The Upcoming Careers...: Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutrition is a division of science that studies about different factors of food and its nourishment. The standard nutritional necessities of people are set and that depends on such measurable characteristics such as degree activity, rate of growth, sex, weight, age and height. Good nutrition needs a sufficient diet, which is competent of sustaining the individual consuming it; in case of good health it provides nutrients in required amounts. Clinical nutritionists mainly focus on nutrition of the patient. They address the nutritional deficiencies in a patient before prescribing them any drugs.

Dietetics is also a science that helps in managing nutrition and food in order to support good health. Diet plays a very significant role in advancement of health and welfare of an individual. A better balanced diet helps to improve the quality of life while a poor diet may lead to morbidity and diseases. Nutritionist perform the research on food which helps to know about the different components of food we intake and the right kind of food which gives a balanced mixture of the essentials nutrients such as minerals, proteins and vitamins.

In general, dietetics deals with the management of food where as nutrition is concerned with the promotion of health. The trends today show a increasing interest in health and fitness. So future prospects in this women dominated field are bright.

Registered DieticiansThis credential is offered to professionals authorised by Indian Dietetics Association (IDA). It can be used by dietitians working at hospitals, day-care clinics and consultancy clinics. Those who possess these credentials would have specific academic and practice requirements. For more info visit the website www.idaindia.com

Skills and aptitude

Interest in food/ food preparation
Good communication skills to interact with people, individually and in groups
Writing skills to produce reports, documentation, leaflets
Good research skills
Figure out new ways to solve a problem.
Patience and a genuine concern for fellow beings
Planning, administrative skills and organisational ability

Career Path : To become a dietitian you need at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area. College students in these majors take courses in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology.

Types of Courses :

Certificate Courses in Dietetics & Health Education

Certificate Courses in Nutrition and Dietetics

Diploma in Dietetics and Nutrition

Diploma in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition

Diploma in Dietetics, Health and Nutrition

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Post graduate diploma in Dietetics and Nutrition

Employement Prospects : Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to increase 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the role of food in promoting health and wellness, particularly as a part of preventative healthcare in medical settings. The importance of diet in preventing and treating illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for people with these conditions.

An aging population also will increase the need for dietitians and nutritionists in nursing homes.

Market Watch: The market is considerably cold for professionals in this field as this is mostly seen as a supporting career unlike a mainstream career such as studying to become a doctor or an engineer. However, almost all consumer product companies such as Colgate, Close Up to Amul, or Bournvita and Complan that manufacture consumable products hire dieticians for their research teams.

Job Types:-