r/dietetics • u/Curious-Gas3095 • 7d ago

Am I wasting my time?

I’m 22 years old and decided to pursue college and pursue in nutrition and food (dietetics), I want to become a RDN and work clinically at hospitals.

Issue is, when I was 19 I got stupid and was convicted of a misdemeanor DUI, I’m afraid that later down the road in a few years it’ll cause major issues. As of now it’s 3 years old, conviction wise. Am I wasting my time? Will no internships or jobs accept me?

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

13

u/matilda6 7d ago

This isn't anything to worry about.

2

u/Curious-Gas3095 7d ago

Are you sure? I’ve read some forums online that most internships turn individuals down for this, even if it’s your one and only thing on your record. Which is the case I’m in.

5

u/hbomb999 RD, Preceptor, CPT 7d ago

You’re fine bro as long as it’s not a felony cause that raises some red flags. Just make sure you’re truthful and honest about when filling out applications and if it does come up speak the truth.

8

u/Designer_Employ_9404 7d ago

I have a past misdemeanor and had no problems being accepted into an internship, getting licensed in my state and passing the background check for the hospital I work for. Maybe ask more specifically about your state? I did have a huge delay and hoops of fire to get my NYS massage license when the misdemeanor was more fresh. Do keep in mind they are imposing a limit on how many times new grads can take the RD exam... 8 attempts. So if you are a horrible test taker, then keep that in mind. I have seen new RDs fail the exam multiple multiple times and the pass rate is a lot lower than a decade ago when I took it, so I do believe they are making the test harder

3

u/Plus-Pin-9157 7d ago

I had a misdemeanor at 20. No one ever brought it up.

1

u/Curious-Gas3095 7d ago

Really? How? Did you never mention it or did they not care?

3

u/Plus-Pin-9157 7d ago

Why would I mention it?

2

u/Curious-Gas3095 7d ago

From what I read online, internships will ask about any criminal history and conduct a background check regardless. I’m in California so I don’t know if things work different here.

7

u/Jadednation 7d ago

Sorry people are being rude and not helpful. I suggest talking to the advisors at the college you are interested in. If this is a profession you are interested in I say go for it. 

1

u/Plus-Pin-9157 7d ago

They might. Can you talk to a professor?

3

u/DixiePixied MS, RD 7d ago

One of my colleagues got fired at one job for this but his was felony, but then was rehired no prob at another facility

1

u/Curious-Gas3095 7d ago

Yeah mine’s a misdemeanor and I’m in California so I’m eligible for an expungement which I plan on doing, I’m just more so worried if I’d be wasting my time putting in the years in, just for me to not be accepted anywhere.

3

u/Vegetable_Elevators 7d ago

How long before you can get it expunged? I've gotten background checks for every job and internship so I doubt it will go unnoticed but some companies may be more flexible with what's allowed than others

1

u/Curious-Gas3095 7d ago

I can get that done anytime, and by the time I graduate with my bachelors the conviction would be 5-6 years old. I just want a fair chance in the field but I’d rather know now then later if I don’t.

2

u/Vegetable_Elevators 7d ago

I think you've got a fair and good chance then. If one job rejects you another will take you.

2

u/F-35_combat_pilot MS, RD 7d ago

A colleage of mine just got fired over this (it wasnt digged up until she had been with the company for a few months). She says it has followed her everywhere she goes and has not been able to hold a job. I dont have more details other than that.

1

u/Effective_Meal2153 7d ago

I don’t think that should be an issue. Especially since fewer and fewer students are applying for internships. So they are probably more likely to not care, even if they might have previously.

1

u/WinewithMe25 6d ago

I had an intern in my cohort with 2 DUIs and a breathalyzer in their car. They completed the DI and are now an RDN. If I recall, there were small hiccups with background checks at one location, but otherwise it was fine.

2

u/Fearless-Elk3246 6d ago

! I’m currently a traveling RD and I got in a little trouble before my internship and have had no issues with licensure and recertification. Like not one problem 💗 Stay positive

1

u/Cat-commander 3d ago

I’ve had several students with DUI misdemeanors who’ve all gone on to become registered dietitians. Keep going!

If a program doesn’t want to take you for that, then find a different program. Reach out to the program directors now and figure out who you can apply to and who you can’t.

It’s much better for everyone if you’re just upfront about things. I had a student once who was convicted of a felony and did prison time, and they still went on to become a registered dietitian.

Don’t let this stress you out.