Dietary technician programs teach people to, under the supervision of dietitians, implement diet plans and work with patients. Students learn about health and nutrition. They learn how to interview clients, create diet plans, and keep records. They also study food preparation techniques, food safety regulations, and how to supervise others.

Despite different diet fads (ever hear about the cabbage soup diet?), dietitians know that the basics never change: eat a variety of foods (especially vegetables) and don't eat more than you need. In general, this is true for everyone. However, some people have specific dietary needs. Those with high blood pressure should avoid too much sodium, for example.

As a dietary technician, you apply your knowledge of human nutrition to services for individuals, families, and institutions. For example, you might help a dietitian plan meals for cardiac patients. To do this, you would need to know the basics of food safety and handling. You'd also need to know how to use equipment to help make large quantities of food. But the most important piece of knowledge would be how to create foods low in saturated and trans-fats. You might replace butter with olive or canola oil, and prepare meals with fresh fish rather than beef.

You may also work in a school cafeteria or kitchen. You may be able to create your own specific menus and guidelines (provided they are approved by a dietitian). You would also track results. For example, many schools are trying to eliminate sugary and fatty foods from their cafeterias and get kids to eat more fruit and vegetables. As a dietary technician, you could design healthier choices and keep records to see how this affected the students' behavior and weight.

A dietary technician can also supervise other workers, especially assistants and food service workers. Because of this, programs offer course work in supervisory techniques.

Several community and technical schools offer programs in dietary technology. You can get a certificate or an associate degree, which typically take one to two years of study. In general, shorter programs qualify you to be a dietary assistant, whereas longer programs prepare you to be a technician. The schools sometimes offer these programs within their home economics, nutrition, or culinary management departments.

Dietary technicians perform similar duties as dietary assistants. However, technicians can work more independently than assistants. They still are supervised by registered dietitians and nutritionists, but can take on additional responsibilities regarding patient care and menu planning.