What does a Dietetic Technician do?

Dietetic Technicians work with registered dietitians to plan menus and prepare food for those patients and clients with specific dietary restrictions. Dietetic technicians may observe a patient with dietary issues, analyze menus, standardize recipes, test emerging food products and provide dietitians with assistance and support to benefit their patients.

Types of Work Environments

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Nursing homes and retirement centers
  • Hospices
  • Research facilities
  • Schools
  • Health clubs
  • Food vending and distributing companies

Education and Training Requirements

Dietetic technicians complete a two-year associate's degree. This includes 450 hours of practical field experience at community programs, healthcare facilities, and foodservice facilities. There is also a national certification examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and a series of continuing professional education requirements to maintain that registration.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for a dietetic technician is approximately $28,400 per year.

Professional Organization

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Learn More