Nutritionists are professional health experts whose job is to help those who are struggling with their health to reverse the damage that they have caused to their bodies. The primary reason people want to find nutritionists online is to seek encouragement and motivation to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Nutritionists also know how to provide their clients with useful health hacks and healthy recipes that are easy to make.

Looking to learn how to become a nutritionist? Here are some of the best certified nutrition courses in India, including online and distance learning programs that help you teach and earn online, or transition into a nutrition career:

  • INFS Diploma in Nutrition and Fitness (online/live) – A certificate-level program focusing on foundational nutrition and fitness, ideal for those revisiting academics, with live lectures and group study sessions.
  • IISDT Certificate in Diet and Nutrition – Offers a comprehensive introduction to human nutrition, balanced diets, and healthy eating science—great for budding nutritionists.
  • GIHS Online Nutrition & Dietetics Courses – Covers certificate and PG diploma programs in nutrition and dietetics via online mode, with flexible duration and fee structures.
  • Medvarsity Nutrition Courses – Offers a range of certificate and online courses such as Sports Nutrition, Renal Nutrition, Lifestyle Nutrition & Wellness, Critical Care Nutrition, Maternal & Child Nutrition, Cardiac Nutrition, Gastrointestinal Nutrition, and Cancer Nutrition.
  • SGNC (Surbhi Garg Nutrition Course) – Short‑term, highly‑rated courses for beginners and professionals, including a “Certificate in Nutrition & Dietetics” and an “Online Nutritionist Course with focus on India” covering clinical, sports, and Indian dietary habits.
  • Global Institute of Health Science (GIHS) – Recognized for offering some of the best online nutrition courses in India, including PG Diplomas and specialized learning in nutrition and dietetics.
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Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What's the Difference?

Dietitians are credentialed nutrition experts who are regulated by law and provide evidence-based dietary guidance, while nutritionists may not have formal qualifications

Nutritionists may or may not have formal certifications or licenses, meaning anyone with a background in nutrition can call themselves a nutritionist. However, nutritionists are typically not legally authorized to diagnose or treat health conditions without specific licensing or certification.

You might be someone who loves eating and staying healthy. But, do you have it in you to motivate others around you to do the same? If the answer is yes, then you might consider a career in nutrition and dietetics. And, to become a professional nutritionist, you will have to complete one or more of the courses listed in this article.

Top Careers in Dietetics and Nutrition in 2024

In today's health-conscious world, more people are recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This has opened up numerous opportunities for certified dietitians and nutritionists to work in various sectors, including hospitals, corporate organizations, and the sports industry.

Here are some top career profiles you can pursue after completing a Dietetics and Nutrition course:

  • Registered Dietitian
    To become a registered dietitian, candidates need to complete their Class XII, followed by a B.Sc./B.A. in Nutrition or a B.Sc. in Food Technology. Afterward, pursuing a PG Diploma in Nutrition or an M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition is necessary to qualify for this role.
  • Sports Nutritionist
    Sports nutritionists provide specialized dietary guidance to athletes. To pursue this career, candidates can opt for a Bachelor's in Sports Science, a Master's in Sports Science, or a B.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition, followed by a Master's in Sports Nutrition.
  • Public Health Nutritionist
    Public health nutritionists work within communities to educate people about public food policies and nutritional practices. After completing Class XII, candidates can pursue a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics and then an M.Sc. in the same field.
  • Food Safety Auditor:
    Food safety auditors ensure that food products meet safety standards and are free from hazards. To become a food safety auditor, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field, along with three years of experience in food production or quality assurance. Additionally, 30 semester hours of core science education are required.
  • Dietitian
    Dietitians are trained professionals who help individuals improve their health by making dietary changes. They often work in hospitals and clinics, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to address a wide range of health issues for patients of all ages.
  • Nutritionist
    Nutritionists specialize in assessing individual nutritional needs, determining dietary restrictions, and developing personalized diet plans. They may also offer nutritional counseling to help clients achieve their health goals.
  • Food Processing Manager
    Food processing managers oversee the production and processing of food products in manufacturing companies. Their responsibilities include directing and supervising staff activities to ensure the production of high-quality products while maximizing profits for the company.

In today's health-conscious world, more people are recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This has opened up numerous opportunities for certified dietitians and nutritionists to work in various sectors, including hospitals, corporate organizations, and the sports industry.

ProfilesAnnual Fees (in ₹)
Food safety auditor5.2 lakh
Public health nutritionist4.5 lakh
Dietician4.2 lakh
Sports nutritionist3.8 lakh
Nutritionist3.3 lakh
Consultant Dietician3.5 lakh
Management Dietician2.4 lakh
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5 (140 reviews)
Tushar
₹999
/h
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Deepti
5
5 (26 reviews)
Deepti
₹399
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
Nidhi
5
5 (11 reviews)
Nidhi
₹700
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
Dr aleena
4.9
4.9 (22 reviews)
Dr aleena
₹900
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
Priyanka
4.9
4.9 (26 reviews)
Priyanka
₹1,000
/h
Gift icon
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Sonu
5
5 (17 reviews)
Sonu
₹2,000
/h
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Hashika
4.9
4.9 (7 reviews)
Hashika
₹1,500
/h
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Dr zeel
4.9
4.9 (15 reviews)
Dr zeel
₹700
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
Tushar
5
5 (140 reviews)
Tushar
₹999
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
Deepti
5
5 (26 reviews)
Deepti
₹399
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
Nidhi
5
5 (11 reviews)
Nidhi
₹700
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
Dr aleena
4.9
4.9 (22 reviews)
Dr aleena
₹900
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
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Priyanka
₹1,000
/h
Gift icon
1st class free!
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5
5 (17 reviews)
Sonu
₹2,000
/h
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Hashika
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Hashika
₹1,500
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Best Certified Nutrition Courses in India

Many prestigious institutes in India offer high-quality nutrition and dietetics courses at different academic levels, including diploma courses, undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, certification courses, and online nutrition courses. Admission to these courses in nutrition is usually based on merit, but entrance exams may be held for some courses.

For pursuing a course in nutrition at the undergraduate level, candidates only need a background in science with a strong foundation in life sciences; the Master's degree programs require a Bachelor's degree in life sciences, hotel management, medicine, or home science.

You can find private classes with a dietician near me here on Superprof.

One can choose to specialize in a specific field of nutrition, such as sports nutrition. Further, research opportunities are also available for postgraduates in nutrition, as nutrition science offers many opportunities for continuous learning.

Top Institutes Offering Nutrition Courses In India

Here is a list of the best universities offering courses in Dietetics and Nutrition.

  • National Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad
  • University of Delhi
  • University of Madras
  • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
  • Osmania University
  • University of Mysore, Mysore
  • G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
  • University of Bombay
  • Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackeray University
  • Guru Nanak Dev University
  • MGR University Chennai
  • Madurai Kamaraj University
  • Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai

Nutritionist and Dietitian Courses in India: What is What?

We have established the fact that to become a successful nutritionist in India, the first step is to acquire the necessary educational qualifications. Now, let's find out what those qualifications entail, in more detail.

B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics

B.Sc Nutrition is an undergraduate course to study after higher secondary education. It is a three-year undergraduate course. The course aims to equip students with knowledge in medical terms and terminologies, and formulate a nutrition chart according to the patients' medical conditions.

  • Duration: 3years
  • Eligibility: 10+2 pass
  • Salary: 2-5 LPA
  • Job roles: Dietitian, Corporate Trainer, and Food Service Manager

Diploma in Diet Assistant

Diploma in Diet Assistant is a course that deals with the nutritional values of different foods and their influence on the human body. Apart from that, the learners also master the diseases transmitted through food and various preservation techniques used. The course is structured in such a way as to mold the future nutritionist who would play a better role in the recovery of patients.

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Eligibility: 10+2 pass
  • Salary: 2-5 LPA
  • Job roles: Clinical Dietitians, Community Dietitians

M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics

M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics is a course that covers significant factors associated with a child's health. Candidates are taught the fundamentals of nutrition and diet. They are given opportunities to practice nutrition and dietetics research. This field offers jobs right from nursing to the healthcare sector to technology. Students are taught different patterns of research and equipment analysis. There are various workshops.

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate
  • Salary: 2-5 LPA
  • Job roles: Analyst - Nutrition Lab, Production Officer, Sr. Manager - Food Testing Lab
best nutrition courses in India
Online or offline - find a nutrition course that suits your career and education goals. | Image credit: Tango Learn

PG Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health

With people realizing the importance of eating the right kind of food, many hospitals, sports, and fitness centers have started to hire nutritionists and dietitians to plan and monitor patients' diet charts. A health information manager analyzes and interprets health data and biological informatics.

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate
  • Salary: 2-5 LPA
  • Job roles: Consultant Dietitians/Nutritionists, Sports Dietitians/Nutritionists, Pediatric Dietitians/Nutritionists

PGDM in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition

PGDM in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition is a course that revolves around providing students with the diagnosis and cures for diseases like diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cancer, and epidemiology, in general. The use of different equipment and tools is offered to students as a part of the curriculum. The students are given insights on various topics associated with applied nutrition and the best implementation techniques for the same.

  • Duration: 1 -2 years
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate
  • Salary: 2-5 LPA
  • Job roles: Food product development scientist, Nutritional therapist, Food labelling specialist

Diploma In Nutrition And Dietetics

Nutrition and Dietetics is a field in which medical science is used to help keep individuals fit. There are various programs in this field that are offered at the undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels. The programs mostly cover subjects like human physiology and nutrients. Biochemistry is also an essential part of the program. These courses help individuals to create a proper diet plan and help individuals to stay fit. There are various opportunities in this field and a lot of scope for jobs in private clinics as well.

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Eligibility: 10 +2
  • Salary: 2-5 LPC
  • Job Roles: Private Clinics, Professional Trainers

Find out how to become a professional nutritionist without a university degree in Nutrition.

Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education

The Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education provides opportunities for the candidate to gain knowledge about nutrition and public health. It also helps students develop skills in communicating nutrition and health-related information to the community. The program aims to develop a deep knowledge base in areas of nutrition and public health, promote awareness about concepts and principles in communication, and their application in nutrition and health education.

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Eligibility: 10+2
  • Salary: 2-5 LPA
  • Job Roles: Health Educators

B.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

B.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition is a 3-year undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics program. The course includes the study of nutrition and diet-related reviews, clinical research, case studies, and other nutritional aspects. Clinical nutrition is concerned with therapeutic uses for nutrition, usually in the medical field, as part of a complete healthcare program. It creates effective nutrition plans aimed at disease prevention and treatment, boosting up the immune system, and nourishment of the body.

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Eligibility: 10+2
  • Salary: 3 - 20 LPA
  • Job Roles: Researcher, Consultant, Therapeutic Dietitian, etc.

PG Diploma in Dietetics

PG Diploma in Dietetics is a course designed to provide the candidate with enhanced knowledge in the field of clinical nutrition and dietetics. This postgraduate program intends to create graduates that are work-ready for a vocation in nutrition and dietetics, hospital diets, therapies, etc. The areas for practice include private practice, clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, food service management, sports nutrition, nutrition research, and many more.

  • Duration: 1 year + 2 months internship
  • Eligibility: B.Sc with bio, geology, and botany
  • Salary: 10k - 2 LPA
  • Job Roles: Motivational counselling Wellness Coaches and Counsellor in schools, Colleges, and IT companies.

M.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition

This postgraduate course disseminates specialist knowledge and training in clinical nutrition, specially designed for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Students also gain in-depth, evidence-based knowledge of clinical nutrition and have the opportunity to undertake clinical case studies.

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility: 10+2
  • Salary: 2-4 LPA
  • Job Roles: Lecturer, Clinical Dietitian, Consultant Dietitian, Management Dietitian, Community Dietitian.
Nutritionist careers in India
The biggest reward for a professional nutritionist is how they can motivate others to live healthily. | Image credit: iDreamCareer

Why Choose Dietetics and Nutrition course?

In today's world, where health issues and chronic diseases are on the rise, the demand for dietitians and nutritionists is more critical than ever. This growing need offers a promising environment for those pursuing careers in this vital industry.

India's wellness industry, including dietetics and nutrition, is expanding rapidly. The Indian wellness market was valued at approximately INR 490 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 18% from 2021 to 2025. This growth reflects the increasing emphasis on nutrition and diet in managing and preventing health issues.

There are many career opportunities for students of nutrition and dietetics, the most popular ones being clinical nutritionists, community nutritionists, management nutritionists, and consultant nutritionists. The scope of these jobs involves varied fields, such as food nutrition services in hospitals, nutrition counselling in public health agencies and fitness clubs, or clinical management in foodservice systems.

Dietitians and nutrition specialists in the private sector are finding it extremely lucrative in the urban Indian landscape. Hospitals also hire professionals in this field. Many companies hire nutritionists to advertise healthy and active employees. The following are some of the profiles that nutritionists and dietitians can seek, especially  in the private sector:

  • Consultants
  • Food Show Host
  • Researcher
  • Therapeutic Dietitian
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Administrative Nutritionist
  • Nutritional Sales Executive
  • Nutrition Trainer

Salaries of professional nutritionists in India start from Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 2.5 L, right after graduation. Private practitioners can also earn good money through clinics and proper advertisements. A higher education qualification means more money in the job sector. A nutritionist who works in private hospitals as a trainee may get a starting salary of INR 10,000 per month, and after gaining 1 year or more of experience, the salary may go up to INR.35,000. Experts working in the research field, teaching, or food manufacturing units also make a good living off of nutrition, while enjoying other perks and privileges.

Apart from the list of colleges and their course in Nutrition, interested candidates can also find online courses in Nutrition on learning platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, Shaw Academy, and edX. The parameter to judge the quality of a nutrition course is to assess how it amalgamates science with practical knowledge to explain the impact of food on health.

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Shreyanjana

Shreyanjana is an archaeologist who ironically finds the written word to be the most powerful means of storytelling. A travel buff and a photography enthusiast, she has been writing and sharing stories of all sorts ever since she can remember.