Nutrition and Dietetics

Overview

Nutrition and Dietetics is the science of management of nutrition and food for the promotion of health among people by instilling healthy eating habits. With an increasing concern about lifestyle, health and eating habits, the field of Nutrition and Dietetics is getting popular. Dietitians can work in both the community, and the hospital. They evaluate, improve and educate patients, nurses, doctors, community groups and health professionals about the dietary needs, and the healthy style of life. They also work with patients suffering from diseases, such as kidney problems, food allergies, cancer, diabetes etc.

Professional Opportunities

Sports and Health Clubs

⦿ They work with sports teams, athlete camps, clubs etc. They take care of their nutritional requirements, and also monitor their progress from time to time.

Teaching, Research and Development

⦿ The nutritionist under the Research and development section conducts research on various food items. They ensure the quality of the products, as well as to study their effects on the body chemistry in laboratories. They also conduct research on nutritive value of food, which helps to understand various components of food we eat. Teaching the science of nutrition of dietetics in colleges and universities is also a good option, after completing your higher education.

Management Dietitians

⦿ Management Dietitians specialize in food service systems or clinical management. They manage personnel, plan and conduct employee training programs, design food systems, and plan budgets.

Consultant Dietitians

⦿ Consultant Dietitians work independently with individual clients. They work as nursing home consultants, book authors, and patient counselors in medical centers and fitness programs. They serve as independent advisors to industry, and they also develop and evaluate food service systems.

Mass Media

⦿ media also employs nutritionist, for disseminating vital information on healthy living.

Nutrition educators

⦿ Nutrition educators work in health care, community, corporate, elementary and secondary schools, or academic agencies and institutions to educate people on the nutrition.

Private nutrition consultants

⦿ Private nutrition consultants to the public, government and private agencies, and the food industry. Experienced dietitians may become assistant, associate, or director of a dietetic department, or become self-employed. Some dietitians specialize in areas such as renal or pediatric dietetics. Besides all these they can also work as private consultant or private practitioner.

Government sector jobs

⦿ They can work with government hospitals, government’s health department, schools, colleges, factories and office cafeterias for planning nutritional plans.

Clinical dieticians

⦿ Clinical dieticians monitor, analyses, and prescribe nutritional and dietary plans for patients in private practices, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and prisons. They also work with patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and, hypertension, etc.

Career Path

Stream

⦿ Clear Class XII in Science Stream (H.Sc. is recommended)

⦿ Clear Class XII in Science Stream (Home Sc. is recommended)

Graduation

⦿ Pursue B.Sc. Nutrition and dietetics for 3 years

⦿ Pursue B.Sc. Home Science for 3 years

After Graduation

⦿ Pursue M.Sc. Nutrition and dietetics for 2 years

⦿ Pursue M.Sc. Home Science for 2 years

After Post Graduation

⦿ Pursue Post-graduate Diploma in Nutrition and dietetics

Important Facts

⦿ Some colleges have English as mandatory subjects in Class XII.
⦿ Must have passed class 12th or senior secondary examination with at least 50% marks including English.
⦿ The minimum age limit is 17 years for B. Tech course.

Work Description

⦿ Guide people on developing healthy eating habits.
⦿ Provide treatment to illnesses through different kinds of food.
⦿ Assess the condition of the patients to help them with suitable diet.
⦿ Plan diet charts keeping in mind the needs and the environment of the patients.
⦿ Work with different organisations such as schools, hospitals, restaurants, etc., to maintain nutrition needs of the people.
⦿ Spread awareness on the advantages of a healthy and balanced diet.
⦿ Indulge in research on different food ingredients and their benefits.
⦿ Maintain the records of the patients through periodic updates.

Pros & Cons

Pros
⦿ As a nutritionist, you will have the opportunity to set-up your own firm, and enjoy flexible timings.
⦿ The jobs growth rate is on a rise.
⦿ The knowledge of food and nutrition will allow you to help others.
Cons
⦿ It will take time to establish yourself as a professional nutritionist.
⦿ You should be very patient with your clients, as understanding individual requirements can be very time consuming.
⦿ It is a highly competitive field.