Nutrition and Dietetics Courses: Nutritionists and dietitians are health professionals who create diets for their patients. Teaching patients about healthy eating is their primary duty. However, there is a variance between dietetics and nutrition: Dietetics focuses on food management, whereas, nutrition focuses on the promotion of health through healthy food.
Nutritionist is a person who advises on matters of food and nutrition that influences health whereas; Dietetics is the understanding of nutrition and its practical application in the field of healthcare and rehabilitation of patients. All dietitians can call themselves as “nutritionists” but, nutritionists cannot call themselves as “dietitians”.
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Common tasks involved in Nutrition and Dietetics courses are as follows:-
- Scientific study of nutrition and food science
- Providing guidance on eating habits and nutrition to people.
- Planning diets according to the needs of patient.
- Research & development (depending upon qualification).
List of Nutrition and Dietetics Courses & Eligibility:-
BACHELOR DEGREE COURSES
- B.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition
- B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics
- B.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition
- B.Sc. in Applied Nutrition
- B.Sc. in Dietetics
- B.Sc. in Home Science (Nutrition and Food Science specialization)
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: 10+2 Science stream passed or equivalent examination.
DIPLOMA COURSES
- Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education
- Diploma in Dietetics
- Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition
- Diploma in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition
- Diploma in Nutrition and Food Technology
Duration: 1-2 years
Eligibility: 10+2 Science stream passed or equivalent examination.
POST GRADUATE SPECIALIZATIONS
- Clinical Nutrition
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health Nutrition
- Food Science/Technology
- Sports Nutrition/Dietetics
- Gerontological Nutrition
- Renal Nutrition
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university/institution (50% marks in aggregate).
In India, to become a registered dietician one needs to clear the RD (Registered Dietician) exam conducted by the Indian Dietetic Association.
Best Institutes for Nutrition and Dietetics Courses:-
- National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad
- University of Delhi (Institute of Home Economics), New Delhi
- University of Madras, Chennai
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Maharashtra
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- University of Mysore, Karnataka
- G.B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
- Shrimati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey University, Mumbai
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai
- Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu
- Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai
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Job Prospects in Nutrition and Dietetics Courses:-
- Community Health Centers
- Government Schemes and Missions
- Government Organizations
- Government or Private R&D units
- Private or Government Nutrition Education Institutes
- Government or Private Clinics and Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- NGOs
- Food Products Manufacturing Firms
- Pharmaceutical Firms
- Health Clubs
- Fitness Centers
- Sports Centers
- Hotels
After pursuing masters in Nutrition and Dietetics courses, to build a career in the R&D sector, qualifications like M.Phil. And Ph.D will be useful. Such qualifications will also enable one to take up the job post of a lecturer or instructor in a recognized university.
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A nutritionist or dietician could earn around Rs.20,000 per month as a fresher. After gaining work experience, pay will get increased. In case of Government job, the salary will be credited on the pay band and scale.
Nutrition and Dietetics Courses FAQs (Quora):-
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