Food and nutrition as a career

Food, clothing and shelter have always been the most basic human needs. We are living in an era where food not only serves to satisfy our hunger but it has become a tool for artistic exploration through culinary fields and also a potential therapeutic agent for many health complications. The knowledge for Nutritional Science is of greater demand more than ever as we are experiencing a major threat in our lifestyle, irrespective of region, in the form of lifestyle diseases.
Food, Nutrition and Dietetics is a paramedical course categorised under Allied Health Professionals by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This course allows the students to gain the knowledge of food systems around us beginning from the classification of foods to the use of different foods to treat or manage different health conditions. It is one such course which connects the most basic necessities of life with medical field. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has accepted in its entirety the definition of an Allied and Healthcare Professionals as “Allied and healthcare professionals (AHPs) include individuals involved with the delivery of health or healthcare-related services, with qualification and competence in therapeutic, diagnostic, curative, preventive, and/or rehabilitative interventions. They work in multidisciplinary health teams in varied healthcare settings including doctors (physicians and specialists), nurses, and public health officials to promote, protect, treat, and/or manage a person(‘s) physical, mental, social, emotional, environmental health and holistic well-being”.
One advantage of pursuing this course in our own state is gaining first hand information about the existing health problems of our community, and also the ability to explore the rich vegetation of our untapped indigenous foods and explore their nutritional significances as well as standardize into recipes and thus put it into use. Others would be in creating awareness about the nutrition education needed at every stage of life especially during the most vulnerable stage such as pregnancy, lactation, early childhood years and old age.
Career opportunities

1. In clinical field as Assistant dietitian, dietitian, senior and chief dietitian in govt. and private hospitals, and paramedical services.
2. In government sector as field research officers/ research personnel for National Health Surveys like NFHS, ICMR-NIN, MoHFW, FSSAI, NRLM, PM-Poshan, etc. various position at block, district, state and central level as Food Safety officer, Lab technician etc.
3. Nutrition consultant in various local/national/ international NGOs, in community clinics, care homes, railway catering, day care services, or schools etc.
4. Academic field as Assistant Professor, Asociate Professor and Professor.
5. As entrepreneur in food processing and preservation sectors.
6. In research field as project assistant, research associate, subject matter specialist etc.
7. In industry as nutritionist in food industry, medical and product manufacturing, companies, sports nutritionist, health coaches, sales and training etc. Perks/Salary: Dietetics and Nutrition is a remunerative job. Those who are working in government hospitals, academic institutions, research institutes and other agencies have salaries as fixed by the government depending upon work profile and experience. Some private sector hotels, restaurants, food manufactures offer higher salary and attractive perks. Independent practitioner and private consultants also have good earning which largely depends upon number and nature of their clients.
   Entry level: Salary varies from 10,000 to 25,000 rupees /month as per the abilities and experience. Top position: Salary varies from rupees 25,000 to 90,000 per month depending on qualifications, position held, experience and location. The job prospects are good and are expected to grow in line with the average job.
   Students who want to pursue this course should have a class 10+2 with science background and a minimum of 50 percentages is admissible for ST students.
   The study of nutrition is becoming increasingly important as the understanding and practice of a healthy diet is recognized as the prerequisite to good health and well-being.
   North East Christian University, Dimapur introduces the first ever B.Sc Food, Nutrition and Dietetics course which is in alignment with the UGC norms and follows the National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals Act 2021. The course is offered in an undergraduate level with a scope for higher education in postgraduate and Ph.D levels. Graduates may continue their studies with the goal of obtaining an M.Sc and PhD.
   Dr. Shikatoli Wotsa
   Assistant Professor
   (Food and Nutrition)
   Allied Health Sciences
   North East Christian University
   Dimapur, Nagaland