Learn How to Start a Healthy Career as a Nutritionist!

Nutritionists play a vital role in keeping people healthy in today’s fast-paced and fast-food environment. Individuals and groups learn to change their eating habits and embrace healthy practices in their daily lives with their advice and expertise. Nutritionists are required in all areas of healthcare, from hospitals to home health agencies, but they are particularly important in food manufacturing, cafeterias, and gyms. As a Nutritionist, you may see patients and clients improve their quality of life and feel better, which can be extremely rewarding. If it’s your passion to become fit and make others fit too, then here is a blog for you on how to become a nutritionist. 

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Overview of Career as a Nutritionist

A career as a Nutritionist includes mostly designing diet programmes for clients as well as educating them on the significance of eating healthy. Nutrition emphasises the function of food as a necessary preventive health care system and enhances health and wellness. People’s lifestyles and attitudes are evolving these days. 

On the other side, education has moved its attention from finishing and grooming programmes like cooking and catering to fitness, preventative health care, and nutrition. The nutritionist’s primary responsibility is to promote the concept of good health through healthy eating habits. As a result, they develop diet charts, highlight the importance of workouts, choose food items, and explain how to improve one’s metabolism, among other things.

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What Does a Nutritionist Do?

Nutritionists advise people on the types and quantities of food they should consume to remain fit and live a healthy or active lifestyle. Nutritionists strive to enhance their patients’ quality of life and general well-being by promoting a balanced diet. Many dietitians work independently in their own offices, but others work as part of a larger team at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. 

Nutritionists counsel patients, design diet plans based on a patient’s health problems, assess the cost and promote better nutrition in these settings. Nutritionists have a unique opportunity to change how people think about food and nutrition, thereby improving people’s quality of life.

Eligibility Criteria 

Aspirants should keep a note of the following eligibility criteria if planning to pursue a career as a nutritionist:

• In order to pursue a bachelors degree or course in Nutrition, candidates must have 50% in the best five subjects from any stream in class 12th
• For pursuing a master’s degree or course, a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or any other related field with a minimum of 50% in aggregate is required.
• Candidates must also have a competitive SAT/ACT score (or any other entrance test accepted by the university) to study bachelors abroad.
• GMAT or GRE scores for masters programme
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Acceptable English Proficiency Tests:
  • IELTS
  • C1 Advanced
  • TOEFL
• An updated CV (if required)

Note: The eligibility criteria to study abroad and in India may differ as per the university.

How to Become a Nutritionist?

While the stages to becoming a nutritionist vary based on your chosen career route, the following are the most common and consistent:

1. Complete Your Education

Obtain a bachelor’s degree in an area linked to health. Further, A master’s degree or doctorate programme in nutrition can help you advance your career.

2. Get Work Experience 

Internships are a great way to get experience. Try internships under the supervision of renowned nutrition experts and get some hands-on experience.

3. Get Certified

Learn about the certification requirements in your state. Obtain certification as a nutritionist from a reputable organisation. Become a licenced dietitian nutritionist by earning your certification.

4. Keep Updating Your Skills 

Keep your certifications current, try newer courses/programmes that add up skills to your skillset.

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Top Colleges for Nutritionist Abroad 

Here are some top-class colleges for you to consider to kickstart your career as a nutritionist abroad: 

1. NYU Steinhardt, United States of America
2. Boston University, United States of America
3. Cornell University, United States of America
4. The University of Sydney, Australia
5. Deakin University, Australia
6. University of Chester, United Kingdom
7. Coventry University, United Kingdom
8. The University of Southern Mississippi, United States of America
9. University of Otago, New Zealand
10. Murray State University, USA

Top Colleges in India

Mentioned below are some of the highly renowned colleges in India from where you can pursue and study programmes related to nutrition and dietician: 

1. AIMS, Delhi 
2. Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak
3. B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad
4. CMC Vellore, Vellore
5. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 
6. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
7. D Y Patil University, Mumbai 
8. Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 
9. Neigrihms, Shillong
10. Shrimati Mathibai Damodar Thackeray University, Mumbai

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Career Opportunities and Job Prospects 

After getting the appropriate educational qualifications and abilities, a nutritionist might choose from a number of career opportunities in this sector. Some of the job profiles available in nutrition are as follows:

1. Food Service Nutritionists: They are most frequently found in school cafeterias, restaurants, and other large-scale food businesses. They conduct regular audits and inspections to verify that kitchen staff and management are following regulatory guidelines. Special dietary issues and food allergies are also recommended by foodservice nutritionists.

2. Clinical Nutritionists: They work at medical offices, hospitals, and clinics, among other places. These nutritionists are in charge of medical nutrition treatment, which is a medical way of treating illnesses through food change.

3. Sports Nutritionists: They usually work with athletes and coaches to get the best possible sports results. Aside from that, they design a meal plan based on each athlete’s nutrient requirements. They also work with sports trainers to avoid injuries and assist in the recovery of athletes.

4. Public Health Nutritionist: A public health nutritionist is in charge of explaining critical nutritional concerns to individuals living in high-risk areas. Patients’ health and nutritional requirements are also evaluated. Aside from that, they create effective diet programmes that take into account cost and cultural preferences.

5. Consultant Nutritionist: A patient’s current eating habits and welfare objectives, such as reducing weight, treating an illness, or preventing future health concerns, are evaluated by a Consultant Nutritionist.

6. Pediatric Nutritionist: Pediatric nutrition specialists are responsible for the care of children, both with and without special needs, who are obese or diabetic. They also provide basic nutrition and good eating advice to children and parents.

Some of the organisations where aspirants can find the above-mentioned job prospects are as follows:

• Nursing Homes
• Community Health Programmes
• Home Health Care Agencies
• Wellness Centers
• Hospitals (Government and Private)
• Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
• Research and Advocacy
• Schools
• Private Clinics
• Diabetic Clinics
• Wellness Startups

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Salary Trend

A Nutritionist’s salary varies depending on their expertise, abilities, and experience. It generally rises or falls in response to information and the passage of time. Most businesses and organisations pay extra for nutritionists and researchers that are highly competent and experienced. Nutritionists in a variety of fields make a decent living. 

At the beginning of a career as a nutritionist, one can expect to earn around 2-4 lakhs per annum, which can rise to 6.5 lakhs per annum with experience. A senior nutritionist can expect to earn around 8-10 lakhs per annum, with masters or PhD degree and adequate years of work experience or practice in the field. The salary tends to be more for practitioners wanting to settle abroad as a nutritionist or having a degree from a university abroad in the same field. 

So this was all about who is a nutritionist and how to become one in this blog. Planning to study in the field of nutrition? Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu and we will guide you through the process of choosing the best course and university abroad with the help of our AI Course Finder. Sign up for a free session with us today!