One Alaskan's Student Story
by Joy Huber

If you are a student interested in becoming a registered dietitian (RD), you might be very confused about the process, I know that I was! This segment of the website is meant to show you how I was able to get through the process, while living in my favorite place in the world - Alaska.

When I first realized I was interested in nutrition and began to investigate becoming an RD, I quickly became discouraged. I was told that there were no dietetics undergraduate programs in Alaska. I had heard that the University of Alaska had a dietetic internship program, so I went to talk to the director. She encouraged me by telling me that while there was no undergraduate program in Alaska, there were some distance education programs available from other Universities in the lower 48.

Distance education…the thought was scary! Could I really learn anything while sitting at my computer? I investigated a couple of programs (now there are several more), and decided that the Distance Dietetics program at Kansas State University would best meet my needs. I nervously arranged my financial aid and registered for classes.

As soon as my classes started I realized that I was in for a great ride. The program at Kansas State was very well organized, I had great professors, great support from staff and fellow students, and I had great learning experiences. One of the unexpected benefits of the Kansas State distance dietetics program was that in nearly every course, I needed to contact a local RD to complete some of my requirements. I got to spend some course practicum hours at places like the Alaska Native Medical Center, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Alaska WIC, and the Alaska Cooperative Extension Service. These hours turned out to lead to some of the greatest networking opportunities of my life, and I found out that most RDs in Alaska were excited to have a student to mentor!

There were some courses (like basic chemistry and anatomy & physiology) that I was able to take locally through the University of Alaska system. In the technological times that we are living in, it really is possible to learn just about anything from anywhere if you have an internet connection!

I progressed through the program slower than some, because I chose to also work full or part time through most of the program. For me, the balance of work with school was necessary for my mental and financial health! In the spring of 2005 I graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in dietetics!

When it was time to apply for my dietetic internship my first choice was the University of Alaska Anchorage. I was fortunate to be matched to the program and started my internship in the fall of 2005. In the spring of 2006 I will graduate from the internship, take (and pass) the national RD exam, and be an RD by mid-summer. I already have my first RD job lined up, and I am excited about beginning my career.

There are other ways to become an RD (check out the 'Students and Careers' section of ADA's website at www.eatright.org). If you are a recent high school graduate you could attend a 'coordinated' program (only in the lower 48) where the courses and internship hours are basically combined. If you already have a college degree you can just take the coursework necessary to apply for internship (this can be done through distance education).

So that is pretty much my story. My distance education made me really appreciate the opportunities for using technology in education (I am now the Website Coordinator for the AKDA). My internship in Alaska reminded me why I love it here…the people, the natural beauty, and the great opportunities for young dietitians!

If you have more questions, I encourage you to check out the links for students on this website or ask questions of the registered dietitians in your community. If you still have questions, feel free to email me: publicjoy@yahoo.com