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The Certified Course in Food and Nutrition is a certification course which is designed to teach basics of food, nutrition, dietetics and health. Some of the areas these courses address include the principles of nutrition, the types and importance of macro and micro nutrients, principles of menu planning, principles of food hygiene and others. It takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete this certification course depending on the institution of training. Some institutes offer a fast track kind of programme which takes only 4-6 months to complete. The teaching technique used is formal classroom lectures plus practical session that involve the practical training on food science and techniques.
The entrance exams accepted for admission in Certified Courses in Food and Nutrition include NEET APICET NCHM JEE and STATE CET among others. The admission procedure is initiated in May – June every year where forms are provided by the participating institutes and universities. Some of the events do sync well and include – Application deadline towards the end of July, Issue of admit cards in August, Dates for the actual entrance test in September, Results by October end and finally the counselling and admission process in the month of November and December respectively. The courses are usually run in what the institute calls an academic session which starts from the first week of January for the fresh batches. They should therefore ensure that they prepare themselves adequately for examinations to be offered this focused food and nutrition course.
Feature
Description
Full Form
Not Applicable (Certification, not a degree)
Duration
Typically 3 - 6 months (part-time), can vary depending on program
Course Level
Certificate Level
Eligibility
* A Bachelor's degree in any discipline (for some programs) * Diploma or prior experience in nutrition, dietetics, or related fields (may be preferred by some programs)
Top Institutes (India)
* Indian Institute of Dietetics (IID) * Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) * Confederation of Food Scientists and Technologists (CFSTA) (offers food science courses) * Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy (may vary)
Entrance Exam
Usually no entrance exam required, selection might be based on application review or interview (program dependent)
Criteria
Description
Educational Background
* Bachelor's degree (any discipline) from a recognized university (preferred by some programs).
* Diploma or certificate in a nutrition-related field (e.g., dietetics, public health nutrition) considered an advantage.
Prior Experience (Advantageous)
Experience working in food service, healthcare, or the nutrition industry can be a plus.
Minimum Marks (May Apply)
Some programs might require a minimum percentage (e.g., 50%) in your qualifying degree (check program details).
Online Courses
Eligibility requirements for online platforms (Coursera, Udemy) can vary. Refer to the specific course description.
Selection Process
Selection might be based on application review (resume, statement of purpose) or interview (program dependent).
Entrance Exam
Usually no entrance exam required, but a few programs might have one.
Module
Description
Possible Topics Covered
Fundamentals of Food and Nutrition
Basic principles of nutrition, essential nutrients, and their functions.
* Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) * Digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients * Balanced diet concepts and dietary guidelines
Applied Nutrition
Applying nutritional principles to different life stages and health conditions.
* Nutritional needs across the lifespan (children, adults, elderly) * Nutrition for weight management, pregnancy, and lactation * Dietary modifications for common health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
Dietetics and Meal Planning
Principles of meal planning, food selection, and dietary assessment.
* Creating balanced and healthy meals * Considering cultural preferences and dietary restrictions * Basic concepts of food safety and hygiene
Professional Skills (Optional)
These might be covered depending on the program's focus.
* Communication skills for nutrition counseling * Client assessment and behavior change strategies * Ethical considerations in nutrition practice (may vary)
Stage
Description
Details (may vary)
Research Programs
Identify institutes or online platforms offering Certified Courses in Food and Nutrition that align with your interests.
* Consider factors like course content, duration, delivery mode (classroom/online), and institute reputation.
Review Eligibility
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen program.
* Check for requirements like educational background, minimum marks (if applicable), and any necessary experience.
Application Process
Submit an application form along with required documents.
* Documents might include transcripts, resume, statement of purpose (if required), and application fee payment.
