How to Be Certified Dietetic Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 14, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Earning a Certified Dietetic Technician (CDT) credential can have a positive impact on career opportunities and salary. With this certification, dietetic technicians are able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of nutrition and dietetics, as well as gain recognition from employers. As a result, CDTs are likely to be more competitive for jobs, have better job stability, and have the potential to receive higher salaries.

The credential also allows for more opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a Registered Dietitian or Nutrition Manager. obtaining the CDT credential is an important step for anyone interested in pursuing a career in nutrition and dietetics.

Steps How to Become

Earn an Associate Degree. The first step to becoming a Certified Dietetic Technician (CDT) is to earn an associate degree in dietetics or a related field, such as food and nutrition. This degree will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field.
Complete an Accredited Program. After earning your associate degree, you must complete an accredited program in dietetics. Accreditation is provided by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND-accredited programs provide the most comprehensive education and training to prepare you for a career as a CDT.
Pass the Registered Dietetic Technician Exam. Once you have completed an accredited program, you must pass the Registered Dietetic Technician Exam (RDTE). This exam tests your knowledge of food, nutrition, and dietetics. It consists of multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
Obtain National Certification. After passing the RDTE, you must obtain national certification through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). To become certified, you must submit an application, pass a background check, and pay a fee. Once you have completed all of these steps, you will be eligible to become a Certified Dietetic Technician.
Maintain Certification. To maintain certification, you must complete continuing education credits every three years. This ensures that you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and maintain your knowledge and skills.

Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and wellbeing. Certified Dietetic Technicians (CDT) can help individuals achieve this goal by providing reliable and efficient nutrition advice. CDTs are qualified professionals who have completed an accredited program and have passed a national exam.

They can assess the nutritional needs of individuals and create a plan tailored to their specific dietary requirements. they can provide guidance on food selection, portion control, meal planning, and food safety. By relying on the expertise of a CDT, individuals can ensure that they are receiving the nutrition they need while also managing their dietary habits in an efficient and reliable manner.

You may want to check Nutritional Services Program Director/Clinical Dietitian/Dietetic Technician, Clinical Nutrition Services Program Director/Registered Dietitian/Dietetic Technician, and Outpatient Clinical Nutritionist/Clinical Dietitian/Dietetic Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement nutrition care plans for individuals and groups.
Coordinate nutrition education programs and activities.
Monitor food service operations to ensure compliance with nutrition standards.
Evaluate nutrition programs and services.
Prepare and analyze nutrition-related reports.
Counsel clients on proper nutrition and health care practices.
Provide nutrition counseling and education to a variety of clients.
Educate healthcare professionals about nutrition-related topics.
Create menus for special dietary needs and meal plans for clients.
Assist with research in nutrition-related topics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic nutrition science
Ability to assess nutritional needs of individuals
Ability to develop and implement nutrition-related care plans
Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation
Ability to prepare nutritious meals according to dietary guidelines
Knowledge of medical nutrition therapy
Ability to educate and counsel patients on nutrition
Knowledge of menu planning, food production and cost control
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals
Knowledge of food labeling regulations
Knowledge of cultural, religious and ethnic dietary practices
Ability to monitor and evaluate patient progress
Knowledge of computer software related to nutrition management

Eating healthy is one of the most important skills to have in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A certified dietetic technician is trained to help individuals manage their diet in order to meet their nutritional needs. These professionals provide guidance on appropriate foods to eat, portion control, and how to read nutrition labels.

Eating the right foods can help to reduce the risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It can also help to improve energy levels, concentration, and mood. Having a certified dietetic technician on hand to provide personalized advice and guidance can be a great help in making sure that the individual is getting the proper nutrition that they need.

Dietetic Intern, Clinical Nutrition Manager/Dietetic Technician, and Community Nutrition Educator/Dietetic Technician, Registered are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in dietetics?
What do you think are the most important aspects of nutrition?
How would you describe your nutrition-related counseling style?
How do you keep up with current nutrition research and trends?
What experience do you have working with clients with dietary restrictions or special needs?
How would you address a client who is trying to lose weight quickly?
What strategies do you use to ensure accurate record keeping for patient diets?
How would you handle a situation where a patient does not want to follow the prescribed diet?
Describe how you assess a patients nutritional needs and create a plan of care.
What strategies do you use to ensure a patients compliance with their diet plan?

Common Tools in Industry

Nutrition Assessment Software. A computer program that helps dietitians and nutritionists assess an individual's dietary needs and health status. (eg: NutriBase Nutrition Software)
Meal Planning Software. A computer program designed to help dietitians and nutritionists create and implement healthy, balanced meal plans. (eg: MealPro Meal Planner)
Food Journal Software. A computer program that helps dietitians and nutritionists track food intake and provide feedback. (eg: MyFitnessPal Food Tracker)
Diet Analysis Software. A computer program that helps dietitians and nutritionists analyze the nutritional value of foods consumed by an individual. (eg: ESHA Food Processor)
Food Label Scanner App. A smartphone app that allows users to quickly scan food labels and analyze their nutritional content. (eg: ShopWell Food Scanner)
Plate Waste Analysis Software. A computer program that helps dietitians and nutritionists measure food waste in a cafeteria or other food service setting. (eg: Plate Count Waste Analysis Software)
Calorie Counter App. A smartphone app that allows users to easily track their calorie intake. (eg: MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter)

Professional Organizations to Know

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
American Dietetic Association (ADA)
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
International Food Information Council (IFIC)
International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI)
Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB)
American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)

We also have Outpatient Clinical Nutritionist Supervisor/Registered Dietitian/Dietetic Technician, Nutritional Services Program Director/Registered Dietitian/Dietetic Technician, and Registered Dietitian/Dietetic Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dietetics. The science of nutrition and the practice of applying knowledge about food and nutrition to improve health and prevent disease.
Nutrition. The study of nutrients in food, how the body uses nutrients, and the relationship between diet and health.
Nutritional Science. The study of the principles of nutrition as it relates to the physical and psychological functioning of humans.
Clinical Nutrition. The study of the application of diet and nutrition to the prevention and management of diseases and health conditions.
Food Science. The study of the composition, structure, and safety of food.
Food Processing. The methods used to transform raw ingredients into food products.
Dietary Guidelines. Recommendations for daily nutritional intake for healthy people, based on age, sex, and activity level.
Meal Planning. The process of creating a balanced diet for optimal health.
Food Labeling. The legal requirements for labeling food packages with nutritional information.
Food Safety. The practice of preparing and handling food to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Dietetic Technician (CDT)?

A Certified Dietetic Technician is a health professional who has completed an accredited dietetic technician program and passed a national certification exam. They work under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian (RD) to provide nutrition care to individuals, groups and communities.

What educational requirements are needed to become a CDT?

To become a CDT, individuals must complete an accredited dietetic technician program, which usually consists of at least 900 hours of classroom and supervised practice. Additionally, they must pass the national certification exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

What activities do CDTs typically perform?

CDTs typically perform activities such as monitoring and evaluating nutrition care plans, providing nutrition counseling and education, foodservice system management, menu planning, grocery shopping advice, and assisting with research projects.

How many CDTs are currently registered in the United States?

As of December 31, 2019, there were 17,195 CDTs registered in the United States.

What is the salary range for CDTs?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dietetic technicians was $37,080 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $58,960.

Web Resources

Dietetic Technician · Northland Community & Technical College www.northlandcollege.edu
Nutrition and Dietetic Technician | MATC - Milwaukee www.matc.edu
Dietetic Technician - Suffolk County Community College sunysuffolk.edu