DIETETICS & NUTRITION
Overview
Nutrition involves the study of the basic nutrients required to sustain life, their bio-availability in foods and overall diet, and the effect upon them of cooking and storage. Nutrition is the science of food and its effect on human and animal life, health and disease. It is also concerned with dietary deficiency diseases.
Dietetics is the specialised branch of human nutrition, dealing with the promotion of health through the proper kinds and quantities of food.
Nutritionists and dietician plan nutrition programmes and supervise the preparation and serving of meals. They are often responsible for promoting sound eating habits through education and research. They are concerned with food and health in its widest sense and their Work is preventive and therapeutic.
Nature of Work
A dietician applies scientific principles of nutrition to the preparation of different kinds of fill for people in good health as also those suffering from disease/illness. Cookery is only a small part of dietetics.
Dieticians may be in charge of catering in organisations of different types such as residential schools, offices and so on. They could also be in charge of staff, planning well-balanced meals and supervising their production.
Dieticians can also opt for teaching in different types of educational institutions – college, polytechnics, or universities.
Dieticians and nutritionists have to know about food production and processing; social economic, and psychological factors that influence food choice; the digestion, absorption and metabolism of food, its effect on nutritional well-being; how to treat disease and prevent nutrition- related problems.
Before drawing up a diet plan, the nutritionist must understand the physical activities, lifestyle and the type of diet that is currently followed. It is essential that the nutritionist understand the food likes and dislikes as well as the food habits and work schedules of the individual.
Work Environment
Dieticians and nutritionists work in different settings. In institutions such as hospitals, schools, hotels, they help in ensuring proper meals planning, the proper cooking modes, and conduct product research. Apart from clinical/community practice in hospital and nursing home settings, dietetics can be working as educators in centres of higher learning, in research, industry and as consultants or freelance for sports nutrition, media and fashion/beauty industry.
In a hospital dieticians are responsible for providing therapeutic diets to patients, especially for those for whom the diet is also a special part of the treatment. They plan menus and devise special recipes when necessary. They keep in touch with the patients, observing their progress and explaining their diets to them. Dieticians may also be put in charge of all the food services in a hospital as dietician-catering officers.
Specialisation
Food Processing: In the processed food industry a dietician works on the development and improvement of food products and production methods, such as new ways of preserving foods. In this sphere dieticians work with food chemists and food technologists experimenting in food laboratories on flavour and dietetic problems.
Health foods being the current craze, dieticians can work on different varieties of daily meals snacks which being tasty, would also be nutritious. They can set up their own health food store or run catering services. The top hotels also prefer to employ a dietician to plan out menus for different types of guests and also to supervise the food production process.
Some dietetics work only for diabetics or patients with other metabolic disorders.
Physical and Psychological Requirements
Aspiring nutritionists/dieticians should have an interest in sound diet; an aptitude for science; organising ability; ability to work well in team; patience; sense of responsibility and an understanding of people of all ages, backgrounds, temperaments and tastes. They should be familiar with the diet pattern prevailing in different parts of the country among a cross-section of society; and the ability to express oneself lucidly.
Strong interest and aptitude in subjects such as physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, health education, catering and economics would be ideal for all those who aspire to the career of a nutritionist/dietician.
A positive and motivating attitude is a must and an understanding, non-discriminating approach is very important for this profession.
Study/Training
There are various ways of evolving as a nutritional expert or dietician. Career paths could be:
i) 3-years BHSc after Plus Two preferably with Science (PCM/B) followed by 2-years MHSc in Food & Nutrition
[Where a university has no separate Home Science faculty, look for the programme in the Faculty of Science / Applied Sciences; Agricultural universities may offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in home science to girls].
ii) 4-years Food Sciences &Technology after plus Two with Science
iii) BSc with a Diploma Dietetics/Nutrition
iv) Hotel Management followed up by a Diploma in Dietetics.
Bachelor of home science course usually covers study of Child Development, Food &Nutrition, Family Resource Management, Textile and Clothing, Home Science Education and Extension and
General Home science. In the case of the 3-year BHSc (Bachelor of Home Science) course, Food and Nutrition Science and related aspects are taught is components of the course. There may be provision of specialising (major/honours) in this group of subject. Specialisation in Food Science
& Nutrition is expected to teach food theory and its processing applications, normal and therapeutic dietetics, community foods and nutrition, analysis of foods, quantity cookery and food preservation. analysis of foods, quantity cookery and food preservation.
A Masters degree in Home Science is a 2-year course and Food & Nutrition is popularly offered. After this you can proceed to do a PhD if you wish to get the teaching/education, R&D options. Doctoral studies are helpful also if consultancy is a serious work option.
BTech food Science course teaches food science, microbiology, agricultural statistics and calculus, general horticulture, economics and marketing, biochemical engineering, chemical and biochemical engineering technology of fruits and vegetables, pulses and oil, milk, sugar, fish, cereal, nutrition, infestation and control, marketing and administration.
With few exceptions, dietetics is studied only after a graduate degree in any one of the following discipline: home-science, medicine, science(with chemistry, microbiology), hotel management and catering. Dietetics is taught as a postgraduate diploma course in a number of institutes/universities. It is also taken up as a specialisation at the Master's level m Home science in many universities in the country. Some universities offer nutrition/health and nutrition as subjects at the graduate level study in the science stream.
A dietetics course teaches you chemistry; physics, nutrition and physiology.
Employment Prospects
Hospitals and nursing homes, old-age homes, residential schools/institutions with catering services, hotels, food processing units, food manufacturers food retailers, catering organisations and other industrial units allied to food and nutrition often engage the services of nutritionists and dietician.
Freelance dietician or consultant dietician may work either under a contract or in their own private practice. They perform nutrition screening for their clients, and offer advice on diet-related concerns such as weight loss, cholesterol reduction, sugar/salt control, salt-restricted diet , etc.
Some works for sports teams or sportspersons. Health and fitness nutritionists can work in health and fitness clubs, gyms, sports teams, for individual athletes, sports medicine clinics, and in consulting.
Entry-level salary depends upon the employer and the work profile. Nutritionists and dieticians with postgraduate qualifications can hope to earn between Rs. 5,000to Rs 8,000in their first job.
Career Progression
Experienced dieticians are usually in demand. Advancement comes with years of experience and a well-thought out career plan. Career opportunities are getting diversified as healthy eating habits become increasingly recognised as a vital part of preventing disease and promoting good health. Enterprising professionals are able to carve a niche for themselves in the area of their choice and experience. The ultimate mark one makes is on the cumulative effect of education, training, personal skills, interests and on-going updating of knowledge. I
International Outlook
UK
You can enter the profession with a recognised four-year degree course that includes physiology, biochemistry; microbiology, nutrition and food science, diet therapy, health education, catering, psychology and sociology.
Graduates with degrees, which include human nutrition, physiology or biochemistry, may take a recognised 2-year postgraduate diploma. All courses include a period of approved practical clinical training in hospital and community settings.
British Dietetic Association, 5th Floor, Elizabeth House, 22 Suffolk Street, Queensway, Birmingham B1 1LS; www.bda.uk.com
USA
In the US you can practise as a dietician and nutritionist if you have a Bachelor's degree with a major in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems, management or a related area.
Certain states require dietician to be licensed, certified or registered. Credentials may be obtained through the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
Individuals who pass a certification examination after completing their education and obtaining supervised experience are awarded the registered Dieticians credential. Internships and pre-professional practice may be full-time programmes lasting 9-12 months or part-time programmes lasting 2 years. Those who are interested in research, advanced clinical positions, or public health should get a graduate degree.
The American Dietetic Association, 216 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; Homepage: http://www.eatright.org
Related Careers
Food Science & Technology
Home Science
Hotel Management
Physical Fitness Trainer
LIST OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
Place
Institutions
Courses offered
Eligibility criteria
Banasthali
Banasthali vidyapith,
P.O. Banasthali vidyapith 304022
BHSc
12th
Chandigarh
Panjab University,
Sector – 14,
Chandigarh 160014
1 year PG Dip in Nutrition & Dietetics
Bsc hons
Chennai
University of Madras,
Chenni 600005,
PG Dip in nutrition & Dietetics
Bsc (Chem/Zoo or human nutrition or) home science
Chennai
Sri ramchandra medical
College and research institute,
Porur,
Chennai 6000166
1 year PG Dip in clinical Nutrition
Graduates in home Sc./Food, Nutrition & Dietetics.
Chennai
Tamil nadu dr. MGR medical university, guindy,
Chennai 600032
PG Dip in applied Nutrition & Dietetics
Bachelor’s degree
Chitrakoot
Mahatma Gandhi Gramoday
Viswavidyalay,
Chitrakoot 485331 (MP)
BTech in Food Engg.
12th PCM; admission as for engineering courses
Coimbatore
Avinashilingam Inst for
Home Science And Higher
Education for Women
Coimbatore 641043,
Tamilnadu [estd. 1988]
Phone: 440241, 443620
E-mail: devunity@giasmdol.vsnl.net.in
1 year PG Dip in Nutrition & Dietetics
Graduation
Delhi
University of Delhi,
Delhi 110007 [estd. 1922]
Phone: 27257725, 24108854
E-mail: vcdu@del3.vsnl.net.in
Food tech in applied science
12th with appropriate subjects
Guwahati
Guwahati university,
Guwahati 781014
Diploma in Nutrition
MBBS, served in rural areas or armed forces
Hyderabad
National institute of nutrition (NIN),
Jamia-Osmania P.O.
Hyderabad 500007
E-mail: nin@ap.ap.nic.in
Post graduate certificate course in nutrition (9-10 weeks duration)
M.Sc. in Nutrition
MBBSor MSc in biochemistry/ physiology/ food & nutrition/ dietetics
Kanpur
Chhatrapati shahu ji maharaj unibersity,
Kalyanpur,
Kanpur 208024
BTech/MTech
(Food Tech)
Plus two science (PCM/B). Admission through state engineering admission norms
Kolkata
University of Kolkata
College Street,
Kolkata 700073
University of Kolkata
College street,
Kolkata 700032
MBBS
Kolkata
Jadavpur university,
Kolkata 700032
BTech/MTech
(Food & biochemical engg)
12th PCM; admission as for engineering courses
Kottayam
Mahatma Gandhi university,
Kottayam 686560
BSc. Food Tech
Plus two preferably with science (PCM/B) with 55% marks
Madurai
Madurai kamaraj university,
Palkalanagar,
Madurai 625021
PG Dip in applied Nutrition & Dietetics
BSc (home Sc./chem./ microbio); BSc Tech/ MSc Tech in food Tech.
Mumbai
University of Mumbai,
M.G. Road, Fort,
Mumbai 400032,
PG Dip in Dietetics applied Nutrition
BSc (home Sc./chem./ microbio); BSc Tech/ MSc Tech in food Tech.
Mumbai
SNDT Women’s university,
1 Nathibai Thackersey Road,
Mumbai 400020
1-yr PG D in dietetics
Graduate in food & nutrition/ food microbiology or Biochemistry
Nagpur
Nagpur university,
R. N. Tagore Mrg,
Nagpur 440001
BSc home sc with specialisation in food & nutrition MSc home science with specialisation in Food & Nutrition BSc Tech Food Tech
Plus two with science B Sc home science, preferably with specialisation in food & nutrition B Sc chemistry
New Delhi
Institute of home economics,
New Delhi 1144009
Diploma in dietetics & pub health nutrition
50% marks in BSc home science
Tirupati
Sri Padmavati Mahila
Visvavidyalayam,
Tirupati 517502
MSc food sc & Nutrition;
Community Health & Nutrition;
PG Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics
BSc home science with 50% marks
Vadodara
M.S. University of Baroda,
Fatehganj,
Vadodara 390002
MSc home science with specialisation in dietetics
BSc home science
Agricultural universities offering 3 or 4 year BHSc/2 yr MHSc with food & nutrition specialisation/allied
Bikaner
Rajasthan agricultural university,
Bikaner 334002
E-mail: 1.rootraub.raj.nic.in
Statewide Jurisdiction
BSc & MSc home Science
Admission tests
Coimbatore
Tamil nadu agricultural unibersity,
Coimbatore 641003
E-mail: vctnau@md3.vsnl.net.in
BSc home Sc.
MSc food science & nutrition
Plus two with PCBM/ vocational.
70% in bachelor’s degree
Hyderabad
Acharya N.G. Rana Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar,
Hyderabad 500030
e-mail: vcapau@hotmail.com
statewide jurisdiction
BHSc
MHSc
EAMCET entrance test
Jorhat
Assam agricultural university,
Jorhat 785013
e-mail: vc@aau.ren.ni.in
Statwide Jurisdiction as also entire North-East
BHSc
MHSc
50% in 12th with PCB
50% aggregate in BHSc
Kanpur
Chandra shekhar azad university of agriculture & technology,
Kanpur 208002
Telex: 0325-430
Jurisdiction: 30districts of UP including Allahabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Hardoi, Mahoba, Auraiya.
BHSc
MHSc with human nutrition
50% in 12th with PCB entrance examinations
Pantnagar
G.B. Anta university of Agriculture & Technology,
Pantnagar 263145
E-mail: sns@gnpuate.en.nic.in
BHSc
MHSc
50% in 12th with PCB entrance examinations
Parbhani
Marathwada krishi vidyapeeth,
Krishi nagarm parbhani 431402
e-mail: vc@man.ren.nic.in
Jurisdiction: Marathwada Region comprising 7 districts of Parbhani, Aurangabad, Nanded, Beed, Osmanabad, Jalna & Latur.
BHSc home science
MHSc home science
Btech food sciences
MTech food sciences
Plus two PCBM &English
BHSc;
PCBM & English;
Btech food Sc
Sardar Krushinaga
Gujarat Agricultural University,
Sardar Krushinagar 385506
E-mail: chr@gau.guj.nic.in
State wide jurisdiction
BHSc
Plus Two with English
Thrissur
Kerala Agricultural University,
Vellanikkara,
Thrissur 680654
e-mail: kauhqr@ren.nic.in
Statewide Jurisdiction
MSc home Sc
(Food Sc & Nutrition);
Diploma in food Sc & nutrition
Appropriate degree with requisite percentages
Listing of indicative
Note: Interested candidates are advised, in their own interests to pursue specific information like details of admission procedure, domiciliary restrictions, time for applications, duration of training/internship, etc., from the concerned institution directly or keep track of the notification in the national/local dailies and publications like Employment News/Rozgar/ Samachar.
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