Career Guide: How to Become a Nutritionist in India 

A Public Health Foundation of India study shows that India is currently short of around 2.36 L dieticians. But not everyone knows how to become a nutritionist in India and the steps to become a dietitian.  

This article is going to cover all areas relating to the roles and responsibilities of nutritionists. But, before you dive into the “how” part, it is crucial to know the ‘why’. Why should you take up a dietician course?  

Steps to Become a Nutritionist in India   

Here are the different steps you need to follow to become a nutritionist in India:  

Step 1- Earn a High-school Diploma 

The candidate should pass the 12th standard by taking the science stream. Science with biology is the most preferred choice.  

Step 2- Pursue a Degree 

You can become a nutritionist online by taking up online nutrition courses in India. However, most people prefer pursuing a degree in health science or related fields. This can include nutrition, food science, dietetics, biochemistry, biology, etc.  

The time taken to become a nutritionist can vary depending on the state. It also relies on whether you join for a years-long bachelor’s degree or months-long certification course. Please take note that you must pass the state’s entrance exams to get admission to some programs.  

You can prefer a major of your choice. However, make sure it is in related fields such as anatomy, biochemistry, nutrition, biology, etc. If you want to work in a clinical setting or educational field, you need a Master’s Degree from a nutritional degree program. 

Step 3- Become a Licensed Nutritionist 

If you want to become a Registered Dietician, you should clear the Indian Dietetic Association entrance exam. There are certain requirements for you to take the exam. You must have completed or been pursuing a postgraduate degree in food and nutrition. Additionally, you should also complete an internship of 6 months. Upon clearance, you can obtain or renew special certifications. Renewal should be done once every 2 years. 

Step 4- Internships 

Most of these programs require hands-on experience. Internships are the best way to earn experience. You can do internships either during the coursework or after graduation. Often, people choose to do multiple internships in various specialties. This will help in understanding areas you are comfortable working in.  

Nutrition Courses in India 

Did you know that 80% of a person’s health depends on the food they consume? In India, health diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, and lifestyle disorders like PCOD have become really common. Much of this is due to the lack of awareness about the consumption of junk food.  

There are several food nutrition and dietetics programs in India that offer a variety of scopes. Given below are some of the best nutrition courses in India: 

B.Sc. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics 

This 3-year undergraduate program features studies on nutrition and diet-related reviews. It also involves clinical research and case studies.  

Clinical Nutrition focuses on therapeutic uses of nutrition in the medical field. Thus, you aim to come up with nutrition plans to solve medical concerns. This may include disease prevention, improving the immune system and body nourishment, etc. Consultants, Researchers, and Therapeutic Dieticians have preferred job roles in this field. 

It is one of the highest demanding job roles in India and around the world. Beginners can expect around 3-4 lakhs per year. Experienced nutritionist salary in India is around 20 lakhs every year.  

M.Sc Clinical Nutrition 

Master’s in Clinical Nutrition will provide in-depth knowledge and training in clinical nutrition. You will get the opportunity to work on clinical studies. Job roles assigned after course completion are Lecturer, Community Dietician, Clinical Dietician, etc. Salary can vary from 2-4 lakhs per annum.  

PG Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health 

Today, more people are realizing the significance of eating the right food. It has led to many sports and fitness centers hiring nutritionists. Their responsibility is to take care of the client’s diet charts. The duration of this course is 2 years. The expected salary can be around 2-5 lakhs per annum.  

Top Online Nutrition Certification Courses  

Some of the top online nutrition courses in India and abroad are:  

• Introduction to Food and Health by Stanford University  
• Plant-based Nutrition Certification Program by Cornell 
• Child Nutrition and Cooking by Stanford University 
• Certified Nutrition Coach by the National Academy of Sports Medicine  
• Nutrition Certification by International Sports Sciences Association  

Best Colleges for Nutrition Courses in India 

The following are some of the best Indian colleges that offer undergraduate or postgraduate courses in food and nutrition:  

Women’s Christian College (Chennai)  

The admissions are based on the scores in the University of Madras entrance exams. The courses available are:  

• B.Sc. Home Science – Nutrition, Food Service Management, and Dietetics (General Stream) 
• B.Sc. Home Science – Nutrition, Food Service Management, and Dietetics (Vocational Stream) 
• M.Sc. Home Science – Foods & Nutrition 
• M.Sc. Home Science – Food Service Management and Dietetics 
• M.Phil. Home Science – Foods & Nutrition 
• M.Phil. Home Science – Food Service Management and Dietetics 
• Ph.D. Home Science 

All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Nirmala Niketan (Mumbai) 

Admissions are based on clearing college entrance exams. The courses include:  

• Nutrition & Exercise for Fitness Certification Course- 3 months  
• B.Sc Home Science  
• M.Sc Food Nutrition and Dietetics  

SNDT Women’s University (Mumbai) 

You need to apply for the SNDT entrance exams online. Upon clearing the exam, you can opt for the following courses: 

• B.Sc Food Science and Nutrition 
• M.Sc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics 
• M.SC Food Science and Nutrition 
• M.Sc Nutrition and Health Communication  

Also Read: Maximize Your Career Potential

Career Prospects as a Nutritionist 

Best of the nutritionist job roles include clinical nutritionists, management nutritionists, community nutritionists, and consultant nutritionists. You can explore other aspects of clinical nutrition and dietetics while working in these positions. These include nutrition counseling in health and fitness centers, food nutrition services in hospitals, etc.  

The minimum average salary for a trainee working in a hospital is Rs.10000 per month. After gaining one year of experience, this can go up to Rs.35000. Bureau of Labor Statistics data says that a nutritionist’s salary in India can be around Rs.1,15,299 per year.  

Professionals working in the education and research sector enjoy most of the perks. They receive a handsome payroll. The salaries and advantages of Nutrition and Dietician consultants in private clinics depend on their talents and reputation.  

Key Takeaway 

The need to lead a healthy lifestyle indicates the demand for medical professionals in the nutrition field. By incorporating nutritional science into health care, nutritionists develop the right dietary plans for you. 

You can become a nutritionist by completing undergraduate, postgraduate, or certification courses. These courses are available both in India and abroad. If you’re interested in studying abroad, there are a few universities that provide scholarships as well.  

There are a variety of job opportunities available upon completion of your degree. Clinical nutritionists and researchers are in high demand. However, you will have to pass the certification exam to get licensed.  

Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Read:

• BSc Nutrition and Dietetics in India and Jobs
• Career in Food Technology in India
• From Home Cook to Entrepreneur: Best Food Business Ideas

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