Dietetic Technicians work under registered dietitian to assist them in implementing several nutritional programs and services in various institutions. Dietetic Technicians specialized in nutritional care will determine the nutritional needs of their patients by enquiring about their nutritional habits and referring their medical history. Those who are specialized in food service management will plan the food diet, order those food items, stock the food items and maintain its quality and safety standards. Dietetic technician can work in educational institutions, health care organizations, research organizations and food related industries.

Qualifying Exam

Candidates who aspire to become Dietetic Technician should obtain Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Service Management. If they cannot obtain this degree, then they can do Bachelor of Science degree course in Food Technology or Diploma course in Food and Nutrition. Candidates who have any of these qualifications can practice as Dietetic Technician in any Institution. They can work in nutritional care section or food service management section according to their skill and interest.

Who are eligible to apply?

Candidates who have passed plus two in science stream with Biology as one of the subjects are eligible to apply for the Bachelor’s degree or diploma course in food and nutrition. Such candidates also need to qualify the entrance test of the concerned Institution offering this course. After completing this three year Bachelor’s degree or two year diploma course, candidates can apply for Dietetic Technician job in any Institution. They will get the job, if they fulfill the required criteria specified by the concerned Institution.

Key elements in the process

• Pass plus two in science stream with Biology as one of the subjects
• Obtain Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Service Management
• Obtain Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology (optional)
• Obtain Diploma in Food and Nutrition (optional)
• Apply for the job

Skills required for a Dietetic Technician

Dietetic Technician should possess good interpersonal and communication skills for better interaction with the patients. They should possess better critical thinking abilities to handle complex problems. They should also possess better computer skills and mathematical skills to accomplish their tasks efficiently. Good observational skills are required for a dietetic technician as they are suggesting the food diet to the patients.