Current active duty and wanting to transition to 65C (Dietitian). What would be the best route to take for me from here?

2019-01-05T21:03:15-05:00

I’m currently enlisted active duty and working on my associates in my free time. I do not like my current mos and and have been drawn to 65C for a while now.
My question is for all you 65C out there is: would I be able to transition into this through ROTC, then become commissioned specifically? Or should I consider a different way?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 9:11 PM

2019-01-05T21:11:33-05:00

I don’t think ROTC would work if you wanted to be a dietician in the Army as an officer. I would refer to the medical recruiting battalion in your area to see if there is a path to that as an officer before you look to go ROTC.

Best way Is to visit your career counselor and talk with them about opportunities to reclassify into 65C.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 9:22 PM

2019-01-05T21:22:30-05:00

How long have you been at your duty station? I would consult your career counselor and/or call the 68 series branch NCO for information. I am also unfamiliar with ROTC as an option but you can also look into Green to Gold.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 9:29 PM

2019-01-05T21:29:04-05:00

Active Duty & Reserve
- At least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics or institution management from an accredited institution
- Completion of a dietetic internship
- Registered dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Must be between 21 and 42 years of age
- Permanent U.S. residency

Make sure that you choose a program that will allow you to be certified as an RD through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. You can use the link to check out programs that may be near you: https://www.nutritioned.org/registered-dietitian-schools.html . To be certified, you must complete education as well as hands-on requirements. You can apply to ROTC and commission via that route, but you must meet the above listed criteria to become a 65C or AMEDD will reject your packet.

Registered Dietitian Schools | ACEND Accredited Programs

American University’s online Master of Science in Nutrition Education will prepare you to become an influential leader in nutrition education and advocacy while promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices in your community. This program does not prepare you to be a registered dietician. However, there are currently registered dieticians in this program for professional development and career advancement.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-01-05T21:37:25-05:00

65C is an AMEDD officer MOS that requires a Masters degree as a dietician. You'll need to complete your bachelor degree and apply to an accredited program. The Army has a program through Baylor university as well. You can get your Bachelor while you're on active duty or separate and go green to gold. Once you graduate you can either apply to the Baylor program or request to extend your ROTC till you finish your masters. You can also attend completely outside of ROTC and direct commission once you have your license.
Which route works for you will come down to your situation and needs.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Jan 6 at 2019 9:58 AM

2019-01-06T09:58:32-05:00

One might consider Green to Gold options with a career counselor. Speak with your local MEDCOM!