Hellobee Boards

@grizz: @matador84: Yikes. I may be going the child development route instead. Parent Education is what I really want to do down the road... whether it is about how to help their kids to read or health/wellness. I have been leaning toward the health/wellness side but it looks like 3-4 very expensive intense years of school...and I may be able to do something I am equally passionate about with much less schooling.

@KelLeeLeee: I emailed the UNC-Chapel Hill program director and she answered some of my questions. I would have to do the program full time (it combines the classes with the internship at the end). I would have about 8 prerequisite classes that I would need to take before hand, so it would probably take me about 3.5 years altogether.

I think what I would want to do with it would be to work with individuals and families, teaching about healthy eating/living. I am on the fence about whether I would want to do that in a clinical setting. I think I would rather work in a community based setting. But I am sure that means lots less pay, and therefore it is probably not worth the expense to get the degree (it is a Masters program).

Do you know if there is another credential that would allow me to do what I want to do that requires less than an RD?

Also, what is it that you do that allows your schedule to be flexible? Ideally I am hoping that I can work 20-25 hours per week. Do RD jobs like that exist?

@grizz: Yes! This is what I want! Is that the title of her actual degree? I wonder if there is a credential program...I would be hoping to avoid another degree if possible

@KelLeeLeee: Thanks! This is all super overwhelming. My other possible route would be to get a masters in Child Development and Family Studies and work with families that way...but the focus would be on more than just nutrition. There are two awesome organizations where I live, one focusing on parent mentoring and education, and the other who provides healthy foods and nutrition classes to low income families. I am looking into volunteer opportunities at both. I have 4 years (at least) before I need to make a decision, so I have lots of time to network and learn more about both sides. By then I am sure everything will be different anyway. Shesh.

Thanks for all the help ladies!