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Who is a Dietitian?
Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live ~ Jim Rohn
Dietitians are healthcare professionals who help people stay healthy through proper nutrition. They assess dietary needs, plan balanced meal charts, and offer guidance to individuals and families on eating right. As a registered dietitian, you will turn nutrition science into simple, practical advice. Whether it’s treating nutritional deficiencies or promoting healthy habits, your goal is to connect food with better health.
If you are interested in this field, studying Food Processing or Nutrition can be your first step.
Dietitian in a Nutshell
A dietitian is a healthcare expert in nutrition who provides dietary advice, creates meal plans, and treats nutrition-related issues. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private settings. To become one, a degree in nutrition or dietetics is required, along with practical training. Dietitians help individuals lead healthier lives through informed food and lifestyle choices.
Quick Facts for Dietitian
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Industry
Healthcare
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Average Salary in India
₹21500
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
In the early years, female dietitians conquered the field of dietetics. Unfortunately, these misperceptions possibly have discouraged more men from entering the field, but all of that may be changing. Since a career as a dietitian has evolved, the push toward encouraging more men to join the ranks has increased.
Those men who have paved the way have shown that there are great opportunities for success. Men in dietetics are doing exciting things, and they are encouraging more men to consider entering the field.
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Any special needs
Yes
It is a well-established fact that people with disabilities are at risk of nutritional problems and therefore it is very important that there is access to dietetic knowledge for this group. Therefore, an individual wishing to make a career as dietitian can do so even if he or she is differently-abled.
Table of Contents for Dietitian
What is the role of Dietitian?
Individuals in the dietitian career path are qualified experts who specialise in the science of nutrition. In the career of a dietitian, an individual's duties include assessing, developing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition plans in order to improve people’s diet and eating habits, thus, ensuring a positive impact on their overall health and quality of life.
Individuals in the dietitian's job are to empower their patients, clients, and communities to embrace food, understand, and enjoy it. The advice and information they provide are tailored to their clients and patient's personal needs and challenges, including taste and accessibility.
A dietitian assesses patient's and client's health needs and diet.
A dietitian also provides counselling sessions for his or her patients.
A dietitian is a licensed professional who develops meal plans for people with different requirements.
He or she must evaluate the results of the meal plans made.
The job of a dietitian primarily aims at promoting better nutrition to people.
Types of a Dietitian
When it comes to a dietitian career path, there are several kinds of career opportunities available based on factors like knowledge, experience, and skills. This may include clinical dietitians, community dietitians, paediatric dietitians, and others. Some dietitian jobs in this particular field are mentioned below:
Clinical dietitian: The clinical dietitian is not only found in hospitals but also in nursing care. The clinical dietitian works along with the health professionals in coordinating several medical findings and nutritional care of the patient. Every hospital has a clinical dietitian if not any specialised field’s dietitian.
Community dietitian: A community dietitian works with organisations like the World Health Organisation, public health groups, daycare centres, resorts, and health clubs in coming up with effective nutritional plans for the people. With people giving more importance to their diet and what they eat, community dietitians are in huge demand.
Gerontological dietitian: The job of a gerontological dietitian is to work on planning out healthy diet charts for elderly people. They specialise in the field of nutrition for the elderly. They are required in hospitals as well as government agencies have started hiring gerontological dietitians.
Paediatric dietitian: A paediatric dietitian is also known as a paediatric nutritionist. His or her job involves giving health advice to children who are below 18 years old. For the proper development of kids’ minds and bodies, a paediatrician takes care of their diet. Nowadays, several schools have started hiring a paediatrician in order to take care of a child’s lunch menu.
Foodservice: Many big companies, organisations or schools hire a food service dietitian. The job of a food service dietitian is to take part in planning the food for a large number of people by keeping in mind that the nutritional requirements are matched in the diet plan made.
Research dietitian: A research dietitian is involved in research work that is related to diets, food, and nutrition. These researches are generally performed in hospitals and health centres for providing better nutritional plans for patients. Different body types need different diet plans and such research is done by a research dietitian.
What is the workplace/work environment of Dietitian like?
Individuals in the dietitian career work in many settings including cafeterias, clinics, nursing homes, hospitals and for state and local government.
Does Dietitian require travelling?
Likely
Individuals in a dietitian career path may have to travel in some cases. A registered dietitian is someone who temporarily relocated for work. These assignments can last anywhere from weeks to months and some even convert to a salaried position to the clients site.
Employment Shifts
Full Time, Part Time
In the career as a dietitian, individuals work a 40-hour workweek, though some work weekends
Work Place
In a career as dietitian, individuals work full time. A registered dietitian may work evenings and weekends to meet their clients who are unavailable at other times.
Presence in Geographical Area
Rural, Urban
The urban population which falls under good economic conditions does not take proper healthy food despite no economic hindrances while on the other hand people in rural areas can't afford even three meals a day. In the career as dietitian, individuals work in both urban and rural areas.
Time Pressure
Not Likely
There is hardly any time pressure in a career as a dietitian. Most often, registered dietitians work on scheduled timing and have weekends off. The work pressure is limited which leads to a stressless work environment. Hence, the time pressure is almost negligible in the profession.
Overtime Details
Individuals in the dietitian career path are required to work full-time five days a week and weekends are generally off. However, occasionally they might be required to schedule a meeting in the evening or at weekends when their client is unavailable during regular business hours.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 45 Hours
Individuals in a dietitian career path work around 45 hours a week. Sometimes these work hours can increase if there is a rush of clients.
How to become a Dietitian?
Steps to become a Dietitian
If you look after your health and are concerned every time about what you eat and how much you eat, and count all those calories, carbs and nutrition and want to take it as a profession, then a career as a Dietitian is the best option for you. We have mentioned below some of the steps for how to become a Dietitian in India or how to become a Dietitian after 12th.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Dietitian?
In order to get a high-salary dietitian job, one must possess some skills. These skills are important for an individual to make a bright career as a dietitian. Here, in the below steps, we have discussed how to become a dietitian.
Scientific curiosity: Curiosity in scientific knowledge is a reason to seek and utilise statistical knowledge just for the enjoyment of using it. Individuals in the clinical dietitian career path are concerned about science do so because they are interested to see what science has been doing to solve cases.
Communication skills: Effective communication skills provide patients with emotional support as nutrition education is an important part of medical meal planning in the career as a dietitian. Higher levels of communication skills are the most important quality a dietitian should possess, as they treat a patient to effect diet recommendations.
Interpersonal management: Excellent interpersonal skills to develop relationships with patients/careers. Interpersonal management enables employees to create and manage effective working relationships with each other and with their consumers, significantly increasing team productivity and management. Interpersonal contact can serve a great many beneficial purposes in the career as a dietitian.
Teamwork: Teamwork encourages an environment that processes activity and communication. Such close-knit connections complement and inspire workers and align them to work harder, collaborate, and support each other in their careers as dietitians. Teamwork skills are needed to accomplish the work together in a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Time management: Time management is simply a facility to coordinate and schedule the time spent on social activities. Effective time management skills result in positive performance and effectiveness in a career as a clinical dietitian. It is a core component of project management, which uses a variety of tools and techniques like preparation, and establishing objectives for excellent outcomes.
Computer skills: Inspiring the workers to become good with computers, as an employer can boost productivity but also avoid potential issues that can require significant and substantial amounts of wealth in the dietitian career path. Multiple businesses have begun to rely on computerised technology to just get the task accomplished.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Dietitian?
Apart from formal training, you can also opt for an additional short-term certification course to gain more knowledge and enhance your skills. Pursuing a specialised certification is not mandatory but it is recommended. Here, we have mentioned some of the dietitians and nutritionists courses to pursue a career as a dietitian.
Internship Availability
The internship is a learning process in the career of a dietitian which trains the students in a professional manner and helps them to learn more about the job. Such as assessment of the patient’s nutritional status, development, intervention and evaluation of nutritional intervention, tasting the food from the kitchen and giving feedback, diet counselling during hospitalisation and on discharge based on the patient's condition.
Dietitian Jobs and Salaries
Junior Dietitian
- Average Salary 17000
Job Description
The Junior Dietitian job description includes providing health advice and promoting healthy eating, advising special diets, providing dietary changes and educating people about nutrition. A junior Dietitian works under the supervision of a senior Dietitian.
Salary Description
An entry-level Dietitian salary in India ranges between Rs 0.2 Lakhs to Rs 3.6 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 2.2 Lakhs per annum. Junior Dietitian salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors like skills and experience of the candidates, job location, and others.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Senior Dietitian
- Average Salary 26000
Job Description
The Dietitian job description includes managing nutritional deficiencies and supervising the patients with their dietary requirements, preparing menus, and educating patients and their families.
Salary Description
The estimated Dietitian salary in India ranges from Rs 1.5 Lakhs to Rs 6.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 3.3 Lakhs per annum. Senior Dietitian salary may vary depending on the various job factors like skills, experience, size of organisations, location, and others.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Dietitian?
Individuals in the dietitian career path have a wide range of positions such as clinical dietetics work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and other health care facilities, research dietitians work on health service research. According to reports, the employment of dietitians is expected to increase as compared to other occupations. A growing interest in food and health will help boost the demand for dietetics and nutrition.
In recent years, more people have become interested in health, wellness and the role of food in their daily lives and wellbeing, hence there is a rise in demand for dietitians. When it comes to the dietitian career path, opportunities are growing but at the same time, the market is overflowing with amateurs and healthy lifestyle coaches presenting themselves as professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions for Dietitian
Que. Is becoming a dietitian difficult?
Ans.They need excellent writing, reading, critical thinking and speaking skills. To become an (LD) licensed dietitian, one must earn a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food and nutrition or a related area, complete a six to 12 month internship and pass a written examination in order to get a licence to practise.
Que. Do dietitians go to medical school?
Ans.Some nutritionists decide to continue their education by completing a master's degree programme in nutrition. Although advanced degrees are normally not required to work as a nutritionist, they can prepare students to work as educators and researchers in the nutrition field of medical nutrition therapy.
Que. Is dietitian a good career?
Ans.If earning money is important, then a career as a dietitian is not the best option, not that they can not earn a good salary, but they just do not earn a lot (unless you are a senior dietitian or work in sales or food service). If you value down time and convenience to find jobs, dietitians are a pretty good career.
Que. Why are dietitians important?
Ans.Dietitians can help you lose weight, manage food allergies, treat diet-related chronic diseases, aid with malnutrition or insufficient intake, educate you on reading and understanding food labels, or simply answer questions about food and diet. Dietitians want to help you change your lifestyle to improve your health.
Que. How to become a dietitian in India?
Ans.Candidates should have passed 10+2 with a science stream. Pursue B.Sc or B. A Nutrition or B.Sc Food Technology. After that, pursue a PG Diploma in Nutrition or an M.Sc in Food and Nutrition. Do an Internship for 6 months and clear the Registered Dietitian entrance exam.
Que. Who is the best dietitian in India?
Ans.Some of the best dietitians in India are Raksha Changappa, Isha Khosla, Rujata Diwekar, Shikha Sharma, Anjali Mukharjee, Tanya Zuckerbrot and many others.
Que. What is a dietitian?
Ans.Dietitians supervise the patients by addressing their dietary requirements, preparing menus, and educating patients and their families about the importance of adequate nutrients.
Que. What is the role of dietitian?
Ans.Roles and responsibilities of dietitians include providing health advice and promoting healthy eating, advising about special diets, educating health professionals and the public about nutrition, establishing and addressing health needs.
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Questions related to Dietitian
i want to do bsc in nutrition and dietitian
Hello,
Pursuing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics can be a rewarding career choice. This undergraduate program typically spans three years and covers the science of nutrition, dietetics, and food management. You'll study subjects like human nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, and food science, as well as practical aspects like diet planning and food service management. Upon graduation, you can register as a licensed dietitian or nutritionist and work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, or private practice. With a strong foundation in science and a growing demand for healthcare professionals, a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics can lead to a fulfilling and in-demand career.
hope this helps,
Thank you
Answer laterI am dietitian & Nutritionist. I have persued Pg diploma in Nutrition n Dietetics. I am having an hearing impairment. what qualification is needed to get in to Air force as a dietitian and also whats the qualification needed to be an space nutritionist in NASA? my age is 27.
To become an Air Force Dietitian in India (age 27):
- Education: Complete a bachelor's in home science with food & nutrition or MBBS, followed by a recognized postgraduate diploma in dietetics/nutrition.
- License: Register with the Indian Dietetic Association.
- Age limit: Check the latest notification, it might be 40 years for Short Service Commission.
- Hearing: Contact the Air Force Medical Branch to clarify their policy regarding your specific hearing impairment.
To become a NASA Space Nutritionist:
- Education: Pursue a Ph.D. in nutrition or related field, research experience is crucial.
- Experience: Prior research in space nutrition, human physiology, or similar is highly desirable.
- Skills: Strong analytical, research, communication, teamwork, and independent work ethic are essential.
- Hearing: Contact NASA's Equal Opportunity Office for details on accommodations and specific requirements for the role.
Remember, these are general guidelines, so always check official sources for the latest information. Don't be discouraged by your hearing impairment; research, open communication, and determination can help you achieve your goals!
Question : Directions: Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which conclusion/s logically follow/s from the given statements.
Statements:
Some dietitians are surgeons.
All surgeons are therapists.
No therapist is a physician.
Conclusion:
(I) Some therapists are dietitians.
(II) No dietitian is a physician.
Option 1: Only conclusion I follows
Option 2: Only conclusion II follows
Option 3: Both conclusions I and II follow
Option 4: Neither conclusion I nor II follows
Correct Answer: Only conclusion I follows
Solution : The possible Venn diagram, according to the given statements is as follows –
Let's analyse the conclusions –
Conclusion (I): Some therapists are dietitians – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that the two circles representing therapists and dietitians overlap and have a part of their area in common. So, this conclusion follows.
Conclusion (II): No dietitian is a physician – From the Venn diagram, it is evident that there is no direct relation between dietitians and physicians. Thus, no definite relation can be drawn. So, this conclusion does not follow.
From the above, the only conclusion I follows. Hence, the first option is correct.
after completion of Msc.Food science and nutrition shall I work in a hospital as Dietitian
Hello Aspirant,
Yes you can work as a dietitian in hospitals with the average salary of 5-8 lakh per annum.
However , there are other career choices like -
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- Teaching jobs and Research fields.
- Lab Assistant.
- Government Lab Technician.
- Industrial Jobs.
- Agriculture Officer.
- Health Officer.
- Food Safety Officer.
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Industrial Jobs.
Find more about the course -
Thus the course of dietitian and nutrition is available in Mumbai University.......
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, PG Diploma in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition is available at Mumbai University.
Eligibility - Aspirants who have a Bachelor of Science (Home Science) with a domain in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics or Bachelor of Science (Home Science) (General) or Bachelor of Science in Microbiology/Biochemistry Life Sciences, Bachelor of Science with a combination of the aforementioned subjects with Chemistry or Bachelor of Nursing of this University or a Degree of different University acknowledged as comparable. The length of the Diploma course is one and a half years and there shall be a university exam at the end of the course. The Diploma in Dietetic and Applied Nutrition will not be granted to an aspirant unless he/she has qualified in all the subjects, practicals and fieldwork comprising the Internship. The fee is INR 15k. Mumbai University (MU) is an exclusive university in India, founded in 1857. This is a state university that was before recognized as the University of Mumbai. NIRF positioned this college at 65th rank in 2020 in the university standards. It furnishes UG, PG, PhD, certificate and diploma programs in the stream of humanities, science and technology, commerce and management, interdisciplinary- studies and physical education. The University is identified by the UGC.
Regards.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Dietetics began during World War I to combat malnutrition.
Fact 2
The Indian Dietetic Association was founded in 1963.
Fact 3
Over 2.3 billion adults were overweight globally in 2022.
Fact 4
India has 10,000+ registered dietitians.
Fact 5
Florence Nightingale used diet to aid recovery in the Crimean War.
