Nutrition & Dietetics: A career that makes sure you eat right

Edited By Pooja Mishra | Updated on Aug 31, 2013 09:50 AM IST

NUTRITION and Dietetics is a relatively new field which has gained importance due to major diseases arising from inappropriate eating habits and also from the fact that the food we eat is reflected on our quality of life. Dietetics is the science of managing food and nutrition to promote health.The role of dieticians/nutritionists is to help to promote the idea of good health through eating habits. They assist people in planning diets and advise people on eating habits selection and preparation of food items.

How to kickstart your career in N&D
Students opting for a career in this field need to have passed the Higher Secondary Examination or Plus two in science subjects covering Physics, Chemistry, Home Science and Biology. They can opt for a nutrition course after 10+2 or Home Science, Food Science/Technology courses at the graduate and postgraduate levels.

There are numerous programmes available at the graduate, postgraduate level, and course combinations, also. At Delhi University, the entry point is BSc Home Science, of which Food & Nutrition is one subject. There are two types of programmes: Bsc Home Science (Pass) and (Honours).At the postgraduate level, you can either do a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition (DDPHN) or a two-year Master’s programme like MSc Food and Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics and Food Service Management and Dietetics, Food Science and Nutrition.

Must Read: Nutrition & Dietetics

Skills and aptitude

Interest in food/preparation
Good communication skills to interact with people, individually and in groups
Writing skills to produce reports, documentation, leaflet
Good research skills
Figure out new ways to solve a problem
Patience and a genuine concern for fellow beings
Planning, administrative skills and organisational ability

Advancing in the field

One can continue with research by pursuing doctoral studies in food and nutrition from institutes like Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University and few others. You can also look at the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, a renowned research institute in India.

Registered Dieticians: This credential is offered to professionals authorised by Indian Dietetics Association (IDA). It can be used by dietitians working at hospitals, day-care clinics and consultancy clinics. Those who possess these credentials would have specific requirements. For more info visit the website.

Job opportunities

Nutrition and Dietetics is a growing field with huge opportunities. As a nutritionists, you could find employment in hospitals, health and recreation clubs, canteens, nursing care facilities, in colleges and universities as faculty, catering departments of star hotels, research labs of food manufacturers, in health departments of government etc. You can also work as consultants or do private practice. In government bodies, many are hired as nutritionists for social welfare and developmental work. They also work in public health departments. “Depending on the number of vacancies available, UPSC conducts interviews for posts at Food & Nutrition Board (FNB). If recruited you jump on to become a class-I gazetted officer.

Salary talk

A fresher can earn between Rs. 15,000 to 20,000 per month. After gaining good experience, you may touch Rs. 30,000 plus. “In government hospitals, with the Sixth Pay Commission, the salaries have risen to Rs. 25,000,” says Namrata. A Nutritionists working in the private sector will have differing pay amounts.

Keeping India healthy

Balanced representation of different types of work has brought legitimacy to the profession. Even though it is a woman-dominated field, there are options for men, too. Last but not the least, it’s a profession that gives you an opportunity to make a difference to your nation’s health and well-being.

Select List of Colleges offering the programme
Institute	Course
Lady Irwin College (University of Delhi), New Delhi	Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics & Public Health Nutrition, MSc, PhD
SNDT Women's University, Mumbai	Diploma in Nutrition and Food Technology, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Science and Nutrition, BSc-Nutrition and Dietetics, MSc In Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, MSc-Food Science and Nutrition
Institute of Home Economics, New Delhi	MSc, PG Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition
Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore	MSc (Food Service Management and Dietetics, Food Science and Nutrition)
Women's Christian College, Chennai	BSc Nutrition, Food Service Management, & Dietetics (Vocational Stream), MSc. Food Service Management & Dietetics, MPhil (Foods and Nutrition, Food Service Management & Dietetics)
Banasthali University, Jaipur	BSc (Foods Science & Nutrition)
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana	BSc Nutrition & Dietetics, MSc Food & nutrition, PhD Food and Nutrition
G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology	MSc (Food and Nutrition), PhD (Food and Nutrition),
Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University	MSc (Food and Nutrition), PhD Food and Nutrition
Aiman College of Arts and Science for Women, Tiruchirappalli	BSc Nutrition & Dietetics
Bishop Choolaparambil Memorial College for Women, Kottayam	BSc Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics and Catering Management
Bharath Institute of Catering Technology and Hotel Management, Thanjavur	BSc Nutrition and Dietetics
Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul	BSc Food and Nutrition
Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai	BSc Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics and Catering Management, BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, MSc Food and Nutrition
Course duration : BSc: 3yrs, MSc: 2 yrs, PG Diploma: 1 yr