|
|
Career as a Nutritionist has gained massive popularity in last 1-2 decades. This was a career which was unheard of just a few decades back but changing social and mental setup has made nutrition a happening field. Now people are more health conscious. Factors like lack of exercise, stress, increasing office hours, polluted environment, lifestyle related issues and sedentary life are leading to increase in diseases across the cities and counties. People are looking for expert advice on balanced nutrition and that’s why there is a tremendous increase in demand for nutrition specialists. It is the job of a nutritionist to assess the nutrition of a variety of people and promote healthy eating habits to prevent and treat illnesses and provide a sense of overall well being.
Nutritionists are a vital part of healthcare system. They advice patients on safe dietary practices after assessing their nutrition intake. The job profile of a nutritionist includes developing food and nutrition programs and supervising the serving of meals. They also handle the methods of meal preparation. A nutritionist thoroughly checks the diet pattern of the patients and recommends dietary modifications accordingly. He also has to keep an eye on sources of nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, and making the patients aware about importance of proper nutrition. A nutritionist deals with patients of all age groups i.e., children, elderly, athletes, diabetic patients, and working population. Many people consult nutritionist for weigh loss advice.
To become a nutritionist, one needs to have at least a bachelor degree in nutrition, foods, food service management or other related field. Nutritionists have to study subjects like physiology, microbiology, foods, nutrition, chemistry, biology and biochemistry. In USA, American Dietetic Association approves the courses pertaining to nutrition. License is another thing required by practicing nutritionists. The licensing requirement includes a minimum education and experience and passing a written examination. This is a job best learned with hands-on training expertise.
Because of rising health awareness among people and increasing focus on preventing diseases through proper nutrition, job opportunities for nutritionists are expected to grow at the phenomenal rate. Those with advanced education and extensive experience will have even better chances of landing a lucrative job.
In India, to make a career in Dietetics and Nutrition, one must have a graduate/post-graduate degree in Home Science/Dietetics and Nutrition/Food Science/Technology. The bachelor course requires passing of 10+2 with science subjects. The post graduate course requires one to have completed his bachelor’s with appropriate subjects. One can also inquire about one year post graduate diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition (DDPHN). Additionally, a nutritionist can do research in food and nutrition.
Nutritionists can find jobs at government and private hospitals, healthcare centers, school, collages, factories, clubs, canteens and office cafeterias for planning nutritional regiment. Many sports bodies and athletic camps also hire services of qualified nutritionists. Food manufacturing research labs, star hotels, cruise, restaurants etc also seeks good and experienced nutritionists and dietitians. Other career options are, teaching the science of nutrition or dietetics in colleges and universities, private consultancy or writing on nutrition related topics for different publications.
|
|
