How to Become a Dietetic Technician
1. Earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 Years)
Aspiring dietetic technicians must complete an associate's of applied science degree, a two-year program from an accredited community college or university to become a dietetic technicians.
These programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), include the required coursework, and offer 450 hours of supervised practice in environments where food is prepared.
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In this training phase, the technician learns how to interview patients to determine nutritional goals, and how to prepare foods that meet a variety of dietary requirements.
Other areas of study include portion control, menu planning, the economic aspects of food preparation and safety protocols for food preparation and storage.
2. Take the Certification Exam
In order to become certified, the dietetic technician must successfully complete a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and continuing education will be required to maintain current certification.
The registration exam is broken down as follows:
| Section | % of Exam |
|
Food Nutrition Sciences Principles of Food Preparation Food Composition Principles of Basic and Normal Nutrition |
10% |
|
Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups Screening & Assessment Diagnosis Planning & Intervention Monitoring & Evaluation |
34% |
|
Principles of Education and Training Assessment & Planning Implementation & Evaluation |
7% |
|
Foodservice Systems Menu Development Procurement & Supply Management Food Production, Distribution, & Service Sanitation, Safety, and Equipment |
22% |
|
Management of Food & Nutrition Services Human Resources Finance & Materials Marketing Products & Services Management Principles & Functions Quality Processes & Research |
27% |