Dietetic Technician and Dietetic Assistant
Career Description
Dietetic technicians and dietetic assistants aid registered dietitians in nutrition care services, help shape the public’s nutrition and aid people with illness or injuries. Dietetic technicians screen patients to identify nutrition problems and provide patient education and counseling to individuals or groups. Dietetic assistants also work directly under a dietician but usually assume more clerical food service duties.
Academic Requirements
A two-year associate’s degree program at an accredited college or university is required. Then, students should complete a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and 450 hours of supervised practice experience. Dietetic assistants require no formal training and will learn appropriate skills on the job.
Schools
College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout)
800/222-0525
Missouri State University (Springfield)
417/836-5000
Northwest Missouri State University (Maryville)
800/633-1175
Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau)
573/651-2109
University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg)
877/729-8266
University of Missouri-Columbia
573/882-6424
Professional Associations
National
American Dietetic Association
Dietary Managers Association
State
Missouri Dietetic Association
Missouri State Committee of Dietitians
