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Dietetic Technician

What Does it Take to Be a Dietetic Technician?

Example of Dietetic Technician Job Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.

Life As a Dietetic Technician: What Do They Do?

  • Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals’ dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
  • Determine food and beverage costs and assist in implementing cost control procedures.
  • Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
  • Observe patient food intake and report progress and dietary problems to dietician.
  • Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
  • Select, schedule, or conduct orientation or in-service education programs.

Skills Needed to be a Dietetic Technician

These are the skills Dietetic Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Diet Tech (Dietetic Technician)
  • Diet Technician Registered (DTR)
  • Nutrition Technician
  • Diet Assistant
  • Dietary Assistant

What Kind of Dietetic Technician Job Opportunities Are There?

In the United States, there were 33,400 jobs for Dietetic Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,100 new jobs for Dietetic Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,000 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Dietetic Technician are Arizona, District of Columbia, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, Vermont, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Dietetic Technician Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a Dietetic Technician ranges between $19,410 and $46,100.

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Dietetic Technicians who work in Oregon, Rhode Island, or New York, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Dietetic Technicians in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $33,370
Alaska $40,700
Arizona $28,250
Arkansas $26,920
California $35,250
Colorado $28,660
Connecticut $31,500
Delaware $32,030
District of Columbia $30,650
Florida $28,410
Georgia $27,410
Hawaii $32,150
Idaho $27,140
Illinois $25,770
Indiana $38,990
Iowa $26,870
Kansas $27,890
Kentucky $31,740
Louisiana $24,390
Maine $31,010
Maryland $36,750
Massachusetts $36,540
Michigan $26,500
Minnesota $36,720
Mississippi $25,630
Missouri $23,470
Nebraska $32,740
Nevada $34,540
New Hampshire $29,490
New Jersey $34,760
New Mexico $22,900
New York $41,620
North Carolina $28,100
North Dakota $28,160
Ohio $28,990
Oklahoma $24,850
Oregon $44,260
Pennsylvania $30,080
Rhode Island $43,220
South Carolina $25,730
Tennessee $25,490
Texas $26,760
Utah $26,220
Vermont $30,410
Virginia $32,430
Washington $38,410
West Virginia $24,530
Wisconsin $31,790

What Tools do Dietetic Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dietetic Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Spreadsheet software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Presentation software
  • Desktop publishing software
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Patient electronic medical record EMR software
  • ValuSoft MasterCook
  • Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
  • CyberSoft NutriBase
  • The Nutrition Company FoodWorks
  • ESHA Research The Food Processor
  • CBORD Nutrition Service Suite
  • Food Service Solutions FoodCo

How do I Become a Dietetic Technician?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Dietetic Technician?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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References:

Image Credit: Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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