How To Become A Dietetic Technician

Dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) are professionals that are an important part of a nutrition team. They are educated and trained in order to provide quality health care and nutrition information to patients. Many places employ dietetic technicians registered, such as hospitals, food service facilities, schools and universities, nursing homes, and other facilities.

This is a great position for somebody who enjoys nutrition, wants to work directly with patients, and enjoys helping people solve their problems and come up with long term strategies and goals. In order to become a dietetic technician registered, you will need an associate’s degree.

Why Become A Dietetic Technician

Diet is very important for a healthy life. Changes in diet can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, obesity, diabetes, and other risk factors. Many patients have illnesses whose symptoms can be reduced by paying attention to diet. Other patients have certain medical conditions and can only eat certain types of foods. Dietetic technicians help people make healthy decisions for their diet.

Dietetic technicians work as part of a health care team. They work under the supervision of registered dietitian nutritionists, doing any tasks that a registered dietitian nutritionist may need.

Duties that a DTR typically performs include meeting with a patient and offering nutrition advice. They will produce a meal plan for the patient. They will perform tests and screenings to make sure that the patient is meeting goals within their diet. A dietetic technician may help with food preparation. A large part of their profession is education. Because of this, dietetic technicians will often go out to the public and hold classes about proper nutrition.

Dietetic Technician should have the following qualities and skills:

• Good at planning
• Organized
• Motivational
• Good communicator
• Compassionate
• Enjoys health care
• Problem solver
• Teaching skills

Dietetic Technician Work Environment

Dietetic technicians work in many different kinds of facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. They always work underneath registered dietitian nutritionists, as part of a larger nutrition team. A dietetic technician assists the registered dietitian nutritionist with their work.

They plan menus and prepare food for people with special needs. This job involves working directly with patients. It involves working as part of a team. It is a full time job with regular working hours.

Dietetic Technician Salary

Dietetic technicians made a median salary of $26,350 in 2016, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salaries within this profession can vary. A person with additional years of experience and education may be able to receive a higher salary. Not every state requires dietetic technicians to be certified.

Those who have certifications in their field typically receive higher salaries than their peers who are not certified.

Highest Paying States For Dietetic Technicians

• 1. Oregon $21.05 / hr $43,790 / yr
• 2. Rhode Island $21.04 / hr $43,770 / yr
• 3. New York $20.52 / hr $42,680 / yr
• 4. Alaska $19.13 / hr $39,790 / yr
• 5. Alabama $18.15 / hr $37,760 / yr

Top Paying Cities For Dietetic Technicians

• 1. Worcester, MA $24.42 / hr$50,780 / yr
• 2. San Francisco, CA $24.09 / hr$50,120 / yr
• 3. Syracuse, NY $21.62 / hr$44,970 / yr
• 4. Portland, OR $20.73 / hr$43,110 / yr
• 5. New York, NY $20.72 / hr$43,100 / yr

Dietetic Technician Career Outlook

Employment for dietetic technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is a faster rate of growth than many other careers in the United States.

In some states, it may be easier to find a job than others. Data shows that Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New York and Pennsylvania have some of the greatest numbers of dietetic technicians.

Healthcare is a field that will always be necessary. In recent years, more people are becoming interested in taking care of their health. People are interested in maintaining a healthy diet. Dietetic technicians will be needed to help people meet their individual health goals.

As technology advances, the general population is becoming older. The older population is dealing with more chronic illnesses. Dietetic technicians are helpful because they teach others new information about how changes in diet can improve health. They are responsible for listening to patient concerns and coming up with goals.

Dietetic Technician Degree

If you are interested in becoming a dietetic technician, read more below to find out how.

In order to become a dietetic technician, you need to receive the proper education. This includes completing a two year associate’s degree in a relevant field. You must also complete 450 hours of dietetic technician experience in a workplace setting, such as a hospital, nursing home, food service facility, school, or another venue. These hours must be supervised by a registered dietitian nutritionist.

While in school, classes that dietetic technicians typically take are nutrition, food management systems, food preparation, medical nutrition therapy, and food sanitation. You will receive a combination of coursework and clinical experience.

All dietetic technicians must be registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). This registration means that a person has completed the educational and clinical requirements set forth by the group. In order to keep the registration, a dietetic technician must participate in continuing education classes.

Some states require that a dietetic technician be licensed or certified, while others do not. If you are interested in entering into this profession, it is important to research your own individual state requirements.

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