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Dietetic Technicians

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
  • Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
  • Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
  • Attend interdisciplinary meetings with other health care professionals to discuss patient care.
  • Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.

Skills that matter

  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Instructing

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Diet Tech (Dietetic Technician)
  • Diet Technician Registered (DTR)
  • Dietary Aide
  • Nutrition Technician
  • Cook Chill Technician (CCT)
  • Diet Assistant

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