What Do Dietetic Technician Do?
Job Description & Duties 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.
A Day in the Life of a Dietetic Technician
- Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
- Select, schedule, or conduct orientation or in-service education programs.
- Refer patients to other relevant services to provide continuity of care.
- Observe patient food intake and report progress and dietary problems to dietician.
- Analyze menus or recipes, standardize recipes, or test new products.
- Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Dietetic Technician?
Below is a list of the skills most Dietetic Technicians say are important on the job.
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.
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.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Types of Dietetic Technician Jobs
- Diet Clerk
- Menu Planner
- Diet Aide
- Nutrition Assistant
- Food Service Technician
Job Demand for Dietetic Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 33,400 jobs in the United States for Dietetic Technician. 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.
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 Salary
Dietetic Technicians make between $19,410 and $46,100 a year.
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 & Technology do Dietetic Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Dietetic Technicians:
- 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
- Food Service Solutions FoodCo
- CBORD Nutrition Service Suite
- CyberSoft NutriBase
- ESHA Research The Food Processor
- The Nutrition Company FoodWorks
How to Become a Dietetic Technician
Are there Dietetic Technicians education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Dietetic Technician?
References:
Image Credit: Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.