Is there a Registered Dietitian program for RN's?

[Tanguera]

I am currently working on a BSN and am interested in learning more about nutrition. I have a few questions, and I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks!

1. Does anyone know if there are programs out there for Registered Nurses who want to be Registered Dietitians? I would like to take a few courses on my own after graduation, but I realize that some of the RD requirements are similar to that of nursing, and I figure I might as well try and see if I can get more credentials out of it since there is some overlap.
2. Is there such a thing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Nutrition? I feel like I've seen that before, but I can't seem to find much through a Google search. If this does exist, what is the difference between the RD and the CNS?

Thanks!

[Tenn_gal27]

Hello,

I hold a BS in nutrition and currently working on my BSN. I can say that nursing school is much more challenging than dietetics curriculum. The internship that is required to be able to sit for the RD exam is very competitive. I was told in school they want the field to be more respected and that is why they are making it more difficult to get in. I don't agree with how competitive it is, due to seeing how much more challenging nursing school has been and a internship isn't required. The two careers are very different. Where I live there is more job opportunity for RN vs RD. I went back because you can move up as an RN and my future goal is to become a NP. All in all, shadow for sure nursing isn't for everyone! I plan to go into an FNP program relatively soon after I start working as a nurse. RN to NP are also very different roles, but having a some nursing experience is helpful before beginning the program. Anyways hope this helps!

[Ekdobbs]

I have my BSN but am interested in doing something along the lines of feeding for children with chronic problems and would prefer not to get a completely different degree. After some googling I found that I could get a masters of nursing in nutrition. Or clinical nutrition nurse specialist but could not find any programs. I am definitely interested in nutrition or feeding but don't want to be a RD so I just don't know what to do next.

[kit123]

 https://www.bridgeport.edu/news/nutrition-certifications/

 

https://dietitiansondemand.com/breaking-down-the-masters-degree-mandate-for-dietitians/

 

Hi,

 

I am a retired RD who became an FNP. Certainly, we can all attain additional nutritional knowledge. One challenge is that in 2024 becoming an RD will require graduate degrees too. In addition, I don't know who now can provide subsidized MNT – Medical Nutritional Therapy.

 

In general, I found that it takes a minimum of five years dedicated training plus an internship so it might make sense to evaluate other options too. For instance, an NP with health coaching certifications, training from the American College of Lifestyle Med or Diabetes Education may do well.

 

If you would prefer to stay in an academic setting, it might be useful to get a PhD in Nutrition or Epidemiology. In addition, I might recommend you look for a large R1 institution due to the magnitude of grants. Furthermore, I believe that if you want to publish in nutrition it might take that type of training.

 

Medical schools, Pharmacy schools and Nursing schools are all adding nutrition coursework to improve our general understanding. Why that is very useful, if you really want to counsel patients separately plus be reimbursed, you may have to consider a full RD program. Please understand though that these programs are quite competitive too and that pay scales are lower too.

 

Due to the internet, nutrition aptitude is improved in all health disciplines though and you can  help clients by getting them to nutrition experts on the web. This is a great service to patients and I appreciate all staff that do that for patients.