Comments on: Family Friday (vol. 53): Weekend Ramblings (…since it is most definitely not Friday)

By: Allison, RD

Allison, RD — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:42:12 +0000

I graduated my internship in 2014, and I am about to start my MS later this month (no kids, just a hubby). My coworker dietitians (all practicing for a while) have said, you’re nuts! Why are you getting your MS when it’s not required? My thoughts are the same as Julia’s…I don’t want to be left feeling behind with all the new RD’s coming into practice with an advanced degree.

I have also read articles that say more employers are looking for specialists, and to be considered a specialist, it’s almost required to have an advanced degree and then maybe a specialist certification. I’m just trying to think about my career path, and to me, it just makes sense (plus my employer offers tuition reimbursement). I am choosing an MS in Nutrition, just because MBA doesn’t sound like something I would be interested in, nor MPH. My only other thought was maybe counseling, but all of these programs are geared towards social workers or therapists.

I am similar to you Nicole, in that I always find myself looking for something new to do/accomplish.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 11:50:55 +0000

I’m a dietitian and my boss really wants me to pursue an MBA as well. I am hesitant because currently the only leadership position in dietetics is the equivalent of her position (Clinical Nutrition Manager). She has a vision of more dietitians sitting in leadership/admin positions, which I think is great, but the clinical positions currently all require an RN.

My concern about the MBA program in our area is that it isn’t tailored towards healthcare at all. Would you be able to take healthcare related classes? Do you have someone that could mentor you without having to commit to an MBA?

I completely understand the drive to continue learning/achieving, but dang, you have a lot on your plate right now. Maybe an MBA when your girlies are in school full-time?

By: JuliaGoolia

JuliaGoolia — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 10:41:22 +0000

I have definitely been feeling some of the same things you mention.

I have been practicing long enough, since 2003, that I don’t have my masters. So many of our interns and new hires are coming in their RD and masters its left me feeling a bit behind.

I’ve just stepped into a new role with more leadership and responsibility, but still a union employee. Having my masters while giving me major self accomplishment, unfortunately won’t change my pay scale or job responsibilities. It’s hard to know if the sacrifice of my personal time to accomplish this goal will be worth it professionally if there is no change in my professional life!

Looking forward to seeing what you decide!