Nutritionists are qualified and skilled professionals who counsel their clients on various nutrition issues and also teaches the importance of having a healthy and balanced diet. In today's world, everybody wants to stay fit and healthy and they turn to Nutritionist for the same. Nutritionists guide them to have a properly structured meal plan, which eventually makes the career a demanding as well as lucrative one in terms of salary compensation and other associated bvenefits. Nutritionists are experts in suggeting diets and food charts to their patients or clients who look forward to turn their diet into a healthy one. Nutritionists are employed across all major hospitals for suggesting diet charts to patients.
As per the Dietetics Regulatory Body, there are more than 8000 certified Nutritionists in India, however according to a reaserch conducted by the Public Health Foundation of India, submitted to the Union Health Ministry, India is short by 2.36 Lakh nutritionists. Read More: Types of Nutritionists
In order to become a Nutritionist after 12th aspiring students must pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate Nutrition Science Courses from any of the top Nutrition Colleges across the country. Entrance to these colleges are done both on the basis of Entrance Exams and on merit as well. See Also: Dietitian Courses
Nutritionists are always in demand by hospitals, nursing homes, government health departments/missions, Schools, fitness centers, health product companies etc. Some of the top recruiters for Nutritionists are Le Meridien, Vatika Group, Accor Hospitality, Taj Group of Hotels, Hyatt Corporation. After completing a degree in Nutrition one can choose to become Clinical Nutritionist, Paediatric Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, Consultant Nutritionist, Public Health Nutritionist, etc. Read More: Dietitian vs Nutritionist
- Career as a Nutritionist: Quick Facts
- Steps to Become a Nutritionist
- Types of Nutritionists
- How to Become a Nutritionist in India
4.1 How to Become a Nutritionist After 12th
5.1 BSc Nutrition
6.1 Australia
6.2 UK
6.3 US
6.4 Canada
9.1 Annual Salary
Career as a Nutritionist: Quick Facts
| Industry | Healthcare and Diet |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. in Food and Nutrition-10+2 with Physics, Biology, and Chemistry |
| M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition- B.Sc. in Food and Nutrition | |
| PGD in Nutrition- B.Sc. in Food and Nutrition | |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 25,000-INR 30,000 per month |
| Job Opportunity | Clinical Nutritionist, Paediatric Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, Consultant Nutritionist, Public Health Nutritionist, etc. |
Steps to Become a Nutritionist
Candidates aspiring to become a Nutritionist can follow the steps as discussed below,
- Complete class 12th board exam from a recognized board with preferably Science as the major subject of study.
- After completing class 12th board exams candidates must then complete their graduation in Nutrition from any of the top Hotel Management Colleges.
- They must then attend training workshops at various organisations to receive field training.
Once candidates have earned their degree, they can work on various profiles such as,
- Clinical Dietician
- Dietetic Technician
- Health Coach
- Health Educators and Community Health Worker
- Holistic Nutritionist
- Licensed Nutritionist
- Nutrition Specialist
- Registered Dietician
- Registered Nurse
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Sports Nutritionist
Types of Nutritionists
Nutritionists are professionals who help people to stay fit and healthy. A career as a Nutritionist can be challenging as every person can have a different lifestyle basis on which the nutritionist can offer guidance. There are different types of Nutritionists such as Clinical Nutritionist, Paediatric Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, Consultant Nutritionist, Public Health Nutritionist, etc. A nutritionist can start their own business or can work for Private and Government organisations.
Mentioned below are the various types of Nutritionists that can be taken up as a career option for your reference,
- Clinical Nutritionist: Clinical Nutritionists work in healthcare units such as Hospitals, clinics, wards, nursing centers, etc. to maintain the nutrition of a patient. Clinical Nutritionists create proper Nutrition plans for patients admitted for severe disease in hospitals.
- Pediatric Nutritionist: Paediatric Nutritionists work in uplifting the health of a child diagnosed with a disease such as Diabetes, Cancer, etc. they incorporate a properly balanced diet for children. They play an important role to improve the health of the next generation.
- Sports Nutritionist: Sports Nutritionist work with sports players such as Cricketer, Football player, Swimmer, etc. to maintain their health. They work with sportspeople to keep them healthy and fit so that they do not miss out on their events due to their health.
- Consultant Nutritionist: A Consultant Nutritionist works with patients in the selection of their food. Consultant Nutritionist assesses the eating habits and patterns and foods of the patient and tries to make them fit healthy.
- Public Health Nutritionist: An expert who works to improve public nutritional habits rather than focusing on individuals is a Public Health Nutritionist. They prepare the food habits of children and the food supplied in public outlets. They prepare the food chart in mid day meals or other government aided food programs.
How to Become a Nutritionist in India
Students who wish to become Nutritionists should have proper knowledge of what re the entrance exams for the course and what are some of the best colleges for Nutrition. Mentioned below are the various steps that must be followed in order to become a Nutritionist in India after 12th.
- School Level Preparation: Students should choose subjects that contain Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology as these are essential subjects because these subjects act as a foundation stone for the ones who will be choosing Nutrition as a career.
How to Become a Nutritionist in India after 12th
After completing 10+2 a student has to take a decision on choosing the best field for his career. A student starts researching various career options after 12th. A career in Nutrition can help those students who are conscious about their and other's health and fitness.
- UG Preparation: After completing 10+2 a student will have to appear for Entrance examinations. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college.
- PG Preparation: After completing Graduation in Nutrition Students will have to appear for an Entrance examination. After clearing the entrance examination, they will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. After clearing all the processes students will be offered admission to the college. Some colleges might offer admission based on the scores obtained in Graduation.
Nutrition Courses
In order to become a Nutritionist, one must pursue certain courses and degrees that would eventually help them understand the subject and create a rock solid foundation for the same. Some fo the top Undergraduate and Postgraduate Nutrition Courses are listed below,
B.Sc. in Nutrition
B.Sc. in Nutrition is a 3-year full-time course in Nutrition. This course teaches students about preparing a prepared diet for people, managing lifestyles, and managing the food habits of people. This course also covers deficiency in the nutrition of a person and helps them to cover those deficiencies.
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Minimum Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 from a recognized educational Board. |
| Admission Procedure | Counseling after qualification of entrance test. |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Total Course Fee | INR 1 to 5 Lacs |
| Major Entrance Tests | AIIMS Entrance Test, JNU Entrance Test, DU Entrance Exam, JMI Entrance Exam, etc. |
| Top Recruiting Areas/Fields | Government Hospitals, Healthcare Centers, Private Hospitals, Athletic Clubs, Public Health Programs, Food and Pharmaceutical Industries, Outpatient Clinics, Colleges & Universities, Wellness Centers, and such. |
| Job profiles | Nutritionist, Registered Dietician, Bio-care Nutrition Specialist, Medical Representative, Dietetic Technician, Community Nutritionist, Teacher, Nutrition Advisor, Stores Nutrition Advisor, among others. |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 2 to 8 Lacs |
Admission process:
Admission to B.Sc. Nutrition is done on the basis of scores obtained by the student in the last qualifying examination. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are done on the basis of merit it is important for students to score good marks in their 10+2. Below is a step-by-step guide to apply for B.Sc. Nutrition.
Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.
Entrance Exams
There is no nationwide examination for B.Sc. Nutrition. However, some colleges/Universities can conduct their own entrance examination while some colleges might offer admission on the basis of scores in 10+2.
B.Sc. Nutrition Eligibility
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in 10+2.
- Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 10+2.
M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition/PGD in Nutrition
M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition/PGD in Nutrition is a 2-year full-time Post Graduate course in Nutrition. This course offers a chance to students to choose their specialization. This course focuses on Quality Control of Food, Food Processing, Public Health, Therapeutic Nutrition, etc. This course might contain 7-8 weeks of Internship.
Admission process: Admission to M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition/PGD in Nutrition is done on the basis of scores obtained by a student in the last qualifying examination. Some colleges also take the entrance examination on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are done on the basis of merit it is important for students to score good marks in their Graduation. Below is a step-by-step guide to apply for M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition/PGD in Nutrition.
Step 1: find the right college for you. Have in-depth knowledge of the college.
Step 2: fill the application form of the college. Fill the application form correctly and truthfully.
Step 3: College will display the list of successfully applied students. And then college will prepare the merit list.
Step 4: Based on the merit list candidates can be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussion, and Document verification.
Step 5: A final merit list will be released by the college. Keep checking the college’s website.
Step 6: Candidates will be offered admission after the candidates have successfully paid the asked fees.
Entrance Exams: There is no nationwide examination for M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition/PGD in Nutrition. However, some colleges/Universities can conduct their own entrance examination while some colleges might offer admission on the basis of scores in Graduation.
M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition/PGD in Nutrition Eligibility
- Candidates must have completed B.Sc. Nutrition from a recognized university.
- Candidates should have obtained at least 50% in their Graduation.
How to become a Nutritionist Abroad
Nutrition has been most of the opt field in many other countries so, apart from India many other countries offer Nutrition courses. Some of the countries that offer Nutrition courses are Australia, the US, UK, and Canada. Have discussed in detail about the courses in these countries. Please have a look:
Australia
- Admission in Nutrition courses of an Australian university is done on the basis of IELTS score which should be greater than 7.
- For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
- For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Nutrition with at least 65% in Graduation.
Top Colleges in Australia that offer Nutrition as a course: there are my universities that offer study in Nutrition some of which are:
UK
- For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
- For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Nutrition with at least 65% in Graduation.
Top Colleges in the UK that offer Nutrition as a course: there are my universities that offer study in Nutrition some of which are:
US
- Admission Process: Admission in Nutrition courses of US university is done on the basis of IELTS score which should be greater than 6.5.
- Educational Requirement: For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
- For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Nutrition with at least 65% in Graduation.
Top Colleges in the US that offer Nutrition as a course: there are my universities that offer study in Nutrition some of which are:
Canada
- Admission Process: Admission in Nutrition courses of Canada university is done on the basis of IELTS score which should be greater than 6.5.
- Educational Requirement: For the UG course a candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 70% in 10+2.
- For PG candidates should have completed graduation in Nutrition with at least 65% in Graduation.
Top Colleges in Australia that offer Nutrition as a course: there are my universities that offer study in Nutrition some of which are:
Benefits of Becoming a Nutritionist
Some of the key benefits of becoming a Nutritionist are listed below for your reference,
- Salary- Average salary of a Nutritionist at the start of a career is INR 25,000 to INR 30,000.
- Job Security- career in Nutrition is a promising career as the field of Nutrition is never going to run out of business. There will always be a need for a Nutritionist to look after sick patients.
- Positive Impact of career- this is a rewarding career as candidates tend to get a reward in terms of the health being of other persons.
- Higher Studies- After completing B.Sc. in Nutrition candidates can opt for higher studies. Candidates can choose from Post-Graduate Diploma in Nutrition or M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition.
- Unique Experience- Candidates can experience the satisfaction of making an individual fit and healthy.
Skills Required to Become a Nutritionist
Some of the top skill sets that should be mastered in order to become a Nutritionist are tabulated below for your reference,
| Administrative skills | Listening skills |
| Planning skills | Research skills |
| Communication skills | Ability to motivate others |
| Understanding of food nutrition | Understanding of food composition |
Salary of a Nutritionist
The average salary of a fresher Nutritionist is INR 3 - 4 LPA whereas for experienced candidates it is INR 7 – 8 LPA
Average Annual Salary
| Name of Organisation | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Govt | INR 2.50 – 3.50 L |
| Private | INR 3 – 5 L |
Specialization Wise Salary
| Specializations | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical Nutritionist | INR 3 L |
| Public Health Nutritionist | INR 3.50 L |
| Sports Nutritionist | INR 5 L |
| Consultant Nutritionist | INR 5.50 L |
| Pediatric Nutritionist | INR 6 L |
Experience Wise
| Experience | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | INR 3.50 L |
| Experienced | INR 8 L |
How to Become a Nutritionist: FAQs
Ques. What are the Qualities of a Nutritionist?
Ans. Understanding of food and its composition, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Time Management, Listening are some of the Qualities of a Nutritionist.
Ques. What is the role of a Nutritionist in Healthcare?
Ans. Nutritionists are important because they are responsible for maintaining the health of a person and making them fit.
Ques. What are the colleges for Nutritionists?
Ans. Some of the colleges to pursue Nutritionist course are
- Andhra University- Visakhapatnam having a fee of INR 87,000
- MURP-Jaipur with fees of INR 72,000
- RIMT University-Punjab with total fees of INR 2,82,000
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences-Faridabad with a fees structure ranging from INR 2,72,000 to INR 4,00,000
- Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women-Coimbatore with average fees of INR 40,000.
Ques. What are the career Prospects of a Nutritionist?
Ans. After completing the course in Nutrition a candidate can choose to become a Clinical Nutritionist, Paediatric Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, Consultant Nutritionist, Public Health Nutritionist, etc.
Ques. How is the Nutritionist profession?
Ans. If you have the desire and feel like you have the quality of helping persons with their health and have all skills to be a good Nutritionist then this field is one of the best fields as this field will never be out of business and will be always in demand as peoples always look for Nutritionists to maintain them in shape and good health.
Ques. What are the companies that recruit Nutritionists?
Ans. Some of the top Pharmaceutical companies that hire Nutritionists are Le Meridian, Vatika Group, Accor Hospitality, Taj Group of Hotels, Hyatt Corporation.
Ques. Which books I can refer to for being a successful Nutritionist?
Ans. Following are the books you can refer to for being a successful Nutritionist
- Gourmet Nutrition by Precision Nutrition
- Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition by T. Colin Campbell and Howard Jacobson
- Sugar Nation by Jeff O’Connell
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Cooked by Michael Pollan
Ques. What are the subjects taught in the Nutrition field?
Ans. Candidates are taught about Food Processing and Technology, Herbs and Home Remedies, Food Science, Health Psychology, Life Cycle Nutrition, Diet Therapy, Human Physiology, etc.
Ques. What is the duration of the Nutrition course?
Ans. The duration of the course depends on the type of course chosen. The degree course is of 3 Years while a PG Diploma is of 1 Year whereas M.Sc. course is of 2 years duration.
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