Dietetic Technician Program Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the health and wellness sector, the demand for dietetic technicians has never been more pronounced.
With growing concerns for public health and balanced nutrition, the call for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and manage effective dietary programs becomes louder and louder.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a dietetic technician program director?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to comprehend the essence of this role,
- A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of dietetic program management,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable dietetic technician program director job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Dietetic Technician Program Director Duties and Responsibilities
Dietetic Technician Program Directors are responsible for the overall operation and quality of dietetic technician programs, including curriculum development, program accreditation, and student success.
They should have a solid understanding of the principles of human nutrition and dietary healthcare.
The primary duties and responsibilities of a Dietetic Technician Program Director include:
- Developing and implementing dietetic technician program curricula in line with industry standards and requirements
- Ensuring the program meets the requirements for accreditation and re-accreditation
- Assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the program and making necessary adjustments to improve student outcomes
- Leading and managing faculty members, providing guidance, and mentoring as required
- Recruiting, training, and evaluating faculty and other program staff
- Providing academic advising and support to students enrolled in the dietetic technician program
- Developing relationships with local healthcare facilities and organizations to provide students with internship and employment opportunities
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in dietetics and incorporating them into the program
- Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and standards related to dietetic education
- Preparing and managing the program budget and resources
- Facilitating meetings, workshops, and seminars for students and staff
Dietetic Technician Program Director Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a dedicated Dietetic Technician Program Director to oversee, manage, and improve our Dietetic Technician Program.
The Dietetic Technician Program Director responsibilities include planning and coordinating the academic and administrative aspects of the program, managing faculty and students, ensuring adherence to the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), and facilitating program enhancement initiatives.
Our ideal candidate is passionate about the field of nutrition and dietetics and has strong leadership and administrative skills.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the development and implementation of the dietetic technician program curriculum
- Recruit, hire, and supervise faculty and staff
- Coordinate student recruitment, admission, and retention efforts
- Ensure program compliance with ACEND standards and other relevant regulations
- Facilitate continuous program improvement initiatives
- Prepare and manage program budgets
- Teach courses within the program as necessary
- Establish relationships with industry professionals and organizations
- Organize and manage student internships and field experiences
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field
- Registered Dietitian (RD) credential
- Experience in a leadership role within a dietetic or academic program
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong leadership and managerial skills
- Familiarity with ACEND standards and other relevant regulations
- Experience with budget management
- Teaching experience in higher education is a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Dietetic Technician Program Director
- Work Environment: Academic setting with some remote work. Some travel may be required for conferences or meetings.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dean of the College or Department.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 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 college. 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and the contact information for three professional references to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Dietetic Technician Program Director Do?
A Dietetic Technician Program Director typically works in educational institutions or health organizations.
They can also be self-employed consultants.
Their primary responsibility is overseeing the implementation, development, and maintenance of the dietetic technician program.
They work closely with students, faculty, dietetic professionals, and administrators to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date.
They are also responsible for guiding students and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed in the program.
They collaborate with faculty to create course materials, monitor student progress, and handle any issues that may arise during the program.
Additionally, a Dietetic Technician Program Director may be involved in the accreditation process, ensuring that the program meets the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
They also help students prepare for their future careers by organizing professional development activities, securing internships, and providing career advice.
The Dietetic Technician Program Director stays informed about the latest research and developments in the field of dietetics to keep the program current and relevant.
In some cases, they may conduct their own research or contribute to scholarly articles and publications.
In all aspects of their job, the Dietetic Technician Program Director works to promote the field of dietetics, encourage academic achievement, and support students in their journey to become dietetic technicians.
Dietetic Technician Program Director Qualifications and Skills
A qualified Dietetic Technician Program Director should possess a blend of leadership skills, dietetic knowledge, educational experience and interpersonal skills, including:
- Strong knowledge in nutrition and dietetics to develop effective curriculums, align course content with professional standards and deliver quality education to students.
- Leadership skills to manage the dietetic technician program, oversee faculty and staff, and drive student success.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to clearly convey complex nutrition concepts to students, interact with faculty and staff, and represent the program to external stakeholders.
- Organizational skills to manage the curriculum, resources, and faculty, as well as to ensure program accreditation standards are met.
- Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and the broader dietetics community, and to create a positive learning environment.
- Problem-solving skills to address student, faculty or programmatic issues efficiently and effectively.
- Educational background in dietetics, nutrition or a related field to provide expert knowledge and ensure curriculum relevance.
Dietetic Technician Program Director Experience Requirements
Dietetic Technician Program Directors are expected to have a substantial amount of experience in the field of dietetics.
This can typically be gained through a mix of education and hands-on experience.
Candidates for this role should ideally possess a degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a closely related field.
This provides a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge required for the position.
Practical experience is also crucial for this role.
Candidates should ideally have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a dietetic technician role.
This hands-on experience helps them to understand the practical applications of the theoretical concepts they have learned, and it also enables them to guide and mentor students effectively.
A background in education or teaching can be beneficial for this role as well.
Experience as a clinical preceptor, for example, can prove valuable as it involves guiding and instructing students in a clinical setting.
Moreover, individuals with leadership or managerial experience are often preferred for this role, as they are expected to manage the dietetic technician program and guide its students.
This could be experience as a team leader, head dietitian, or in other management roles within the field of dietetics.
Finally, certifications or registrations as a Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) or a Registered Dietitian (RD) are often required for this role as they signify a high level of professional competency in the field.
Dietetic Technician Program Director Education and Training Requirements
Dietetic Technician Program Directors are typically required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition science, or a related field.
Along with their degree, they must also be registered as a dietitian or dietetic technician by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Many institutions prefer applicants with a master’s degree in nutrition or a related field, especially for higher-level positions.
Program directors also need to demonstrate relevant work experience, ideally in a clinical, community, or food service setting.
This experience gives them hands-on knowledge about the challenges and responsibilities their students will face upon graduation.
Some positions might require a state license, which requires passing an exam in addition to having a degree and supervised practice experience.
Ongoing continuing professional education is essential for keeping up with new developments in the field.
Therefore, many program directors also pursue advanced courses or workshops in dietetics, nutrition science, education, or administration.
Lastly, excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, and a passion for education are also crucial for a Dietetic Technician Program Director.
Dietetic Technician Program Director Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Dietetic Technician Program Director is approximately $71,000 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can significantly fluctuate based on the individual’s level of experience, the size and location of the employing organization, and the complexity of the program being directed.
Dietetic Technician Program Director Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Dietetic Technician Program Director need?
A Dietetic Technician Program Director should have excellent leadership and managerial skills to oversee the running of the program.
They should also have an in-depth knowledge of dietetics and nutrition, as well as teaching and curriculum development skills.
Excellent communication and organizational abilities are also necessary in order to coordinate between faculty, students, and external stakeholders.
Do Dietetic Technician Program Directors need a degree?
Yes, Dietetic Technician Program Directors typically need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field.
Many employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or higher.
They should also have experience in clinical dietetics and in overseeing or developing dietetic programs.
What should you look for in a Dietetic Technician Program Director resume?
Look for a solid educational background in dietetics or nutrition and relevant work experience.
They should have experience in program leadership, staff management, and curriculum development.
Certifications from recognized dietetic or nutrition bodies can also be an added advantage.
Their resume should demonstrate their ability to manage complex projects and work effectively with diverse teams.
What qualities make a good Dietetic Technician Program Director?
A good Dietetic Technician Program Director should possess a strong knowledge of the field of dietetics and keep up-to-date with the latest research and developments.
They should have excellent leadership qualities, with the ability to inspire and manage a team.
They should also be great communicators, able to engage effectively with students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
Being detail-oriented and having strong planning and organizational skills are also important.
Is it difficult to hire Dietetic Technician Program Directors?
Hiring a Dietetic Technician Program Director can be challenging due to the specific requirements of the role.
It requires a combination of extensive knowledge in dietetics, experience in program development and management, and excellent leadership skills.
Therefore, finding a candidate that meets all these criteria can be difficult.
Offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as opportunities for professional development, can help attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
And there it is.
Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a Dietetic Technician Program Director.
And guess what?
It’s not just about supervising and managing.
It’s about creating healthier futures, one nutritional plan at a time.
Armed with our comprehensive Dietetic Technician Program Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the leap.
But why stop there?
Go beyond with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job listings or optimizing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every nutritional plan is a part of a healthier society.
Let’s build that future. Together.
How to Become a Dietetic Technician Program Director (Complete Guide)
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