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In today’s fast-paced world, most of us have much more on our plates than we can handle. We scarcely get any leisure time to relax and unwind. This has adversely affected our lifestyle and eating habits and made us prone to various ailments. Consequently there is a high demand for professionals specializing in nutrition and wellness.

Dieticians and nutritionists are healthcare professionals who make diet plans for people and also teach the importance of healthy eating. People are so busy in their own lives that they do not find enough time to take care of their own health and rely on the assistance of these professionals. Nutritionists improve the quality of people’s lives, prepare diet charts, emphasize on exercise and promote healthy diets for better nutrition.

Education Requirements

One must select Science stream in class 12 with Biology as one of their main subjects. For undergraduate level, one can select a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology and Nutrition. In the case of post-graduate level, a Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition with specialization in public health nutrition, food science or therapeutic nutrition options are available.

A post-graduate diploma of one year in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition is also another option to become a Nutritionist.

11 Careers in Nutrition and Wellness

1. Clinical Nutritionist

They are employed in medical settings such as doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals. These nutritionists mainly focus on providing medical nutrition therapy, especially the medical methods applied to treat diseases by altering their diets.

2. Sports Nutritionist

They are essential for the guidance of athletes and coaches to ensure top athletic performance. Besides this, they tailor-make diet plans according to the requirements of each athlete based on their health. They also contribute to prevent injuries and assist athletes in recovering by collaborating with athletic trainers.

3. Pediatric Nutritionist

They play a vital role in the health of children with or without special needs, for obesity and diabetes. They even teach children as well as parents about healthy eating habits and the basics of nutrition.

4. Food Service Nutritionist

These nutritionists work in large-scale food establishments like restaurants, school cafeterias or in R&D centers of food industry. They offer recommendations in cases of allergies and particular dietary concerns.

5. Private Consultant Nutritionist

Private Consultants work with individuals to design diet charts and review their current eating habits to achieve their wellness goals. The goals may vary from losing weight, gaining weight or achieving fitness and good health. It could also be related to treating a disease or some other health issue.

6. Public Health Nutritionist

Public health nutritionists have the responsibility of explaining essential nutritional basics or issues to the people in the risk communities. Assessing people’s health and dietary requirements is also their duty. Part of their responsibility also includes developing effective diet plans based on cultural preferences accounting for cost as well.

7. Food Auditor

They conduct audits and inspections to ensure kitchen procedures and products are in compliance with the set regulatory standards. They need to ensure the quality of food is also maintained. Quality control is an important aspect that needs to be overseen.

8. Food Technologist

During the whole food development process, food technologists are responsible for designing and organizing industrial trials, shelf-life studies and sensory testing. They work on improving the food and drink product standards and ensuring the ingredients and finished goods meet the special regulatory standards.

9. Nutrition Writer

Once nutritionists have gained experience in the field; they might start freelance writing regarding health-related articles for magazines or newspapers. If you’re well-versed with the topic of food and diet, focusing solely on writing books or featured articles about nutrition can be pursued as a full-time job as well.

10. Health Educator

Their job focuses on creating awareness of healthy living in community outreach programs and youth development programs. Creating informative guides, exercise programs and activities to support specific target demographics is also part of their job. They can apply for funding sources once they have collected data related to the programs.

11. Naturopath

This job profile focuses on helping patients seek an alternative route for medicinal treatments. Naturopaths rely on natural remedies and treatment plans, which include nutritional supplements, diet therapy and botanical medicine to heal the body.

Pay Packets

A fresher who has completed a bachelor’s in Nutrition and Wellness from a good US university may earn anywhere between USD 20,000 to 60,000 depending on the specialization and place of employment. Numerous hospitals, clinics, sports organizations, restaurants and corporates hire nutritional professionals to assist people in better living. Gyms and spas also hire dieticians to tailor-make healthy, low-calorie food charts for their clients.

Want to know more about how to build a successful career in this field? Connect with our careers counselors for 15 minutes free session and they will help you chart an admissions roadmap.

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