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Dietetic technicians assist a registered dietitian
in provision of food service management or nutritional care services.
A dietetic technician may assist in planning, implementing, and
evaluating food programs, standardizing and testing new recipes,
and supervising the food preparation and service.
Other functions may include employee training,
menu planning, budget management, and food and beverage purchasing.
In nutritional care services, the dietetic technician assists a
clinical or community dietitian in interviewing patients and taking
diet histories, choosing menus based on established guidelines,
giving routine dietary counseling, and teaching principles of medical
nutrition therapy on an individual or in-service education basis.
Dietetic
Technician
Work Environment
Dietetic technicians may work in hospitals, government settings,
schools, day care centers, assisted living facilities, restaurant
and fine dining services, nursing homes, company cafeterias, health
maintenance organizations, health clubs, food companies, research
laboratories, public health clinics, and private practice.
Job Outlook
The number of Dietetic Technicians employed in Florida in 2006 was 1,042. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 1,256, an annual average growth rate of 2.6 percent. Dietetic technicians with combined
studies in culinary arts may enjoy excellent employment opportunities
in the emerging upscale retirement community segment as well with
food service companies seeking to incorporate a nutritional aspect
to dining services.
Length of Training/Requirements
The period of training is generally a two-year associate degree
program in a community college. The curriculum consists of core
courses in human nutrition, food service management, culinary management,
and practical experience paralleling the content of specific courses.
Updated: 2007 |
