Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, food service operations, and private practice.
Eligibility
- Educational Requirements:
- Undergraduate Degree: A Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field. Common courses include food science, nutrition, dietetics, and biochemistry.
- Postgraduate Degree: Many professionals also pursue a Master’s degree in Nutrition or Dietetics for advanced knowledge and better career opportunities.
- Certifications:
- Registered Dietitian (RD): After completing the degree, one must complete an internship and pass a registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian.
- Clinical Nutritionist: Additional certifications may be required depending on the specific job role and regional requirements.
Selection Procedure
- Undergraduate Admission:
- Entrance Exams: Some institutes may require students to pass entrance exams like NEET, AIIMS Entrance Exam, or other university-specific exams.
- Merit-Based Admission: Other institutions may admit students based on their performance in the 12th-grade board exams (especially in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
- Postgraduate Admission:
- Entrance Exams: Entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA (for food science and nutrition), and institute-specific exams.
- Interview: Some institutes may conduct interviews or group discussions as part of the selection process.
Job Opportunities
- Hospitals and Clinics: Dietitians and nutritionists work as clinical dietitians, providing dietary plans and nutritional advice to patients.
- Public Health Agencies: They design nutrition programs and policies, and work on community health initiatives.
- Food Service Management: Overseeing meal planning and preparation in institutions like schools, cafeterias, and corporate settings.
- Private Practice: Offering personalized nutrition counseling and consulting services.
- Research and Academia: Conducting research in nutrition science or teaching at educational institutions.
- Corporate Wellness Programs: Developing and implementing wellness and nutrition programs for corporate employees.
Institutes for Study in India
- Lady Irwin College, Delhi
- Courses: B.Sc. in Home Science (Food and Nutrition), M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition
- Institute of Home Economics, Delhi University
- Courses: B.Sc. in Home Science, M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition
- All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata
- Courses: Diploma in Dietetics, M.Sc. in Applied Nutrition
- SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
- Courses: B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics, M.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
- National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad
- Courses: Postgraduate courses in Nutrition
- University of Madras, Chennai
- Courses: B.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, M.Sc. in Food Service Management and Dietetics
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore
- Courses: B.Sc. in Food Nutrition and Dietetics, M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition
- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad
- Courses: B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics, M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Amity University, Noida
- Courses: B.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, M.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Courses: B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics, M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics
Pursuing a career as a dietitian or nutritionist requires a solid educational foundation, relevant certifications, and a passion for promoting health and wellness through nutrition