How to Become a Nutritionist in India (2024)

Pursuing a nutritionist course is the first step toward becoming a qualified nutritionist. With various nutritionist courses available in India, aspiring individuals can explore rewarding careers in nutrition and wellness. 

Whether you're interested in pursuing a nutritionist course after the 10th or a nutritionist course after the 12th, the comprehensive programs provide essential knowledge. 

In this blog, we will provide insights into the meaning of a nutritionist course and guide you on how to embark on a career in nutrition.

What is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist is a health professional specializing in dietary planning and nutrition science to promote overall well-being. They advise individuals on making healthy food choices based on their unique needs. 

To become a nutritionist, one typically pursues a nutritionist degree or nutritionist course in India, gaining expertise in dietary analysis, meal planning, and understanding the impact of nutrition on health. 

These educational programs equip professionals with the knowledge to guide clients toward maintaining a balanced and nourishing diet for optimal health.

Nutritionist Course: Highlights

Nutritionist Course: Eligibility Criteria

To secure admission to the program, aspiring candidates must meet the nutritionist course eligibility criteria. The common nutritionist course eligibility after 12th criteria for the undergraduate, and postgraduate levels are as below:

Undergraduate courses

• Students must have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their major subjects
• A minimum of 50% of marks in 12th

Postgraduate courses

• Students must have completed his/her undergraduate nutritionist course or related course
• A minimum of 55% of marks required in a bachelor’s degree

Diploma courses

• Students must have passed 10 + 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their major subjects

Certificate courses

• 10 + 12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as major subjects

Nutritionist Course: Admission Process

The admission process for a Nutritionist Course typically involves submitting an application form along with academic transcripts and relevant documents. 

Some institutions may conduct entrance exams or interviews to assess the candidate's suitability. Meeting the specified eligibility criteria is crucial for acceptance. 

After the selection process, successful candidates can enroll by paying the nutritionist course fees, which can range from ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000, depending on the institution and the level of the course.

How to Become a Nutritionist?

Here are the steps to become a nutritionist:

• Undergraduate Education: Start by pursuing a graduate degree in nutrition or a related field post completing 12th. Choose programs recognized by the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• Internships: Gain practical experience through internships, exposing yourself to diverse aspects of nutrition. This hands-on training enhances your understanding and skills in the field.
• Certification Programs: Increase employability by pursuing certification programs. Many employers prefer certified nutritionists. Seek out diverse certificate programs to build expertise and improve job prospects.
• Professional Experience: Work in various settings such as hospitals, healthcare centers, fitness facilities, and research institutes. This practical experience is vital for developing expertise and understanding different aspects of the profession.
• Advance with a Master’s Degree: Consider pursuing a master’s degree for enhanced career growth and specialization opportunities. Master’s programs allow you to focus on specific areas within the field of nutrition, providing a competitive edge in the job market.

Aspiring nutritionists can follow these steps to explore how to become a nutritionist after 12th, follow these steps diligently.

Top Nutritionist Colleges in India

Many colleges in India provide nutritionist courses. But here are the top 10 best colleges for nutritionist courses in India:

• Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
• Women’s Christian College (WCC), Chennai
• Queen Mary’s College, Chennai
• St. Ann’s College for Women, Hyderabad
• Justice Basheer Ahmad Sayeed College (JBAS), Chennai
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal
• Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
• MG University (MGU), Kottayam
• Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry

Career Scope of Nutritionist Course

Embarking on a Nutrition and Dietetics course opens a vast realm of opportunities focused on the study of food's impact on health. This field significantly contributes to health promotion, disease prevention, and overall well-being. 

Nutrition and Dietetics career scope spans various sectors, offering roles in research, healthcare, community nutrition, and education. Graduates can pursue diverse job profiles, including 

• Sports Nutritionist
• Clinical Dietician
• Community Dietician
• Pediatric Dietician
• Management Dietician
• R&D Dietician
• Consultant Dietician

The Nutritionist salary ranges from ₹2,00,000 to ₹11,00,000 annually, reflecting the rewarding nature of careers in this field.

You can start your successful career journey in the nutrition field by applying to top colleges in India on Docthub.com.

FAQs

1. Do nutritionists need NEET?

No, nutritionists don’t need to take the NEET exam as it is only for medical courses.

2. Which subjects are required for a nutritionist?

Subjects that are required for a nutritionist include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

3. What should I do after 12th to become a nutritionist?

After completing 12th, you can pursue a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or a related field, followed by an internship to gain practical knowledge and pursue a postgraduate course, to become a nutritionist.

4. Are nutritionists in high demand in India?

Yes, there is a growing demand for nutritionists in India.

5. Which country has more scope for nutritionists?

The United States and Canada are countries that have more scope for nutritionists.