NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Dietetic Technicians

SOC 29-2051.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers clinical, institutional, and community nutrition practice contexts in which dietetic technicians assess patients, plan and supervise food service operations, counsel individuals and families, and support dietitians across healthcare and public health settings.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Patient food intake records — document and report observations to supervising dietitian in a clinical or long-term care setting.
  2. Dietary history forms — collect from patients under direct supervision during initial nutritional screening appointments.
  3. Standard recipes and group portion guides — follow closely when preparing a major meal in an institutional kitchen.
  4. Food service workflow — assist supervising staff with tray line monitoring and portioning tasks in a hospital cafeteria.
  5. Basic menu guidelines and established dietary standards — apply when selecting food items for pre-approved meal plans under direction.
  6. Electronic health record and medical software — enter patient dietary data accurately following facility protocols with supervisor review.
  7. Interdisciplinary care meetings — attend and take notes alongside dietitians and nursing staff on a patient care unit.
  8. Nutritional reference materials and food composition databases — retrieve and organize for dietitian review as part of research support tasks.
  9. Scheduling software and calendar tools — use to coordinate patient meal delivery and appointment reminders under supervision.
  10. Body weight and intake monitoring tools — operate and record measurements for assigned patients, flagging deviations to the supervising dietitian.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Patient dietary progress and weight change patterns — monitor routinely and summarize for the supervising dietitian with reduced oversight in a clinical nutrition unit.
  2. Individual dietary histories — obtain, evaluate, and translate into preliminary nutrition care plans for review by a registered dietitian.
  3. Group meal production — plan quantities, adjust recipes for volume, and oversee preparation in a healthcare or community food service facility.
  4. Food service operations — assist dietitians in supervising kitchen staff, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring regulatory compliance during daily service.
  5. Individualized meal plans — develop within established guidelines for patients or community clients with common nutrition-related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
  6. Nutrition education sessions — deliver structured instruction to individuals or small groups in a community health or outpatient clinic setting.
  7. Interdisciplinary team meetings — participate actively, contributing nutrition-related observations and updates on assigned patients' dietary progress.
  8. Food and nutrition research data — compile, organize, and summarize using spreadsheet and analytical software to support dietitian-led projects.
  9. Inventory management software — use to track food supply levels, reduce waste, and generate reorder requests in a food service environment.
  10. Time-sensitive meal service schedules — coordinate across multiple diet types simultaneously, applying time management skills in a busy institutional kitchen.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Comprehensive nutritional assessments — conduct autonomously across a diverse patient caseload, integrating dietary history, clinical indicators, and lab data in a hospital or outpatient setting.
  2. Complex nutrition care plans — design and adjust independently for patients with multiple co-morbidities, using critical thinking and evidence-based dietary guidelines.
  3. Major meal production for large groups — plan, execute, and evaluate quality outcomes, adapting recipes and portion calculations to meet therapeutic and budgetary requirements.
  4. Food service supervision — lead daily operations, troubleshoot workflow issues, and mentor food service workers in a high-volume healthcare or community nutrition program.
  5. Individualized and family-centered dietary counseling — facilitate in-depth guidance sessions on food selection, preparation, and menu planning for clients with complex nutritional needs.
  6. Job descriptions and work schedules — develop, refine, and implement for food service or nutrition support staff to optimize departmental efficiency.
  7. Interdisciplinary care collaboration — represent the nutrition department, communicate assessment findings clearly, and advocate for dietary interventions during multi-disciplinary team rounds.
  8. Nutrition and food service research — lead literature reviews, synthesize findings, and prepare written reports using analytical, database, and desktop publishing software.
  9. ERP and inventory management systems — administer food service procurement workflows, analyze usage trends, and identify cost-saving opportunities across a dietary department.
  10. Problem sensitivity and decision making — identify and resolve non-routine dietary or operational challenges, such as allergen conflicts or supply shortages, with minimal escalation.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Departmental nutrition care standards — establish, evaluate, and continuously improve protocols that govern patient monitoring, assessment, and reporting across an entire dietary department.
  2. Strategic menu and diet program development — design evidence-based nutritional programs for diverse populations at an organizational or community-system level, setting dietary policy direction.
  3. Food service operational model — lead the planning, execution, and quality evaluation of large-scale meal production systems across multiple facilities or service lines.
  4. Dietetic technician workforce development — mentor and train emerging and developing staff, design competency-based onboarding curricula, and oversee continuing education in a healthcare organization.
  5. Interdisciplinary leadership — chair or co-lead nutrition-focused workgroups within health care teams, integrating dietary expertise into broader patient care improvement initiatives.
  6. Job specifications and HR frameworks — author comprehensive job descriptions, performance standards, and staffing models for nutrition and food service personnel at an organizational level.
  7. Organizational nutrition research agenda — direct multi-project research support activities, coordinate data collection across teams, and translate findings into departmental policy and practice.
  8. Technology and systems optimization — evaluate, select, and implement medical, ERP, and analytical software platforms to modernize nutrition informatics and food service management across the organization.
  9. Regulatory and safety compliance leadership — interpret law, government, and public safety standards to establish departmental policies ensuring full compliance across all food production and patient care functions.
  10. Stakeholder communication and advocacy — present nutrition program outcomes, resource needs, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, boards, or community health partners using high-level written and oral communication.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-generated meal plan templates — uses pre-built AI outputs as a starting point for basic menu planning tasks, cross-checking suggestions against established dietary guidelines before presenting to a supervising dietitian Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Nutritional database querying — enters patient dietary history details into an AI-assisted tool to retrieve nutrient breakdowns, then manually reviews results for accuracy before recording WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Patient monitoring documentation — delegates the drafting of progress notes and dietary intake summaries to an AI writing assistant, then edits outputs to reflect direct observations of patient food intake and weight changes Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Recipe scaling assistance — directs an AI tool to calculate adjusted ingredient quantities for large-group meal preparation, verifying outputs against known yield factors and portion standards before production Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Dietary history synthesis — feeds structured intake interview notes into an AI summarization tool to surface nutritional gaps, then applies professional judgment to confirm or revise the identified patterns Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Individualized nutrition program drafting — orchestrates an AI assistant through a multi-step workflow to generate a first-draft nutritional program from assessment data, retaining responsibility for clinical alignment with patient health status and guidelines Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Food service planning support — directs an AI tool to analyze menu cycles for nutritional adequacy and cost constraints, then integrates results into supervisory recommendations presented to the overseeing dietitian Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Patient education material generation — prompts an AI to produce plain-language handouts on food selection and meal preparation, then edits content for health literacy, cultural relevance, and accuracy before distribution Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Dietary problem flagging — configures AI-assisted monitoring alerts on tracked intake metrics, interprets flagged anomalies in clinical context, and escalates validated concerns to the registered dietitian Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI workflow design for food service units — architects and standardizes the team's use of AI tools across nutritional assessment, menu planning, and documentation tasks, setting validation checkpoints that preserve clinical accountability Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Human-AI handoff protocol development — defines which dietetic technician tasks are routed to AI assistance versus handled through direct patient interaction, using the occupation's augmentation profile to balance efficiency with the relational demands of speaking and active listening Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Complex case nutritional modeling — leads multi-variable AI-assisted analysis of patients with compounding dietary restrictions, adjudicates conflicting AI recommendations using clinical knowledge, and documents reasoning for dietitian review Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Quality oversight of AI-generated outputs — audits AI-produced dietary plans and monitoring reports across a caseload for systematic errors or guideline drift, feeding findings back into prompt and workflow refinements that improve team-wide output quality Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 877
Augment share: 87.7%
Time saved: 80.9%
AI autonomy: 3.18
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Speaking
Score: 48.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient dietary history collection — elicits basic food intake information through structured intake forms while maintaining a respectful and welcoming tone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Nutrition vocabulary use — applies foundational nutrition terminology when describing meal plans and dietary guidelines to patients and caregivers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Patient education delivery — explains dietary restrictions and nutritional goals using plain language adapted to the patient's health literacy level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary reporting — summarizes patient food intake observations and weight changes in verbal or written reports shared with supervising dietitians O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Family meal planning guidance — communicates menu selection rationale to individuals and families by referencing established dietary guidelines and household food preferences O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Progress documentation — produces clear, accurate written entries in patient records detailing dietary intake, weight trends, and nutritional assessment findings for interdisciplinary review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary team communication — presents patient dietary status and emerging nutritional concerns at care team meetings using discipline-appropriate clinical language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Community nutrition instruction — delivers group nutrition education sessions by structuring content sequentially and adjusting explanations in response to participant questions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-functional nutrition communication — translates complex nutritional assessment data into actionable guidance for patients, families, and non-dietetic health care staff across acute and community settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Written resource development — authors patient education materials, dietary protocols, and food service documentation that align with regulatory standards and organizational communication guidelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Food service task awareness — observes food production workflows and identifies assigned responsibilities within supervised food preparation or service environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Self-initiated reporting — proactively flags observed changes in patient dietary intake or body weight to supervising dietitians without waiting to be prompted Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Food service team coordination — guides food service workers through daily production tasks by communicating priority sequencing and quality standards during meal preparation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Work schedule contribution — assists in drafting staff schedules and job task assignments that support uninterrupted food service operations O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Food production supervision — leads food service personnel through standardized recipe execution and quantity food preparation while ensuring adherence to safety and quality benchmarks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff accountability maintenance — monitors food service team performance against job descriptions and organizational standards, providing corrective direction as needed O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Job specification development — develops job descriptions and work schedules that align staffing capacity with food service volume and patient care requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Departmental process leadership — takes ownership of food service improvement initiatives by identifying operational gaps, proposing solutions, and guiding staff through implementation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship of emerging technicians — coaches new dietetic technicians and food service staff by modeling professional standards and providing structured performance feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes areas of limited nutritional knowledge and seeks clarification from supervising dietitians or reference materials before patient interactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Task self-monitoring — checks own work during dietary history collection or meal planning against established guidelines to catch errors before submission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Assessment strategy reflection — evaluates which dietary history methods yield more accurate intake data for specific patient populations and adjusts approach accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge application tracking — monitors personal growth in applying nutrition science principles to real patient cases and identifies where additional study is needed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Nutritional planning calibration — reviews outcomes of previously developed diet plans against patient progress data and refines future planning strategies based on what worked Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional learning planning — identifies continuing education priorities in areas such as clinical nutrition, food systems, or regulatory updates and structures a plan to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Practice model evaluation — systematically examines personal and team assessment methods for efficiency and accuracy, generating evidence-based improvements to nutritional care workflows Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive strategy modeling — articulates personal decision-making processes to junior staff during nutritional assessments, making tacit professional reasoning visible and teachable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Dietary history analysis — identifies inconsistencies or gaps in a patient's reported food intake by cross-referencing stated consumption against known portion sizes and frequency patterns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Guideline comparison — evaluates a patient's current diet against established nutritional guidelines to identify basic deficiencies or excesses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Nutritional assessment reasoning — synthesizes dietary history data, body weight trends, and clinical context to form preliminary conclusions about a patient's nutritional status Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Menu evaluation — critiques proposed menus against population-specific nutritional needs, budget constraints, and food safety requirements to identify necessary modifications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex dietary problem identification — analyzes multi-factor patient cases involving medical conditions, cultural food preferences, and resource limitations to identify the most nutritionally significant interventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence-based diet planning — selects dietary recommendations by weighing current nutrition research, clinical guidelines, and individual patient data rather than defaulting to standard templates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Food service system evaluation — assesses food production and distribution workflows for inefficiencies, safety risks, or nutritional quality issues using structured observation and data review O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interdisciplinary case analysis — integrates nutritional, medical, psychosocial, and logistical variables from team meetings to formulate comprehensive dietary recommendations that address the full patient picture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research support and synthesis — evaluates nutrition literature and food service system studies to provide dietitians with evidence-ranked findings that inform program or protocol decisions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Care team participation — attends interdisciplinary meetings and contributes dietary observation data when invited, demonstrating basic understanding of each professional's role Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Supervised task coordination — works alongside food service staff and dietitians under direct supervision, fulfilling assigned responsibilities without disrupting team workflow Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Interdisciplinary information sharing — actively contributes patient dietary progress updates during care team discussions and integrates feedback from nurses, physicians, and social workers into nutrition plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Food service team integration — coordinates preparation tasks with kitchen staff by clearly communicating recipe requirements, timing, and quantity expectations to maintain production flow O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Patient care collaboration — partners with dietitians, nurses, and other health care professionals to align nutritional care plans with broader medical treatment goals for individual patients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional meal planning — collaborates with dietary aides, procurement staff, and clinical teams to develop menus that simultaneously meet nutritional, budgetary, safety, and patient preference requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict navigation in care settings — resolves differing perspectives on dietary approaches within multidisciplinary teams by focusing discussion on patient outcomes and established evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. System-level collaboration — builds sustained working relationships across clinical, administrative, and community food service teams to coordinate nutrition programs that span multiple care settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative protocol development — co-develops nutritional care standards and food service procedures with dietitians and institutional stakeholders, incorporating diverse team expertise into final guidelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient confidentiality adherence — handles dietary assessment records and personal health information with discretion, following HIPAA-aligned protocols from initial training Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional conduct baseline — maintains punctuality, appropriate communication, and respectful interactions with patients and colleagues in food service and clinical environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical documentation practice — records patient dietary intake observations and assessment findings accurately without omission or embellishment, even when data reflects poor outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability in food safety — takes personal responsibility for ensuring that food preparation and handling practices meet public health and safety standards at every shift Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Patient-centered integrity — advocates for patients' nutritional needs within care teams even when doing so requires raising concerns about current care plans or resource constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Consistent professionalism — upholds ethical and institutional standards in dietary counseling, food service supervision, and documentation across varying levels of workload and pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cultural respect in care — acknowledges and integrates patients' cultural food practices and personal values into dietary planning without imposing personal or institutional biases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership in practice — models and reinforces professional integrity standards among food service and support staff, addressing lapses in conduct or documentation quality directly and constructively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic accountability — identifies and escalates institutional practices in food service or patient care that compromise safety, nutritional quality, or equity, accepting responsibility for outcomes of that advocacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Recipe adaptation exploration — suggests basic ingredient substitutions within established recipes to accommodate patient dietary restrictions or improve nutritional value Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Visual menu presentation — proposes simple plating or presentation adjustments to increase patient appeal and food acceptance rates in care settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Individualized meal planning — develops diet plans that meet clinical requirements while incorporating patient food preferences, cultural traditions, and seasonal availability in non-standard combinations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient engagement approaches — creates alternative methods for explaining dietary concepts to patients with low health literacy, language barriers, or cognitive challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Innovative menu development — designs nutritionally complete menus for populations with multiple simultaneous dietary restrictions by reinterpreting food combinations and preparation methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem-solving in food service — generates practical solutions to food production disruptions, supply shortages, or staffing gaps that maintain nutritional quality and safety standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Educational material creation — designs visually engaging and culturally relevant nutrition education resources tailored to specific patient populations served by the facility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program design innovation — conceptualizes new nutrition intervention formats or food service delivery models that improve patient outcomes or operational efficiency beyond existing institutional approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive nutrition counseling — develops highly individualized dietary strategies for complex cases by combining established clinical frameworks with novel applications of nutrition science and patient insight Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts corrective guidance from supervising dietitians on dietary assessment techniques and patient communication without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge engagement — approaches unfamiliar patient populations or new food service systems as learning opportunities rather than sources of avoidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill expansion through practice — seeks additional exposure to complex dietary cases and food service management tasks to accelerate competence beyond assigned duties Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Error-based learning — analyzes instances where dietary recommendations did not achieve expected patient outcomes to extract actionable lessons for future assessments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuing education integration — regularly incorporates updated nutrition science findings, regulatory changes, and best practices into daily patient care and food service supervision activities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Persistent problem resolution — sustains effort on difficult patient nutrition cases or operational food service challenges through multiple iteration cycles without abandoning the problem Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer learning contribution — shares knowledge gained from difficult cases or training experiences with colleagues, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement in the dietetic team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth modeling for staff — openly demonstrates personal learning behaviors and celebrates team development milestones to establish a norm of ongoing professional growth in food service and clinical nutrition settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systematic skill benchmarking — establishes personal competency goals aligned with advanced dietetic technician standards and tracks progress through deliberate self-assessment and external feedback cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient interaction presence — maintains attentive focus during dietary history interviews, avoiding distraction and giving patients full attention to capture accurate intake information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional baseline awareness — recognizes personal stress responses during high-volume food service periods and applies basic self-regulation strategies to maintain professional conduct Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Active listening in clinical settings — remains fully present during interdisciplinary meetings, tracking multiple speakers' contributions and integrating new information into dietary planning considerations without premature judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional workflow pacing — manages attention across simultaneous food service supervision tasks by prioritizing actions deliberately rather than reacting to the loudest immediate demand Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Patient-centered attunement — detects subtle emotional or behavioral cues during nutrition counseling that signal patient disengagement, anxiety, or misunderstanding and adjusts approach in real time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulated response in difficult interactions — maintains composure and professional tone when patients resist dietary recommendations or when care team conflicts arise, responding thoughtfully rather than reactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mindful documentation practice — approaches patient record entry with deliberate focus on accuracy and completeness, avoiding rushed or autopilot documentation that introduces errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic awareness cultivation — models and teaches mindful observation practices to food service staff and junior technicians, improving team attentiveness to patient safety and food quality signals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained attention under pressure — maintains high-quality clinical observation and food service oversight during peak operational periods, demonstrating consistent perceptual accuracy across extended shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Baseline persistence — continues dietary assessment tasks through initial discomfort with clinical environments, unfamiliar patient conditions, or challenging food service demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — proceeds with nutritional history collection in ambiguous patient cases by applying foundational protocols rather than deferring all decisions to supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Workload resilience — maintains accuracy and attentiveness in dietary monitoring and documentation during high-census periods or understaffed food service shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient resistance navigation — sustains consistent nutritional counseling efforts with patients who repeatedly decline dietary recommendations, adjusting approach without abandoning the patient's care goal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Sustained advocacy for patient needs — persists in communicating unmet nutritional concerns to care teams across multiple interactions when initial reports do not prompt sufficient response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Operational continuity under pressure — leads food service production through equipment failures, supply disruptions, or sudden staffing changes without compromising food safety or meal delivery timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Complex case endurance — maintains commitment to individualized nutritional planning for patients with chronic, non-responsive, or deteriorating conditions without defaulting to depersonalized care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional courage — raises concerns about unsafe food service practices, inadequate staffing, or nutritional care gaps through appropriate channels despite organizational resistance or personal professional risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team resilience building — supports food service and clinical colleagues through sustained operational crises by modeling steady, purposeful action and reinforcing shared commitment to patient nutritional outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors61 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Dietetic Technician · Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) · Child Nutrition Assistant · Clinical Dietetic Technician · Cook Chill Technician (CCT) · Diet Aide · Diet Assistant · Diet Clerk · Diet Tech (Diet Technician) · Diet Tech (Dietetic Technician) · Diet Technician Registered (DTR) · Dietary Aide
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0286 · Dietetic Technician
O*NET skills
SpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionWritingLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingActive LearningInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementCoordination
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingMathematicsPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementFood ProductionAdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesLaw and Government
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningNear VisionInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityWritten ExpressionFluency of Ideas
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCooperationEmpathySocial OrientationSincerity
Technology
Calendar and scheduling softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareMedical softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareDesktop publishing softwareInventory management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
  2. Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
  3. Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
  4. Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
  5. Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
  6. Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
  7. Attend interdisciplinary meetings with other health care professionals to discuss patient care.
  8. Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.
CIP education codes
19.050130.190151.310151.310351.3104

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.