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Dietetic Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewDietetic technicians work with food, usually in an institutional setting. Under the supervision of a registered dietician, dietetic technicians participate in planning and implementing nutritional programs and services in such facilities as schools and hospitals.
Dietetic technicians often specialize in a particular area, such as food service management or nutritional care. As a nutritional care specialist, the dietetic technician determines the nutritional needs of patients by reviewing their medical histories and interviewing them. The dietetic technician assists in planning meals that fit into a prescribed diet and food budget. He or she is also required to report to the supervising dietitian on dietary problems as well as the patient’s general progress.
Activities are somewhat different for dietetic technicians in food services management roles. Their duties involve planning meals and menus for many people. They must order and stock food, beverages and other supplies, oversee food preparation and related services, and maintain quality control and safety standards.
Dietetic technicians are sometimes in charge of designing and implementing new food service systems designed to make facilities run more efficiently. These dietetic technicians may work with computer systems to confirm diet orders, record laboratory data and even calculate payrolls. Regardless of their specialty, dietetic technicians are responsible for counseling and helping to educate patients, families and community groups on proper nutrition that is part of a healthy and productive lifestyle.
Dietetic technicians handle daily and ongoing tasks of the food service team and are considered part of the health care team under the supervision of the registered dietitian. Dietetic technicians should have an interest and knowledge in food, and an ability to communicate with a wide variety of people.
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Career RequirementsYoung people interested in a career as a dietetic technician should take high school courses in chemistry, algebra, biology, English, home economics, health occupations, business, education, medical professions, psychology, physical education and computer skills.
Most employers require applicants to have an associate’s degree from an accredited community college that has been approved by the American Dietetic Association. The programs at these post-secondary institutions combine classroom study and practical experience.
Students must demonstrate good communications skills, ability to work as members of a team, good organizational skills, attention to detail, and good record keeping skills. Prospective dietetic technicians must pass a national examination on Dietetic Registration to become certified and registered.
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Job OutlookEmployment opportunities for dietetic technicians are expected to grow considerably over the next eight years. An increase of ten to twenty percent has been predicted. This is because the medical community has placed a great emphasis on the prevention of disease and other medical problems through improved dietary habits.
A growing and aging population will also increase the demand for dietetic technicians because more and more people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities will need nutritional counseling and balanced meals. Jobs will also open up as experienced dietetic technicians retire or leave the profession for other reasons.
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Career TrackDietetic technicians are employed in schools, hospitals, day-care centres, government agencies, clinics and nursing homes. With further formal training, dietetic technicians can become registered dieticians. As such they are eligible to apply for positions in an ever-increasing range of both government and private sector opportunities.
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CompensationThe national average income for a dietetic technician is about $20,000 a year. A starting dietetic technician earns about $15,000 a year, but with time and experience this can rise to $40,000 a year.
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