Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics

Dietetics is the science and art of dealing with food and nutrition to promote health. This field is gaining more importance because of the change in lifestyle. Nowadays due to fast life, people eat fast food for instant gratification. Fast food is not good for health and it leads to various health problems. As the people are becoming aware of the various side effects of fast food they are now moving to the nutritious food.  And that’s how the demand for dieticians is increasing in the market.   
Dieticians help to promote good health through corrective eating habits, thus improving the quality of life. A dieticians work involves planning meals depending upon clients age, sickness or work routine, counsel and educate them about healthy eating- selection and preparation of food items according to the principles of nutrition and evaluate and make changes in their clients diet periodically.

Eligibility

For admission in bachelor’s degree in nutrition & dietetics one should pass 10+2 in any stream. Other then this candidate can pursue B.Sc. in home science. The three-year B.Sc. Home science course covers subjects including food and nutrition.

For M.Sc. in Home science one should have a three year bachelor’s degree in food science, home science, hotel management & catering technology, microbiology, biochemistry and medicine. One year diploma courses are also available at postgraduate level.

Job Prospects and Career Options

As Nutrition and Dietetics is a new field so the opportunities and possibilities in this field are endless. Nutritionists and dieticians could find employment in health and recreation clubs, hospitals, canteens, teach the science of nutrition and dietetics in colleges and universities, nursing care facilities, catering departments of star hotels, research labs of food manufacturers, in health departments of government etc. They can also work as consultants or do private practice.

Remuneration

The salary in this field increases with the experience. A fresher can start his career with a salary of 8000 to 10,000 Rs per month. Further growth comes with experience and skill development. 

Top Institutes

• Lady Irwin College, Delhi University
• Institute of Home Economics, New Delhi
• Women’s Christian College, Chennai
• Bishop Choolaparambil Memorial College for Women, Kottayam
• SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
• G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
• Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University
• Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
• Banasthali University, Jaipur
• Gandhigram Rural Institute