Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Diet Tech (Dietetic Technician)
- Diet Technician Registered (DTR)
- Dietary Aide
- Nutrition Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
- Child Nutrition Assistant
- Clinical Dietetic Technician
- Cook Chill Technician (CCT)
- Diet Aide
- Diet Assistant
- Diet Clerk
- Diet Tech (Diet Technician)
- Diet Tech (Dietetic Technician)
- Diet Technician Registered (DTR)
- Dietary Aide
- Dietary Assistant
- Dietary Clerk
- Dietary Technician (Dietary Tech)
- Dietetic Assistant
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Food Production
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Empathy
- Social Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Body-fat calipers
- Commercial kitchen food slicers
- Commercial kitchen knives
- Commercial kitchen microwave ovens
- Commercial kitchen mixers
- Commercial kitchen ovens
- Commercial kitchen stoves
- Desktop computers
- Food scales
- Laptop computers
- Medical floor scales
- Medical measuring tapes
- Personal computers
- Programmable calculators
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $28,280 |
| Median | $37,040 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $53,440 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 29,950
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Median Salary: $73,850
Health Education Specialists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $63,000
Home Health Aides
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: Varies
Psychiatric Technicians
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $42,590
Community Health Workers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $51,030
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.