Job Potential
What can I do after I graduate?
Students with an associate degree can pursue careers in various health and food service facilities. After successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the registration exam to become a Dietetic Technician, Registered. The Nutrition Program has teamed up with CRC’s department of Culinary Arts Management to provide the education and the pre-requisites for this degree.
What does a Dietetic Technician do?
Dietetic Technicians (DTs) are trained in food and nutrition and are an integral part of the health care and foodservice management team. As a DT, you can practice in acute care, long-term care, public health departments, and food service facilities (schools, senior feeding programs, food service management, etc.). Many of the work environment requires that DTs be credentialed as Dietetic Technician, Registered. The Dietetic Technician, Registered may screen patient/clients for nutritional needs, provide some basic diet education under the direction of registered dietitians. They are also familiar with large food purchasing, production, inventory, cost control, recipe development and food service computer skills.
What is the salary potential?
According to the American Dietetic Association’s 2002 Membership Benefit Survey Results, the median hourly wage was $14.74 per hour (or $30,660 per year) while 50% of DTR earned more than this. The variation in salary is associated with years of experience, responsibility, employment setting, and scope of practice.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that employment of DTR would grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. This is similar to that for dietitians and nutritionists. The increase is partially due to the emphasis on preventative care, consumer interest in nutrition, and the aging of our country. The fastest growth is seen in nursing home and residential care facilities because of the anticipated growth in the aging population.
California Business and Professional Code #2068 defines and includes the role of DTR. This means that Registered Dietitians, DTRs, and individuals with advanced degree are the legally permitted to practice nutrition therapy in the state of California. For more information about the California Business and Professional Code, check out the California Dietetic Association's website.