DTR Fact Sheet Dietetic Technician, Registered

Dietetic Technician, Registered

What is a Dietetic Technician, Registered?
A dietetic technician, registered is a food and nutrition practitioner, often working in conjunction with a Registered Dietitian, who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential “DTR.” In addition to DTR credentialing, some states have regulatory laws for dietetic technicians, registered. Like RDs, DTRs must complete professional educational requirements to maintain their registration.

What Are Educational and Professional Requirements for a Dietetic Technician, Registered?
Dietetic Technicians, Registered must meet the following criteria to earn the DTR credential:

  • Complete at least a two-year associate’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, which must include 450 hours of supervised practice experience in various community programs, health care and foodservice facilities
  • Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
  • Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

What do You Study to Become a Dietetic Technician, Registered?
Students wishing to become dietetic technicians, registered study subjects including food and nutrition, foodservice systems management and a range of general science courses.

Where do Dietetic Technicians, Registered Work?
The majority of dietetic technicians work with registered dietitians in a variety of employment settings including health care (assisting dietitians in providing medical nutrition therapy), in hospitals, HMOs, clinics or other health-care facilities. In addition, a large number of dietetic technicians work in community and public health settings such as school or day care centers, correctional facilities, weight management clinics and WIC programs as nutrition counselors. A growing number of dietetic technicians work in the food and nutrition industry, as contract employees for food management companies or food vending and distributing companies, developing menus and overseeing foodservice sanitation and food safety or providing food labeling information and nutrient analysis.

Employment Settings
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not project employment for dietetic technicians, registeredspecifically but jobs for health technicians and technologists between 1998 and 2008 is expected to grow about 25 percent overall because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition. Employment in hospitals is expected to show little change because of anticipated slow growth and patients’ reduced lengths of hospital stay. Faster growth is anticipated in nursing homes and residential care facilities. ADA's most recent survey of members shows DTRs work in these settings:

Hospitals (inpatient and acute care)

41.3

 percent

Extended care Facilities

35.6

Community and public health programs

5.7

Other non-profit organizations

4.3

Other for-profit organizations and industries

3.3

School foodservice (K-12 and college)

3.2

Clinic or ambulatory care center

2.2

Private practice (primarily to individual clients)

1.6

College or university faculty

1.1

Consultation, primarily to health care facilities

0.8

HMOs, physician and other care providers

0.3

Consultation, primarily to other organizations

0.2

Home care

0.2

What is the Salary Range for Dietetic Technicians, Registered?
As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings, scope of responsibility and supply of DTRs. According to ADA’s 2002 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey, the median annual income for dietetic technicians, registered in the United States who have been working in the field for at least a year is $29,000. Salaries increase with experience. DTRs working in foodservice management or business may earn above $40,000.

For More Information
Write
The American Dietetic Association
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995

Media information
Public Relations: 800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4769, 4894 or 4822.
Web site: www.eatright.org/.

With nearly 70,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being.

Visit CADE more information on accredited DTR education programs.