If you want to use your nutrition knowledge and interests to help others make healthy choices, then you may want to consider pursuing a career as a nutritionist. Nutritionists are nutrition experts who work in the field of food preparation, carry out research on foods and educate groups of people or individuals on the correct diet to follow. Read this article to learn how to become a nutritionist.
Steps
Step 1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Biology of Nutrition, Human Nutrition Sciences or similar fields
Exams vary from faculty to faculty, but usually the university course includes the following subjects:
- Food and Nutrition Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Culinary arts
- Management of catering services
- Business
- Microbiology
- Sociology
- Physiology
Step 2. Do internships and internships after graduation
After obtaining a Master's Degree in Biological Sciences, it is advisable to do internships and internships accredited through the University and which usually last between 6-12 months. Interns usually work in a healthcare facility, restaurant company, etc.
Furthermore, to have a more in-depth training and become a nutritionist with more specific skills, a good way to follow may be to enroll in a School of Specialization in Food Sciences with a specialization in Applied Nutrition, to access which it is necessary to pass a test. entrance. The Schools of Specialization in Food Sciences are institutes of the faculties of Medicine: the specialization lasts for 4 years and includes theoretical lessons and internships, at the end of the school a specialization thesis must be written
Step 3. Pass the State Exam to enroll in the National Order of Biologists, section A
Only after having obtained a Bachelor's and Master's Degree, and after having participated in a series of internships and internships, will you be able to take the State Exam for qualification to the profession and thus become a fully-fledged certified nutritionist.
The internship program director will provide you with information regarding how to enroll and prepare for the State Exam
Step 4. Complete your training with courses and masters
To deepen your knowledge and skills, you will need to attend specialized courses and accredited masters. These courses will help you improve and increase your skills and knowledge over time.
Step 5. Try to enter the world of work
Choose which field of Nutrition you would like to work in and consult the main local job posting sites or magazines. Sending your CV to different companies / structures every day and checking for any new job advertisements will increase the chance of finding one. Be careful when writing your CV and make sure you send the employer all the necessary information requested.
- Dietitians can work in multiple sectors, such as in the management and control of catering services, in the government and education sector, in research or in the private sector.
- Try looking for work in hospitals, canteens, schools and nursing homes.
Advice
- Remember that being a dietician also means always being in contact with the public. Among all the skills necessary to carry out this profession, it is also necessary to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Be sure to check your position, requirements and if you have been correctly entered in the Register of the National Order of Biologists, section A.
- Consider attending a master's degree in Food Science or a related field.
