You can get a Bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics.
The courses in nutrition and dietetics are offered at Diploma, undergraduate and post-graduate level. There are institutes and universities in India offering courses viz. PG Diploma in nutrition and dietetics, B.Sc (food science and nutrition) and M.Sc (nutrition), etc. Admission to these courses is made on the basis of merit. But a few institutes/universities also conduct entrance examinations for admission.
To do the M.Sc in nutrition, one needs to have a basic graduate degree preferably in science. Preferable fields of graduation are microbiology, chemistry, home science, medicine, hotel management or catering technology. One may also pursue a year-long PG Diploma in nutrition and dietetics. Fresh graduates are trained by the F&B departments of hospitals. The PG Diploma course requires at minimum a degree in science.
To do the Bachelors in nutrition and dietetics, one should have completed intermediate in science with physics, chemistry and biology. The B.Sc (food science and nutrition) is a three-year programme.
How to become a registered dietician?
In India, in order to become a registered dietician, one needs to clear the RD exam conducted by the Indian Dietetic Association (
www.idaindia.com).
And to be eligible to take this exam, you need to have:
1. B.Sc in home science in food & nutrition (Day Scholar)
2. Post Graduate Diploma in nutrition and dietetics or M.Sc in food & nutrition (only).
(This is a 3+1 format where the candidate must have done a minimum of four years in home science or food, nutrition and dietetics).
3. 6 months continuous internship (or 3+3 months) from recognised hospitals listed on the IDA website or a 2-year experience in a multispecialty hospital as a full-time dietician.
Courses and career prospects:
There are different types of dietician positions: clinical dieticians, community dietitians, management dietitians, and consultant dietitians. Each of these positions offers different career options, such as food nutrition services in hospitals, nutrition counselling in public health agencies and fitness clubs or clinical management in food service systems.
