A nutritionist is an expert in food and nutrition. Nutritionists advise people on their diet to promote a healthy lifestyle and manage diseases. They can also help people achieve a specific health-related goal.
According to the Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria (IDN), a nutritionist or dietician believes in the power of food to enhance live and improve health.
“They empower their patients, clients and communities to embrace food, to understand and enjoy food. They also help simplify the science of nutrition, by providing advice and information that meets the needs of their clients, while supporting healthy living for all Nigerians. Becoming a nutritionist will allow one to combine love for science, food and helping others,” it added.
Recruitment Opportunities
Nutritionists work anywhere-in the hospital, health clinics, nursing homes, the food industry, government, research centers or running their own businesses.
“At hospitals, Nutritionists assess and plan nutrition care for patients who need special diet for kidney disease, tube feeds, cancer and digestion issue, among others. They provide counselling on cholesterol, diabetes, children nutrition, weight management and allergies, and so on.
“In long term care homes and other facilities, Nutritionists manage food systems, staff and budgets, to provide safe and nutrition meals. They also work with food manufacturers to develop and market healthier foods. They deliver nutrition education and food skills program in the community for new moms, seniors and people on a budget and provide expertise on nutrition policy for government,” IDN disclosed.
Skills acquisition
To succeed in today’s healthcare system, nutritionist undergo comprehensive and rigorous education. To become a nutritionist, you need a specific university degree, a period of practical training and must past a national licensing examination.
“You will need to complete a degree in human nutrition and dietetics from a university program that has been accredited by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP). The program include classes in sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and microbiology; social sciences and communication; Nutrition through lifecycle, chronic disease and food service and nutrition in the community and population health,” IDN stated.
To further one’s education, the IDN report advised that, “to become a clinical nutritionist, for instance, you need to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition. This degree programme will teach more complex subjects like advanced biochemistry, research and evidence-based practice and counseling.
“Registered dietitians must meet continuing professional education requirements each year to maintain board certification. For example, certified clinical nutritionists must take 40 hours of continuing education every two years. They also need to pass a recertification test every five years.”
Average Salary/Income
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow 11 per cent between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The Nigerian Nutrition eCommerce market is predicted to reach $18.6 million by 2024 and accounts for 22.1 per cent of the Health Care eCommerce market in Nigeria, according to report by ECDB, adding that, it is expected to increase over the next years.
The expected compound annual growth rate for the next four years (CAGR 2024-2028) will be 8.9 per cent, resulting in a projected market volume of $26.2 million by 2028.
the United States, the average salary for a nutritionist is $52,669 per year, while some salaries range from $14,000 to $123,000 per year. Salary varies according to employer, experience, education and location.
Registered dietitians typically receive higher salaries because they have a bachelor’s degree and certification.
Meanwhile, a person working as Dietitian in Nigeria typically earns around N646,000. Salaries range from N297,000 (lowest) to N1,030,000 (highest), a report by salaryexplorer stated
“This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Dietitian salaries in Nigeria vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Below you will find a detailed breakdown based on many different criteria,” it explained.