Dietetic Technician

Dietetic technicians provide food service management or nutritional care services under the supervision of a registered dietitian. Food service management involves assisting with planning, implementing, and evaluating food programs, and supervising food preparation and service. A dietetic technician working in nutritional care services assists a clinical or community dietitian in interviewing patients and taking diet histories, choosing menus based on established guidelines, providing routine dietary counseling, and educating patients regarding their specific nutritional requirements.

Work Environment
Dietetic technicians are employed in the same facilities that employ dietitians, such as hospitals, clinics, community or government agencies, day-care programs, school systems, and nutrition programs for the elderly.

Job Outlook
As more facilities expand their dietary departments, the demand for dietetic technicians will continue to increase.

Length of Training/
Requirements
A dietetic technician program consists of a two-year associate degree program that combines classroom and supervised practical experience.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $22,000. - $38,000.

Educational Programs
Associate Degree
Abilene Christian University
Baylor University
El Paso Community College
Houston Community College Central Campus
Lamar University
Prairie View A&M University
Sam Houston State University
San Jacinto College District Central Campus
St. Philip's College
Southwest Texas State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Tarrant County Junior College District
Texas A&M University - College Station
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Texas Christian University
Texas Southern University
Texas Tech University
Texas Woman's University
University of Houston
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas Pan American at Edinburg
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
University of the Incarnate Word

Professional Associations
American Dietetic Association
216 West Jackson Blvd., Ste. 800
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312/899-0040
800/877-1600, ext. 4897