Career summary

Details for Dietetic Technicians


Description

Assist dietitians in the provision of food service and nutritional programs. Under the supervision of dietitians, may plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.

Tasks

  • Observe patient food intake and report progress and dietary problems to dietician.
  • Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
  • Analyze menus or recipes, standardize recipes, or test new products.
  • 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.
  • Determine food and beverage costs and assist in implementing cost control procedures.
  • Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
  • Select, schedule, or conduct orientation or in-service education programs.
  • Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.
  • Deliver speeches on diet, nutrition, or health to promote healthy eating habits and illness prevention and treatment.
  • Refer patients to other relevant services to provide continuity of care.
  • Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

  • Psychology -Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Skills

None found.

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