What does a Dietetic Technician do?
Published 4 min read
A dietetic technician is a food and nutrition professional who works with a registered dietitian to provide medical nutrition therapy. Dietetic technicians may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and public health departments. They may also be employed by food service companies, food manufacturers, or research institutions.
Dietetic Technician job duties include:
- Assisting with food preparation in healthcare facilities
- Measuring and recording patients’ food intake
- Educating patients on healthy eating habits
- Creating individualized diet plans for patients
- Monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting diet plans as needed
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care
- Maintaining accurate records
- Staying up-to-date on the latest nutrition research
- Providing education and counseling to patients and their families
- Supervising food service staff in healthcare facilities
Dietetic Technician Job Requirements
A dietetic technician is a food and nutrition professional who works under the supervision of a registered dietitian. Dietetic technicians typically have an associate's degree in dietetics, food, and nutrition, and many states require certification. Dietetic technicians may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies. They may also be employed in food service management or as research assistants.
Dietetic Technician Skills
- Patient education
- Nutrition assessment
- Nutrition counseling
- Meal planning
- Food service management
- Food preparation
- Sanitation
- Safety
- Inventory control
- Purchasing
- Budgeting
Related: Top Dietetic Technician Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Dietetic Technician
A dietetic technician is a food and nutrition professional who works under the supervision of a registered dietitian. Dietetic technicians have completed at least a two-year accredited associate's degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related field.
The first step to becoming a dietetic technician is to complete an accredited associate's degree program in dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related field. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to take the national registration examination for dietetic technicians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. After passing the exam, you will be credentialed as a Registered Dietetic Technician (RDN).
Once you are an RDN, you can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, corporate wellness programs, and private practice. Dietetic technicians work with patients of all ages to help them improve their eating habits and achieve their desired health outcomes. They may also provide education and counseling on topics such as portion control, healthy cooking techniques, and menu planning.
If you are interested in becoming a dietetic technician, consider completing an accredited associate's degree program in dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related field. Once you have earned your credential as an RDN, you can work in a variety of settings to help people improve their eating habits and achieve their desired health outcomes.
Related: Dietetic Technician Resume Example
Related: Dietetic Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)