Dietetic Technicians
Overview
Dietetic technicians work alongside dietitians to help people eat healthier by analyzing meal plans, monitoring what patients eat in hospitals, and teaching communities about nutrition. They use specialized software to calculate nutritional values, plan large-scale meals, and track food costs while ensuring meals meet dietary guidelines. This career combines science, cooking, and helping people, requiring courses in nutrition, food science, and often an associate degree in dietetics. You'll collaborate with healthcare teams and might work in hospitals, schools, or community centers promoting healthy eating habits.
Did you know?
Most positions require completion of an associate degree program approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and passing the national registration examination.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$37,583.41 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Responsibilities
- Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
- Analyze menus or recipes, standardize recipes, or test new products.
- Refer patients to other relevant services to provide continuity of care.
- Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
- Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
- Select, schedule, or conduct orientation or in-service education programs.
- Deliver speeches on diet, nutrition, or health to promote healthy eating habits and illness prevention and treatment.
- Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
- Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
- Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.
- Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
- Determine food and beverage costs and assist in implementing cost control procedures.
- Attend interdisciplinary meetings with other health care professionals to discuss patient care.
Career Considerations
Education and Certification Requirements
Most positions require completion of an associate degree program approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and passing the national registration examination.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Dietetic Technicians can advance their careers by pursuing a bachelor's degree to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or specializing in areas like sports nutrition or clinical dietetics.
Growing Job Market Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for dietetic technicians due to increased focus on disease prevention and an aging population requiring nutritional care.