Dietetic technicians work under the guidance of a registered dietitian in assigned areas of food service management and dietary counseling. They perform a variety of tasks including preparing quality food, developing standardized recipes, cafeteria management and training personnel. Technicians in food service management may also be responsible for budget control, employee and production scheduling, sanitation and safety, security standards and control. Technicians who specialize in nutrition care are assigned to work under the supervision of a clinical or community dietitian. Typical duties include reporting diet histories, calculating routine modified diets, teaching patients proper nutritional behavior and visiting patients to evaluate their food programs.

Individuals considering this career should be high school graduates with an appreciation for quality food. The basic vocational preparation consists of an associate degree program for dietetic technicians in an accredited community college which combines classroom studies with practical instruction under actual working conditions. An examination is given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for individuals who want to become a Registered Dietetic Technician.

• 2 year Associates Degree

Employment of dietitians is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as demand grows for meals and nutritional counseling in nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs, home health care agencies, diet workshops, and health clubs. Public intereset in nutrition and the emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles will add to the demand. Many job openings will also result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation. Employment of dietitians in hospitals is expected to grow slowly because of anticipated slow growth in the number of inpatients (those who stay overnight), and as hospitals contract out food service operations. On the other hand, rapid growth in employment is expected in nursing homes as the number of very old people rises sharply; in contract providers of food services; in residential care facilities; in offices and clinics of physicians; and in other social services.

Dietitians and nutritionists apply the principles of nutrition in a variety of situations. Workers with duties similar to those of administrative dietitians include home economists and food service managers. Nurses and health educators often provide services related to those of community dietitians.

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• St. Louis Community College @ Florissant Valley

• Aft Healthcare
• American Association Of Nutritional Consultants
• American Dietetic Association
• Dietary Managers Association
• Institute Of Food Technologists
• National Environmental Health Association
• Society For Nutrition Education