What’s the difference between a dietitian and a therapist in this field?

A registered dietitian (RD) focuses on the food and nutrition science. They help clients make meal plans, understand their body’s needs, and rebuild a healthy relationship with food. A therapist focuses on the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors behind the disorder. They work on the emotional healing. In treatment, a client usually has both on their team!

Is going to school for therapy hard?

It can be challenging, but also very interesting. The coursework makes you think deeply about people and problems. It can be emotionally tough learning about pain and trauma. You’ll need good study habits and a lot of compassion. But students often find it incredibly rewarding because they’re learning skills they’re passionate about. The hard work pays off when you finally get to help real people change their lives for the better.

What happens during the in-person parts of the program?

The in-person parts are where you get to practice! You’ll do lab work to learn skills like how to help someone move safely. You’ll also complete fieldwork or internships, where you work with real patients or clients under the watch of a professional. This is where you apply what you learned online. It’s incredibly valuable and is required to become licensed or certified for most therapy jobs.

What kind of degree do you need?

To become a medical social worker, you need a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). This usually takes about two years of study after your college degree. Your program will include special classes on health and hospitals. You will also complete supervised fieldwork in a medical setting. This training is essential to learn the skills needed to help patients in a fast-paced hospital.