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Career Exploration

Dietetic Technicians

Also called: Diet Tech (Dietetic Technician), Diet Technician Registered (DTR), Dietary Aide, Nutrition Technician

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
  • Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
  • Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Basic Skills

  • talking to others
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • looking for ways to help people
  • teaching people how to do something

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • use rules to solve problems
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Social

People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Concern for Others
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Independence

Data base user interface and query software

  • USDA Child Nutrition Database
  • ValuSoft MasterCook

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Analytical or scientific software

  • Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
  • NutriGenie Optimal Nutrition

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $33,960

Education

Associate's degree or certificate after high school is usually needed.