician. I will be starting my pre-reqs new semester at Hunter College hopefully. I have heard so many things about it and Im just afraid I won't be able to get through the schooling. I want to specialize in eating disorders. Do I have to find a special school that has that or can I just choose that specialization and put that label on myself after I graduate?

[@BeccaBristow]

+Yogifindingpeace Nutrition is a lot more challenging than most people would think, but that does not mean it's not doable!! Just work hard and you will be fine! It's a great field to be in and certainly worth the work you have to put in!

[@saralbruno]

Hey! I know you made this comment 2 years ago but i'm so curious how your pre requs went! Im also doing prerequs at a cuny school! Not in nutrition though. How are you doing now?

[@Joy-fb5lh]

hello Becca! Thank you soo much for making these videos! They are the most helpful ones I have come across on youtube this far! Im currently a Nutrition student and looking to become an RD!and am looking for the best nutrition program that will allow me to take the RD exam after I graduate. Unfortunately the school I was currently attending does not set me up for that exam, if I was to continue with the school and get a degree , what would I need to do in order to take the exam, or do you have any schools in mind that have a nutrition program that will set you up for the exam? Any info helps!! Thanks in advance.

[@jamiesue4300]

What kind of dietetics are you working in now? Or plan to work in? Love your video so helpful!

[@BeccaBristow]

+Jamie Sue I'm in clinical! I just started working in an acute rehab/long term care center, so I'm working with a geriatric population :)

[@batoolagh]

HI BECCA, thank you for this video. I really loved it. I just finished the DI year in Saudi Arabia and I'm coming to US soon. I want to ask you if it is possible to me to get the RD exam? thanks!

[@farahali4547]

Yaaas pleas do the exam video

[@sarathomas8499]

So what's the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

[@jessesanchez8479]

Hello just came across your video. I currently work as a dietary assistant should that count as internship?

[@kavitakanojia2598]

i m graduate i hv done bsc home science in ATD but the 2 years i have studied foods n nutrition i am eligible for RD exm

[@michellehausmann229]

Is grad school not something to look into at all for nutrition? I'm in my ug and just trying to understand the best possible route. Love your videos they are so helpful!!

[@BeccaBristow]

+Michelle Hausmann No grad school is definitely something to look into! Within the next 10 years or so they plan to make all dietetic internships combined with masters program so that it starts being required to have a masters if you want to become an RD.

[@annesears6757]

I would love to hear thoughts on if you hadn't become a youtuber... and were a practicing RD. I'm second guessing MS RD because of salary.. :/ love food/cooking/community/healthy food as preventative medicine and is at core of why I thought I wanted to be RD. Currently working under RD at nursing home... and I've learned I don't want her job. I keep thinking more about PA school (because $$) and as a way to get patients to begin thinking about eating BEFORE rather than a RD lecturing them when they aren't open. Thoughts to salary worries with a MS?

[@kirstenray7826]

Hi Becca! I am studying to become an RD, and I have researched different areas that they go into. I love your videos and I was curious if you make money solely from online or do you have a 9-5 sort of day job that you go to?

[@BeccaBristow]

Hi Kirsten! Hope you're studies are going well :) I do make all of my money online, although at this point in time, it is much less than I was making in my previous 9-5 counseling job

[@nelliedeleon3817]

Thank you so much for your video, it was very informative. I am currently seeking more information regarding this degree. If you don't mind, in addition to all the science classes ,what other undergrad classes should be take? I would not like to waist time or money taking classes that are not required.

[@BeccaBristow]

+Nellie DeLeon The degree is a combination of general courses (that all college undergrads will take), science classes, and then the dietetics classes that teach you more about what you need to know to work in the field (ex. medical nutrition therapy, food service management). The best thing to do is to work with an advisor right from the start! They will help you to make sure you stay on track with your required classes, and they can also make sure you don't take any unnecessary classes. Hope this helped :)

[@nelliedeleon3817]

+Becca Kay Thank you so much, it does.

[@adrianagil9224]

Can you do a day in the life of an RD?

[@karashibley8122]

Thank you so much!!!

[@polly5885]

undergrad here ... I'm taking my first science major bio class... i was wondering if you had any study tips on how to do well with the science .. -.- sadly high school did not prepare me for this . btw the video inspired me to keep my chin up.. i too want to be an RD someday :)

[@BeccaBristow]

+Polly I'm so glad the video inspired you! My three biggest tips for you would be to: 1. Go to your professor directly and ask any questions you have to clear them up (like during their office hours). I did this ALL the time and it helped so much!! It's just impossible to catch everything they say during their lectures. 2. Find a group that you like to study with and study with them before every exam!!! I did this all through college and it seriously helped me so much. I would always go through the material on my own before we met up and then we would just go through everything together. It really helps to learn and understand all of the concepts fully when you have others to bounce off of! 3. Know the material so well that you can teach it. This is hands down the best tip. There's no way around it, you just have to KNOW it! Hope this helped!! xoxo

[@polly5885]

+Becca Kay yes it did thank you so much for replying :) il try my best to ace this now..

[@BeccaBristow]

You can do it!!! I have faith in ya :)

[@cutekash123]

How many hours per day is the internship? :) thank you for making the video. it is very helpful!

[@TheCristinaEve]

+BeBe Sparkle 8 hours a day/ 40 hours a week is generally how it goes. However, depending on the preceptor and circumstances, you could work more hours a week. I'm currently in my internship right now too!

[@cheyrou02]

What if you have a degree in something like hospitality. AA done. Bachelors done. But now I want to become a RD- how would those steps go?

[@BeccaBristow]

+Chey Babii In order to be eligible for a dietetic internship you have to complete all the didactic courses required by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/Commission on Dietetic Registration, which basically means all of those science/dietetic classes. Some of your classes form hospitality may cross over (especially for food service), but you can't apply for internships and go on to become an RD until you complete all of the didactic courses. I don't think you would necessarily need to get a whole other degree, but you would need to take those additional courses in order to apply for internships!

[@cheyrou02]

Thanks for the info!! :)

[@BeccaBristow]

You're so welcome! I'm always here to answer any questions you may have! :)

[@23100Battlefield]

Im studying to become a registered hoistic nutritionist, half way done. Would this help me get accepted into dietetics??

[@23100Battlefield]

BTW it requires 1200 hours of 1 on 1 coaching with clients before you get certified. So its a lot of experience in nutrition

[@LaurenKellyMiranda]

how long did it take you to graduate with you BA in nutrition/ dietetics?? im really wanting to switch my major from communication to dietetics but this is already my 3rd year in college:( thank you for all your help!!

[@BeccaBristow]

Hi Lauren! Most programs take 4 years :( What is inspiring you to consider the switch?

[@LaurenKellyMiranda]

i reallyhave an interest in health and fitness, and of course nutrition! im wanting to gear my communication major towards those fields or maybe social media and marketing since i have a big following through instagram already, so ive been researching dietetics but i know itll be alot of schooling if i switch over completely so im not too sure on what to do:(

[@BeccaBristow]

Trying to get a communications job within a health/fitness related company could be a really good idea! Don't get me wrong, dietetics is an awesome career path but it is heavily medical/clinical based, instead of wellness based, which I think a lot of people don't necessarily know. If you hate the idea of working in a hospital & more with medicine not prevention (at least to start) then I would steer you away since that's majority of the jobs that are available that are focusing strictly on nutrition (as opposed to food service or work with improving community nutrition or something like that). I would say try a health-focused communications route, and if you still can't seem to move on from the desire to become an RD you can always go back!!

[@BeccaBristow]

And PS congrats on your insta following!! Haha teach me your ways! Also just followed ya :)

[@LaurenKellyMiranda]

thank you so much this helps a lot! :) just followed you also! and congrats on your marriage! i hope your day tomorrow is amazing! my friends gets married tomorrow as well! so funny:)

[@anaisabelappff]

hi, i am studying dietetics and i wanted to know how it is the paid as a RD ?

[@BeccaBristow]

+anaisabelappff It really all depends what part of the field you are in! It varies widely.

[@samknepper5601]

I am currently attending IUP for the nutrition/dietetics degree. They also have a nutrition/nutrition degree, what degree would you recommend? I have done research and it just says about legal things that separate them. Thank you!

[@BeccaBristow]

If you plan to apply to internships and pursue becoming an RD I would go with the dietetics option! I would talk to your counselor though to get more information.

[@kelliegriffin3370]

Hey becca quick question I have a bachelors degree in accounting but am very interested in becoming an rd; can I get a masters in nutrition to qualify as the degree portion?

[@BeccaBristow]

Hi Kellie! That's a great question, but unfortunately not. There's a lot of specific classes that need to be taken in undergrad (needs to be through a didactic program in nutrition/dietetics) in order to be eligible to apply for an internship and therefore become an RD. Hope this helps!

[@giselleho7994]

hey! I'm from indonesia and it is very hard to find nutrition degree here. i was wondering is it okay ,instead of having nutrition degree, to take food science degree in undergrad? will it take longer time to become RD? Thanks:) Luv the video BTW very informative

[@BeccaBristow]

+Giselle Angelie Ho a food science degree does not provide all the classes necessary for you to qualify for a dietetic internship, at least in the US. Indonesia may be different, so I would do some research! But based off of what they do here in the US I would say no.

[@Sarah22609]

Is there a difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

[@BeccaBristow]

Hi Sarah! Yes, there's a big difference! Nutritionists in general have a degree in nutrition, but some people claim they are nutritionists even without obtaining a degree. Dietitians require a 4 year degree plus the 1200 hour supervised practice internship. Dietitians must also complete continuing education in order to keep their credential and practice as an RD, while nutritionists do not have any requirements that force them to stay current on research. You may come across a nutritionist who IS super knowledgable and on top of research, but they are not all reliable. Dietitians however are much more reliable when it comes to nutritional info, and are considered the only true "nutrition professionals." Hope this helps!

[@oliviagray3406]

Hey girl! Do you know anyone who didn't have an undergrad degree in science who became an RD? I've become super interested in the field over the last few months, but I'm a senior business major (of course it took me this long to realize it haha). Any advice you might have would be super helpful!!

[@BeccaBristow]

+Olivia Gray I do not..I know people who have other science degrees (ex. veterinarian) who applied to the internship and they just had to take a couple of extra courses. But in order to apply you have to take all of the basic science courses + nutrition courses so you would need to take those first! If you really are passionate about it, you could take the pre-reqs at night while working a business-related day job and just work your way up. Not the most ideal option, I wish I had a better answer for you!! I think it's crazy that we are supposed to pick our career path at 18-19 years old!

[@oliviagray3406]

I totally agree! I've talked to a friend who's an RD and getting her MS in dietetics right now. She gave me some advice too but I'm definitely going to have to take a good number of classes before I can go for my MA in dietetics - the plan right now. It's what I'm really passionate about though so it'll be worth it. I think it says a lot when you genuinely enjoy watching documentaries like Cowspiracy, Fed Up and Forks over Knives over and over and learning about nutrition in your free time hahaha. Thanks for the response! I really appreciate your help!

[@BeccaBristow]

Well than I think that is awesome!! It's clear how passionate you are, so you should totally go for it!! You go girl :) I'm just now remembering haha but I actually know two women (one was my professor, another a fellow intern) who were accountants and switched career paths and became dietitians in their 40s and started from square one. So luckily you are have a lot more time on your side, if you're motivated you've got this! If you ever have any questions let me know, and of course best of luck to you on the journey! xoxo

[@Ratneshyadav369]

Love you

[@saminahussain9214]

thank u beautiful

[@gracecoury6622]

What interested you to become a dietician?

[@freshfitnhealthy]

Bahah at 8:30 :P

[@BeccaBristow]

+Fresh Fit N Healthy ;) ;)

[@mr.becerra4262]

is this only a womens job?

[@kittyfam971]

U r looking damn girgeous