Bariatric Dietetic Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of Bariatric Dietetic Technicians is growing significantly.

As obesity rates increase, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can guide, support and ensure the success of weight management plans.

But what exactly does a Bariatric Dietetic Technician do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the field of bariatric dietetics,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Bariatric Dietetic Technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Bariatric Dietetic Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians are responsible for providing dietary and nutritional guidance to patients before and after bariatric surgery.

They work closely with dietitians and doctors to plan and implement meal plans suitable for each patient’s specific needs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients’ nutritional needs and habits before and after bariatric surgery
• Working closely with dietitians and other healthcare professionals to develop appropriate meal plans
• Educating patients about the necessary dietary changes before and after the surgery
• Monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting the dietary plan as necessary
• Supporting patients to make the necessary lifestyle changes for weight management
• Attending team meetings to discuss patient progress and any needed adjustments to their nutritional plan
• Documenting and maintaining accurate records of patients’ dietary progress
• Providing education and support to patients’ family members to help them understand the dietary changes necessary for recovery and long-term health

 

Bariatric Dietetic Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated Bariatric Dietetic Technician to join our healthcare team.

The Bariatric Dietetic Technician will work closely with our bariatric patients, providing them with nutritional assessments, diet planning, and guidance about food choices.

Successful candidates will have a deep understanding of nutritional needs, especially in relation to bariatric surgery, and will be able to create personalized meal plans to promote weight loss, maintenance, and overall health.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating the nutritional needs of bariatric patients
• Developing personalized meal plans based on the patient’s nutritional needs and preferences
• Monitoring and documenting patient progress
• Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care
• Providing counseling and education to patients on diet and nutrition
• Leading group education sessions on various topics related to nutrition and health
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and trends in bariatric nutrition

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field
• Certification as a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR)
• Experience in a clinical setting, preferably with bariatric patients
• Strong knowledge of nutritional requirements and diet planning
• Excellent communication and counseling skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Proficiency in medical software and Microsoft Office Suite

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Bariatric Dietetic Technician
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. Some travel may be required for offsite patient consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Dietitian or Clinical Nutrition Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $39,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Bariatric Dietetic Technician Do?

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians work closely with dietitians, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to provide dietary management and counseling to individuals undergoing bariatric surgery or those who are part of a bariatric weight loss program.

Their primary role is to plan, prepare, and serve meals that align with the dietary guidelines specific to bariatric patients.

This includes assessing patient’s nutritional needs, calculating necessary dietary modifications, and ensuring the meals are balanced and portion-controlled.

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians also monitor patients’ progress, recording dietary intake and noting any changes in weight or overall health.

They report these findings to the supervising dietitian or physician, and adjustments to the diet plan may be made accordingly.

They also provide education and counseling to patients and their families about the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes pre and post bariatric surgery.

This includes teaching them about the importance of adhering to dietary restrictions, the consequences of non-compliance, and how to prepare meals at home that meet the specific dietary requirements.

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians may also be involved in conducting research or contributing to the development of educational materials and programs aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and weight management for bariatric patients.

 

Bariatric Dietetic Technician Qualifications and Skills

A competent Bariatric Dietetic Technician should possess the following qualifications and skills in order to best assist patients in managing their weight and health:

• Comprehensive knowledge of nutrition and dietetics, especially in the context of weight management and bariatric surgery.
• Ability to create personalized nutrition plans based on patients’ specific needs, health conditions, and goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients and understand their concerns and needs.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt and tailor nutrition strategies to match the changing health conditions and goals of patients.
• Empathy and patience to support patients who may struggle with dietary changes, providing encouragement and motivation.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, often collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
• Detail-oriented to record and monitor patients’ progress meticulously, ensuring that the nutrition plan is working effectively or needs to be adjusted.
• Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research and development in the field of nutrition and bariatric surgery.

 

Bariatric Dietetic Technician Experience Requirements

Entry-level Bariatric Dietetic Technicians may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in nutritional services, dietetic clinics, or healthcare facilities.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Dietetic Assistant, Nutrition Counselor, or other nutrition-related roles.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Bariatric Dietetic Technician roles.

They are likely to be proficient in counseling patients on bariatric diets, preparing meal plans, and working closely with healthcare professionals to monitor patient progress.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and could be ready for a supervisory or managerial position within a dietary department.

They may also have experience participating in research or education within the field of bariatric nutrition.

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians should also possess a broad understanding of the effects of bariatric surgery on the human body and the specific dietary needs of post-surgery patients.

Additional experience with weight management counseling, diabetic education, and other specialized dietetic practices will also be beneficial.

Some hospitals or healthcare facilities may require their Bariatric Dietetic Technicians to have advanced relevant experience or certifications, such as the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR) credentials.

 

Bariatric Dietetic Technician Education and Training Requirements

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians typically need to have an associate’s degree in dietetic technology from an accredited institution.

These programs cover topics such as nutrition, food service management, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology.

Additionally, they must complete a supervised practice experience of at least 450 hours as per the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Upon completion of their degree and practice experience, they are eligible to sit for the national registration examination for dietetic technicians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Passing the exam grants them the title of Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) or Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR).

Some states may require additional licensure or certification.

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians often work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities, where they work under the supervision of dietitians or nutritionists.

Therefore, experience in a healthcare setting can be beneficial.

They may also choose to pursue further education or additional certification in the area of bariatrics or nutrition to specialize their skills and knowledge.

Continuous education is encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of dietetics and nutrition.

 

Bariatric Dietetic Technician Salary Expectations

A Bariatric Dietetic Technician earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, level of education, geographic location, and the organization that one is employed by.

 

Bariatric Dietetic Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Bariatric Dietetic Technician need?

Bariatric Dietetic Technicians should have a strong foundation in nutrition and dietetic principles, particularly in the field of bariatrics.

They should also possess excellent communication skills to effectively interact with patients and medical staff.

Additionally, they must be detail-oriented, as they will need to monitor patients’ progress, keep accurate records, and adjust meal plans accordingly.

 

Do Bariatric Dietetic Technicians need a degree?

Yes, Bariatric Dietetic Technicians typically need at least an associate’s degree in dietetic technology, nutrition, or a related field.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, these professionals usually need to be registered dietetic technicians, which requires passing an exam and completing continuing education requirements.

 

What should you look for in a Bariatric Dietetic Technician resume?

When reviewing a Bariatric Dietetic Technician’s resume, you should look for a solid education in nutrition or dietetics and certification as a registered dietetic technician.

Also, pay attention to their experience in the field of bariatrics.

Check if they have experience in creating and implementing nutrition plans for bariatric patients and monitoring their progress.

Additionally, look for any signs of strong communication skills and a detail-oriented mindset.

 

What qualities make a good Bariatric Dietetic Technician?

A good Bariatric Dietetic Technician is empathetic, as they work with patients who are undergoing significant lifestyle changes.

They should be patient and encouraging, providing support throughout the patient’s weight loss journey.

They should also be organized and meticulous, as they will need to manage multiple patients’ dietary needs simultaneously.

Additionally, they should be lifelong learners, staying updated on the latest research and developments in bariatric nutrition.

 

Is it difficult to hire Bariatric Dietetic Technicians?

Hiring Bariatric Dietetic Technicians can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires specific knowledge and experience in bariatric nutrition, which not all dietetic technicians may possess.

Therefore, it might take some time and effort to find candidates with the required skills and experience.

Offering competitive compensation and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

We’ve just unraveled the world of being a Bariatric Dietetic Technician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about crafting diet plans.

It’s about shaping the future of health, one meal at a time.

With our handy Bariatric Dietetic Technician job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating precise listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every meal plan is a part of the bigger journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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