Red Hot Career Options as Nutritionist or Dietician

We all have heard of the phrase, a healthy mind in a healthy body, being fit is not only the new tread but also the need of the hour. The kind of lifestyle one has in today's time makes it a little difficult to follow an exercise regime, but it is comparatively easier to implement a healthy diet routine. The main mantra being - eat healthy, live healthy.

Nutritionist is a comparatively new career option with vast scope. A nutritionist or dietician basically promotes improved health through healthy eating habits. Opting nutritionist as a career directs you to become expert in assuring right nutrition and plan a balanced diet for individuals. Career as a nutritionist is an upcoming stream for students interested in getting into the health care sector. Interested aspirants should have the aptitude to plan, administer and organize the diet plan. They should also have good communication skills to interact with people. It is a gratifying career where you get satisfaction of building a healthier nation.

Requirements to become a Nutritionist:

Students planning to take nutritionist as a career should have passed 10+2 in science subjects covering Physics, chemistry, home science and biology. They can apply for a nutrition course after 10+2 or after completing their graduation/ post graduation in home science, food science or food technology.

Future Prospects of a Nutritionist

Nutrition and dietetics is a growing field with immense scope. Taking into consideration the current situation there is an increasing requirement for nutritionist in the following fields:

• Hospitals
• Nursing care facilities
• A research lab of food manufactures
• In health departments of government
• Health clubs
• UPSC conducts interviews for posts at Food & Nutrition Board (FNB)

Some Colleges offering Nutrition Courses:

• Lady Irwin College (university of Delhi), New Delhi
• Banasthali University, Jaipur
• Women's Christian College, Chennai
• National institute of Nutrition, Andhra Pradesh
• Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad
• Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Kolkata

Salary of a Nutritionist

Fresh graduates can begin their career with a starting salary between Rs. 15,000 to 20,000. As one gains experience one can touch the salary package of Rs. 30,000 plus.

 

Source: Shraddha Singh (Shiksha Team)