By NSHM | May 15, 2023

M.Sc in Dietetics & Nutrition: A Path To Becoming A Registered Dietician

Hello there! Are you someone who is interested in pursuing a career in dietetics and nutrition? Well, then, keep reading! Today, let’s talk about a very beautiful career option- M.Sc in Dietetics and Nutrition. If being healthy and fit is always on your mind and your biggest goal is to create a healthier world, studying an M.Sc. in Deitetics and Nutrition is all you need! 

By helping people make better food choices, then becoming a registered dietician might be the perfect career path for you. But before we delve deeper into the more comprehensive details, let’s begin with the basics – what is an M.Sc in Dietetics & Nutrition, and what does it entail? Let’s find out together!

What is it exactly?

M.Sc. in dietetics and nutrition happens to be a postgraduate course that aims to focus on the study of nutrition and dietetics. The programme again focuses on the scientific aspects of food, nutrition, and health and trains students to design and implement customised nutrition plans for people and communities. 

What is the curriculum of M.Sc. Dietetics and Nutrition?

  • Nutrition Science
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Advanced Human Metabolism
  • Food Science & Technology 
  • Community Nutrition
  • Nutrition & Disease
  • Research Methods in Nutrition 
  • Nutritional Assessment & Counselling

What are the benefits of studying M.Sc. Dietetics and Nutrition?

  • Career Opportunities: An M.Sc. in Dietetics and Nutrition prepares graduates for multiple careers in the health and wellness industry. They can work as clinical dietitians, nutrition consultants, or food and nutrition managers in hospitals, private clinics, research institutions, public health agencies, and more.
  • In-Demand Skills: The need for qualified nutrition professionals is expanding as people become more health-conscious and seek advice on healthy eating habits. An M.Sc. in Dietetics and Nutrition can furnish graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this growing industry.
  • Specialisation: An M.Sc. in Dietetics and Nutrition allows students to specialise in specific areas such as sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, or community nutrition. This can help them to conceive a more focused career path and expertise in their chosen area of interest.
  • Research Opportunities: Many M.Sc. in Dietetics and Nutrition programmes offer research opportunities, which can help students gain practical experience in executing research and publishing scientific papers. This can be notably beneficial for those interested in taking up a career in academia or research.
  • Personal Benefits: Studying nutrition can also provide personal benefits, such as developing a more profound understanding of how the body works and how to possess a healthy lifestyle. This knowledge can help individuals make better-informed decisions about their own health and well-being.

What is the process of becoming a certified dietician?

  • Complete an Accredited Program: The first step is to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a programme accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
  • Complete a Dietetic Internship: After completing the accredited program, students must complete a supervised dietetic internship, which can take 6-12 months to complete. The internship provides hands-on experience in clinical, community, and food service settings.
  • Pass the RD Exam: After completing the dietetic internship, students must pass the Registered Dietitian Exam, which is conducted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The exam tests knowledge and skills in the areas of food and nutrition, clinical nutrition, and management.
  • Obtain Licensure or Certification: Depending on the state, dietitians may need to obtain licensure to practice as a dietitian. Additionally, some RDs choose to obtain certification in a distinguishing area of practice, such as sports nutrition or pediatric nutrition.
  • Maintain Continuing Education: To sustain their RD credential, dietitians must complete resuming education requirements every five years. This ensures that RDs stay up-to-date on the latest research, trends, and practices in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

What are the career opportunities after M.Sc. Dietetics and Nutrition?

  • Clinical Dietitian: Clinical dietitians work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. They evaluate patients’ nutritional needs and mould personalised diet plans based on their health condition.
  • Community Dietitian: Community dietitians work in public health programs, schools, and community centres. They enlighten people on healthy eating habits and promote good nutrition.
  • Research Dietitian: Research dietitians work in research settings, such as universities or research institutions. They administer research studies on various aspects of nutrition, such as the effects of certain foods or diets on health.
  • Sports Nutritionist: Sports nutritionists work with athletes to develop nutrition plans that help them accomplish their best. They consider an athlete’s training schedule, body composition, and specific sport when creating a nutrition plan.
  • Food and Nutrition Consultant: Food and nutrition consultants work with food companies, restaurants, and other businesses to devise healthy menus and nutrition information for customers.
  • Wellness Coach: Wellness coaches work with clients to help them accomplish their fitness and wellness goals. They provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
  • Entrepreneur: One can also consider starting a nutrition consulting business or opening a health food store.

If you want to build an esteemed career in this field and you are looking for a good institute offering M.Sc. in Dietetics and Nutrition, you should check out NSHM Institute of Health Sciences, which has grown to be one of the top M.Sc. in Dietetics and Nutrition colleges in Durgapur. 

The faculty members at NSHM are highly experienced and well-educated. They are persistently ready to lend a helping hand to the students and groom them into excellent professionals. Similarly, the curriculum is designed with the purpose of providing a perfect blend of practical and theoretical knowledge to the students so that they get hands-on experience in their particular field of study.