Changes in diet can help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and other health problems. Nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs) help people understand how to make better choices about the food they eat. NDTRs are nationally credentialed food and nutrition technical practitioners who have met educational and credentialing criteria to earn and maintain the NDTR credential.
NDTRs work alongside RDNs to plan menus and prepare food for people with special nutritional needs. Some NDTRs focus on education, such as teaching children, new mothers and other people the importance of nutrition. NDTRs often work in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Schools, day care centers, weight management clinics, government agencies, prisons and the food service industry also employ NDTRs.
NDTRs, often work directly with patients and/or clients, so good communication skills and the ability to cope with people who are sick are necessary. Teamwork is also essential, because NDTRs almost always collaborate with other health care providers.
Working Conditions
The work environment depends on the nature of the NDTR’s job. Some work in institutional kitchens, while others work in offices and government agencies. Typical working hours vary from standard 40-hour work weeks to part-time positions, as well as nights and weekends.
To avoid contamination and injury, NDTRs must adhere to rigorous standards of safety and cleanliness.
Salary Range and Outlook
According to the 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession, the median annual income of nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered in the United States was $54,700.
Academic Requirements
There are two pathways to becoming a nutrition and dietetic technician, registered:
- Complete a nutrition and dietetic technician registered program. The program includes 450 hours of supervised practice experience in various community programs, health care and foodservice facilities.
- Complete coursework in a didactic program or coordinated program in dietetics and pass a national examination after completion of the program.
The course work for nutrition and dietetic technicians includes a variety of classes in food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management and a range of general science courses