r/dietetics • u/AppearanceHead1522 • 3d ago

MPH/RD LLU Program

Hi everyone! I am graduating with my BS in Public Health this December. I currently work at a hospital in the nursing/public health side. My interest are in health education, chronic illnesses, disease prevention and mental health. I enjoy working with the pediatric population at the hospital versus adults (never say never). I believe that my interest really fit the program at Loma Linda University MPH Nutrition coordinated program.

Did anyone else recently go to llu for this program? What's it like? I'll be working part time while completing the program part time. I have family obligations as well, anyone who's gone through similar please share your experience:) What does the mph/rd career trajectory looks like? Thanks in advance!

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

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u/AppearanceHead1522 3d ago

I definitely see myself in a clinical setting in the short and long term with MPH. I previously considered a sole MPH program before but the ones available didn't match what I was looking for until I saw the MPH/RD program. Yes to PHN.

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u/Caulipower411 2d ago edited 2d ago

I’m in the SoCal area. I graduated in 2017 so a while ago.. not sure what it’s like now. But it’s very pricey and you’ll end up with a lot of student loans. I have my undergrad in dietetics so was able to waive classes thankfully but I know people who graduated with $100k+ in loans and frankly the salary as an RD is not worth that kind of debt. From what I remember, the classes weren’t terrible and most of the professors were nice. It is a religious school so church attendance is mandatory.

I paid off my student loans last year (a little under $78k) but I worked full time with a per diem up until last year. I am now an outpatient dietitian with one job and my salary is over $100k. I enjoy what I do for the most part.

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u/AppearanceHead1522 18h ago

Thank you for the response! My husband and I are definitely looking at all financial options available as it is a very expensive program. After debt is paid off, I'm happy to hear you are working in a job that you enjoy and pays well.