Dietetic Technician (Nutrition) Program

Dietetic Technician Program for Students with a Four-year Degree in Clinical Dietetics

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A student with a four-year degree may qualify as a Track 3 student. The following conditions must be met:

The student must provide the following to the dietetic technician program coordinator.

  • Official copies of all transcripts,
  • The original statement of verification issued from an ADA accredited four-year institution. The statement of verification must be for a didactic program for dietetics

To complete the program and be eligible to take the exam for registration, a Track 3 student must complete 450 hours of supervised work experience at a satisfactory level. To be considered for acceptance as a Track 3 student, please contact the dietetic technician program coordinator.

This program prepares students for employment as paraprofessionals in nutritional health care and/or food service supervision and management. Dietetic technicians work in settings such as hospitals, public health nutrition programs and long-term care facilities. Dietetic technicians also work in child nutrition and school lunch programs, community wellness programs, health clubs, and in nutrition programs for the elderly. The technician's role may include nutrition screening and monitoring, client education, menu development, supervision of food service personnel, food purchase and inventory maintenance.

Some of the responsibilities routinely performed by dietetic technicians include:

  • Nutrition screening and monitoring of patients
  • Client counseling and education on a continuing basis
  • Menu development for people with specific nutritional needs
  • Supervision of food service personnel
  • Food purchase and inventory

Dietetic technicians work under the direction of Registered Dietitians, or as independent employees with little or no direct supervision. Excellent general health, personal neatness and cleanliness, honesty and dependability are essential qualities. Applicants to the program must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.

Upon completion of the program, the individual will be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technician. This examination is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of The American Dietetic Association. Satisfactory completion of the examination provides for National Registration as a Dietetic Technician or DTR (Dietetic Technician Registered). This registration gives the graduate the privilege and responsibility to practice as a paraprofessional in health care and community service.