4 answers
Maria Noemy
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How hard it is for an international graduate in dietetics to become a Registered Dietitian and work in the US ?
I am Italian and I have obtained my four years BS in Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Spain. I would love to get some experience in the US, but I don't really know where to start.
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4 answers
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
379
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
To work in the US, it's crucial to find a sponsor who can help you secure an H1-B visa. The US government and employers often look for professionals from outside the US when there's a shortage in certain fields. It's important to check if your profession falls into this category.
Remember, it's essential to steer clear of working illegally on a tourist visa.
Another option to consider is pursuing graduate studies in the US. You can do this by obtaining a student visa. Once you've completed your studies, you can look for internships. These opportunities could potentially lead to a company offering to sponsor you, and they might even file for your green card.
Remember, it's essential to steer clear of working illegally on a tourist visa.
Another option to consider is pursuing graduate studies in the US. You can do this by obtaining a student visa. Once you've completed your studies, you can look for internships. These opportunities could potentially lead to a company offering to sponsor you, and they might even file for your green card.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
529
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) in the United States as an international graduate can be a challenging but achievable goal. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
1. **Credential Evaluation:**
- Begin by having your international educational credentials evaluated by a reputable agency recognized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This evaluation will determine how your degree aligns with U.S. standards.
2. **Complete Required Coursework:**
- Based on the evaluation, you may need to complete additional coursework to meet the educational requirements for RD eligibility. Ensure that you take courses in the specific areas required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
3. **Dietetic Internship:**
- To become an RD in the U.S., you must complete a dietetic internship program accredited by ACEND. These programs are highly competitive and provide practical experience in various dietetic settings.
4. **Apply for Internships:**
- Research and apply to dietetic internship programs in the U.S. Be prepared for the application process, which typically includes a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and an interview.
5. **Internship Match:**
- The Dietetic Internship Matching process, managed by D&D Digital, is used to match applicants with available internship positions. You'll need to register for this process and rank your preferred programs.
6. **Complete the Dietetic Internship:**
- Once accepted into an internship program, successfully complete the required hours and experiences. This will include rotations in clinical, community, and food service settings.
7. **Pass the RD Exam:**
- After completing the internship, you'll be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians, which is administered by CDR. Passing this exam is a crucial step to becoming an RD.
8. **State Licensure (if required):**
- Some U.S. states require dietitians to obtain state licensure in addition to RD certification. Research the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to work.
9. **Gain Experience:**
- Once you become an RD, seek employment or gain experience in your desired field of dietetics. Networking and internships during your educational journey can help you secure job opportunities.
10. **Visa and Work Authorization:**
- As an international graduate, you'll need to secure the necessary visa and work authorization to work in the U.S. Consult with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigration attorney for guidance.
11. **Continuing Education:**
- Stay updated on the latest developments in the field of dietetics by participating in continuing education activities. RDs are required to complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their certification.
12. **Professional Organizations:**
- Consider joining professional organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which can provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and support for international graduates.
Becoming an RD in the U.S. as an international graduate is a rigorous process, but with determination, dedication, and a clear understanding of the requirements, it is certainly achievable. It's essential to stay organized, seek guidance from professionals in the field, and be prepared for a competitive journey. Each step you take brings you closer to your goal of working as a Registered Dietitian in the United States.
1. **Credential Evaluation:**
- Begin by having your international educational credentials evaluated by a reputable agency recognized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This evaluation will determine how your degree aligns with U.S. standards.
2. **Complete Required Coursework:**
- Based on the evaluation, you may need to complete additional coursework to meet the educational requirements for RD eligibility. Ensure that you take courses in the specific areas required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
3. **Dietetic Internship:**
- To become an RD in the U.S., you must complete a dietetic internship program accredited by ACEND. These programs are highly competitive and provide practical experience in various dietetic settings.
4. **Apply for Internships:**
- Research and apply to dietetic internship programs in the U.S. Be prepared for the application process, which typically includes a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and an interview.
5. **Internship Match:**
- The Dietetic Internship Matching process, managed by D&D Digital, is used to match applicants with available internship positions. You'll need to register for this process and rank your preferred programs.
6. **Complete the Dietetic Internship:**
- Once accepted into an internship program, successfully complete the required hours and experiences. This will include rotations in clinical, community, and food service settings.
7. **Pass the RD Exam:**
- After completing the internship, you'll be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians, which is administered by CDR. Passing this exam is a crucial step to becoming an RD.
8. **State Licensure (if required):**
- Some U.S. states require dietitians to obtain state licensure in addition to RD certification. Research the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to work.
9. **Gain Experience:**
- Once you become an RD, seek employment or gain experience in your desired field of dietetics. Networking and internships during your educational journey can help you secure job opportunities.
10. **Visa and Work Authorization:**
- As an international graduate, you'll need to secure the necessary visa and work authorization to work in the U.S. Consult with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigration attorney for guidance.
11. **Continuing Education:**
- Stay updated on the latest developments in the field of dietetics by participating in continuing education activities. RDs are required to complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their certification.
12. **Professional Organizations:**
- Consider joining professional organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which can provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and support for international graduates.
Becoming an RD in the U.S. as an international graduate is a rigorous process, but with determination, dedication, and a clear understanding of the requirements, it is certainly achievable. It's essential to stay organized, seek guidance from professionals in the field, and be prepared for a competitive journey. Each step you take brings you closer to your goal of working as a Registered Dietitian in the United States.
James Constantine Frangos
Lecturer & Dietitian & Computer Software Developer => Nutrition Education .
105
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Maria,
It seems like you're on the path to becoming a Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist in the United States, that's fantastic! To get there, you'll likely need to take the CDN exam. How are your English skills? Proficiency in comprehension, reading, and writing will be a great asset to you.
Don't worry about the nutritional and dietetic aspects of the exam. If your education from the accredited Spanish tertiary institute is anything to go by, you're well-prepared in that area.
Commision on Dietetic Registration https://www.cdrnet.org/
Keep going, Maria. You're doing great!
Best wishes,
James.
It seems like you're on the path to becoming a Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist in the United States, that's fantastic! To get there, you'll likely need to take the CDN exam. How are your English skills? Proficiency in comprehension, reading, and writing will be a great asset to you.
Don't worry about the nutritional and dietetic aspects of the exam. If your education from the accredited Spanish tertiary institute is anything to go by, you're well-prepared in that area.
Commision on Dietetic Registration https://www.cdrnet.org/
Keep going, Maria. You're doing great!
Best wishes,
James.
Isaac Mills-Owoo RRT MBA MIS
4
Answers
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
Hello Maria,
I may not be an expert in your chosen field, but I'm aware that the US often provides work visas for specialized areas that are in high demand. These roles are quite specific and competition is intense.
My first suggestion would be to visit the USCIS website and see if your profession is listed there. If it is, then the next step would be to seek out potential employers who have previously offered the H1-b visa and get in touch with them. If you're already in the US, volunteering could be a great way to network and make valuable connections.
It's worth noting that healthcare professions like nursing and medicine are often in high demand. These roles may have a higher likelihood of securing an H1-B sponsorship.
If you're considering further education, it could be beneficial to choose a course of study that aligns with the professions listed on the USCIS website.
I hope these suggestions help, and I wish you every success in your journey.
I may not be an expert in your chosen field, but I'm aware that the US often provides work visas for specialized areas that are in high demand. These roles are quite specific and competition is intense.
My first suggestion would be to visit the USCIS website and see if your profession is listed there. If it is, then the next step would be to seek out potential employers who have previously offered the H1-b visa and get in touch with them. If you're already in the US, volunteering could be a great way to network and make valuable connections.
It's worth noting that healthcare professions like nursing and medicine are often in high demand. These roles may have a higher likelihood of securing an H1-B sponsorship.
If you're considering further education, it could be beneficial to choose a course of study that aligns with the professions listed on the USCIS website.
I hope these suggestions help, and I wish you every success in your journey.