suncloud Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm a former special ed teacher and retired
> certified organic farmer of tropical fruits -
> mostly apple bananas.
>
> Went back to school (pushing age 60) for a degree
> in dietetics. Hope to be able to eventually help
> people improve on their diets - whatever diet
> choice they might have - plus possibly contribute
> something to mainstream dietary thought and learn
> a few things myself!
>
> Vegan nutrition is now accepted by the American
> Dietetics Association. But raw food vegan
> nutrition has been considered a "Hot Topic"; the
> ADA considers it risky, with not much benefit, and
> no scientific basis. Hope to help change that.
>
> I'm currently volunteering at the local hospital,
> doing simple (really simple) clerical chores for
> the dietitians.


I am interested in getting the "proper" credentials but I assumed that you have to get indoctrinated in the Food Pyramid propaganda. Do they allow you to choose a certain concentration? And is there a lot of chemistry for someone like me who is not very strong in that area?

Aloha banana who.

I'm at the beginning of the coursework, so can't really say much about the content of the nutrition courses. I'm not very easily indoctrinated though,, so not particularly concerned.

Biology and chemistry courses are prerequisites to the nutrition courses, but not at the level of a biology, chemistry, or pre-med major. I'm definitely not strong in science either, so I started at the very bottom with introductory courses, and that's helping a lot.

Once a person becomes an RD, the opportunities seem wide-open. Additional certification is offered in the more traditional fields like diabetes and geriatric nutrition, but there are unlimited other prospects as well. RDs and RD students can join Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs) specializing in fields of their choice, including Vegetarian Nutrition; Weight Management; Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition; Entrepreneurial Nutrition; Research; Food and Culinary Professionals; and on and on. These groups offer mentoring and/or valuable information in a particular field or for establishing a private practice or finding an RD position.

You might consider checking out Eastern Michigan University (EMU) for their fully accredited online dietetics program (one of only two accredited online dietetics programs in the US). The nutrition courses can be taken online, but most of the science courses require attendance at a local university or community college. There's also a requirement for 2 years of practice experience involving coordination between EMU and local dietitians. Then the RD exam.

A lot of work, but it's very possible that as the number of raw food advocates increase, there will be more highly accredited raw food coaches and educators. I believe this will be a good thing, as it will inevitably lead to more real research into raw food diet, and maybe more healthy and confident raw food vegans.

Whatever route you choose, best of luck to you!

School bus driver. ...Er, I mean professional student tranportation specialist.
:-]

raw food web site, make stringed instruments, cad machine designer,alternative and free energy research and development,self susstained food growing systems.

I work in a tire shop. Mostly selling them now. Once I get my hypothyroidism in check I hope to return to school for nutrition. Honestly my dream is to have an organic farm and a degree in nutrition.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2010 02:05PM by violetrevo.

Law enforcement officer for the past 10, 20, 30. !0 years on the job, feels like 20, added 30 to my life. Also I am currently a respiratory therapy student so I can get of the the LE field that is quickly unraveling my being.

Sales.

Best,
Mark



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/17/2010 04:10AM by marksquire.