Eligibility

Entry into this field can be at two levels:

TO BECOME A TRAINEE 

The requirement is a B.Sc. in home science plus a diploma in food science. Trainees must undergo
a one-year probation period before they are absorbed as full nutritionists/dieticians.

TO BE A FULL NUTRITIONIST/DIETICIAN

Requires a B.Sc. in home science plus a diploma in dietary services with one or to years work experience; or a M.Sc. in home science with work experience.

Candidates with a postgraduate diploma in dietetics and public health nutrition are, however, preferred in this field

Eligibility

For Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition (DDPHN): B.Sc. in home science (10+2+3 scheme) from a recognized university, with 50% marks in the aggregate and 50% or above marks in the aggregate in foods and nutrition, physiology and biochemistry.

For M.Sc. Home Science (Foods and Nutrition): B.Sc. in home science (10+2+3 scheme) from a recognized university with an aggregate of 55% marks, and 55% marks aggregate in foods and nutrition, food science, biochemistry, nutrition and the family, in the Honors course; in the Pass course, food science, biochemistry and nutrition and dietetics. 

Selection of candidates to the DDPHN course is made in order of merit, on the basis of marks scored in foods and nutrition, physiology and biochemistry.

Training

As the practice of dietetics requires considerable technical knowledge and experience, formal training is essential for a successful career. A large number of institutions around the country offer good courses in dietetics and public health nutrition. Some institutions also conduct graduate courses in nutrition and dietetics.

Duration of Training

The DDPHN course is spread over one academic year, with a compulsory three-month internship, working in a hospital under a qualified dietician. A M.Sc. Home Science degree is obtained after two years of training.

Academic Progamme

Subjects of study covered during the DDPHN training include biochemistry, nutrition, applied physiology, food, microbiology, administration, therapeutic nutrition, and public health nutrition.

While the M.Sc. home science course includes biochemistry, physiology, biostatistics, research methods, investigation into nutrition, human nutritional requirements, food microbiology and principles of food science in the first year, human nutrition and dietetics, institutional management
and food science is included in the final year.

Career Path

After gaining experience, a dietician would be promoted as Assistant, then Chief Director of the Dietary Department of a company or institution. In the food services industry, a professional dietician can rise to become the manager of a restaurant.

Personal Attributes

Excellent communication skills, ability to get on with people, ability to co-ordinate with other consultants, good health, emotional stability, a scientific bent of mind, the ability to empathize with, and understand others problems, understanding of human nature/psychology, good motivational skills.