What does a Diet Technician do?
Published 3 min read
A diet technician is a professional who helps people plan and implement dietary changes. They may work with individuals or groups, and their goal is to improve the health of their clients by helping them make better food choices. Diet technicians typically have a background in nutrition and may be registered dietitians.
Diet Technician job duties include:
- Advising patients on dietary plans and food selection to promote health and well-being
- Monitoring patient progress and providing guidance on necessary changes to diet
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans
- Educating patients and families on proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices
- Conducting nutritional assessments to determine patient needs
- Developing menus and recipes that are nutritious and meet patients’ individualized needs
- Planning, preparing, and serving meals for patients
- Ordering, stocking, and maintaining supplies of food and equipment
- Cleaning the kitchen and dining area
Diet Technician Job Requirements
A diet technician typically needs at least an associate's degree in dietetics, although a bachelor's degree may be preferred. Certification as a Registered Dietitian (RD) is also required. Some employers may prefer candidates with experience working in a hospital or other healthcare setting.
Diet Technician Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Active Listening
- Non-judgmental
- Cultural Competence
- Flexibility
- Stress Management
- Self-Awareness
- Good Communication
- Basic Nutrition Knowledge
- Ability to Motivate
Related: Top Diet Technician Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Diet Technician
A diet technician is a professional who helps people to plan and implement dietary changes. They may work with individuals, families, or groups in order to promote healthy eating habits and help people achieve their desired weight goals. Diet technicians typically have at least an associate’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field. Some states also require diet technicians to be licensed or registered.
If you are interested in becoming a diet technician, you should first consider completing a degree program in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field. Many community colleges and universities offer these programs at an affordable price. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to pass an exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) in order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). After you have passed the RDN exam, you may then apply for state licensure or registration (if required). Once you have met all of the requirements, you will be able to begin working as a diet technician!
Related: Diet Technician Resume Example
Related: Diet Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)