Give
Dietetic technician
Overview
Nutrition and dietetics technicians (NDTRs) are registered professionals in the food and nutrition area working independently or as part of a team under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
As an NDTR you may, under the supervision of a registered dietitian,
- interview clients for diet history
- gather data for nutritional assessments
- plan normal and modified diets
- chart medical records
- instruct clients on proper nutrition
- help educate the public.
In food service management, the NDTR may
- plan menus
- order and store food supplies
- supervise food production
- hire, supervise and evaluate employees
- maintain high standards of sanitation and safety
- prepare budgets and maintain cost control.
Mission of the dietetic technician program
The dietetic technician program of Stark State College will provide general and technical course work required to prepare the student to acquire the skills, knowledge and competencies defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for successfully passing the competency examination for the Registered Dietetic Technician. The program is designed to meet the needs of the community in regards to the constantly changing environment of nutrition and dietetics and to prepare the student for a transferable advanced education in the area of dietetics.
To become a registered dietetic technician you’ll need to graduate with at least a two-year associate’s degree that includes both lecture and hands-on experiences (480 hours minimum) in required areas of competency.
After graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the national computer-based registration exam for nutrition and dietetics technicians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for AND (see www.cdrnet.org). Fifty hours of continuing professional educational requirements is required every five years.
Dietary manager certificate
In addition, the dietary manager certificate seamlessly integrates with the associate degree in dietetic technician. Each course you complete counts toward both the certificate and/or your degree.
While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietetic technician in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. The State of Ohio does not require licensure for dietetic technicians, and Stark State College’s dietetic technician program meets ACEND-requirements. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.
Courses
Your pathway to a degree
Associate degree
Additional info
Program learning outcomes
- Access data, references, patient education materials, consumer and other information from credible sources and present to either clients or patients.
- Adhere to current federal regulations and state statutes and rules, as applicable and in accordance with accreditation standards and the Scope of Dietetics Practice, Standards of Professional Practice and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics.
- Perform specific activities of the nutrition care process as assigned by registered dietitians in accordance with the Scope of Dietetics Practice for individuals, groups, and populations in a variety of settings.
- Participate in quality improvement and customer satisfaction activities to improve delivery of nutrition services.
Employment opportunities (DTR career fields – PDF )
NDTRs can work in
- hospitals, HMOs, clinics, nursing homes, retirement centers, hospices, home health care programs and research facilities
- schools, day-care centers, correctional facilities, restaurants, health care facilities, corporations and hospitals
- WIC programs, public health agencies, Meals on Wheels and community health programs
- health clubs, weight management clinics and community wellness centers
- food companies, contract food management companies or food vending and distributing operations.
Average salary and job outlook
The average annual wage for dietetic technicians is $39,416, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Salary Survey (2021).
The job market for dietetic technicians is expected to grow at an average pace, thanks to an increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition. Faster-than-normal growth is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities and physician clinics.
Accreditation information
Stark State’s dietetic technician program is accredited by:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND)
Full Accreditation
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600
www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND
Have a question or want more information?
"*" indicates required fields
