Dietician

10th

12th (PCMB Compulsory)

• Admission into the B. Sc /B. A in Nutrition or B. Sc Food Technology course is based on the candidates' performance in the college/university-specific examination (if specified). However, it may vary from college to college; check the particular college rules and regulations before applying.

• To become a DIETICIAN, a candidate should graduate with B. Sc /B. A in Nutrition or B. Sc Food Technology.
• It is a  three years - undergraduate degree course.

• Admission into the M.Sc in Food and Nutrition course is based on the candidates' performance in the college/university-specific examination (if specified). However, it may vary from college to college; check the particular college rules and regulations before applying.

• After graduation, students must obtain a postgraduate course M. Sc in Food and Nutrition degree from any recognized college or university.
• The duration of the postgraduate course will be of two years.

• During the course, grab as many internship opportunities as a candidate can. These help the candidate gain insights into the kinds of tasks that can expect to perform in the future.
• The duration of the internship would be for six months.
• This internship will include practicums to give experience in various areas while supervised by a registered dietitian. These include clinical nutrition, ambulatory care, food service, and research. 

• After completing 6- a month's internship, students must register with the Indian Dietetic Association as Registered Dieticians.
• To qualify as a Registered Dietician, the candidate must pass the entrance exam conducted by the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA). 

• After completing the master's degree and Ph.D., Candidate can apply for various research institutes or labs to attain higher education, i.e., a postdoctoral degree.
• Candidates can start working in various institutions or organizations across the country.

Who is a Dietician?

Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and broader public-health level.Dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health, and disease, which Dietitians translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. Dietitians work in the NHS and private clinics. In addition, dietitians work with healthy and sick people in a variety of settings. For example, dietitians can work in the food industry, workplace, catering, education, sport, and the media. Other care pathways they work in include mental health, learning disabilities, community, acute settings, and public health. 

Job Responsibilities of a Dietician

• The prime responsibility of a Dietician is to assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and broader public-health level.
• A dietician guides patients and people to change their diet to improve their health and lifestyle.
• The dietician also creates charts for those suffering from significant health issues.
• Dieticians research various topics of health recovery and progress.

Career Scope of a Dietician

      The increasing popularity and explosive growth have generated various job opportunities in the field of diet and nutrition.

• Dieticians are mainly required in various fields like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, cafeterias, research entities, governments, gyms, and private companies. Most dietitians work in a healthcare setting. For example, in hospitals, registered dietitians may guide patients on nutrition and treat them with nutrition therapy as part of the medical team. Registered dieticians (RDs) may also manage the food-service operations in healthcare settings. RDs can also work in schools, daycare centers, and correctional facilities. 
• Some dietitians choose to open their practices and would either work with patients or contract with health care or food organizations for food service and other nutrition-related work. 
• Dietitians can go into teaching positions at universities, medical centers, and other venues, teaching physicians, nurses, students, and others about foods and nutrition.

    Salary/Income of a Dietician

      A dietician can earn approximately Rs. 3 lacs to 4 lacs per year at an entry-level. With good experience in the relevant field, dieticianscan make around Rs. 7 lacs to 8 lacs annually.