Dietitian Assistant: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Dietitian Assistant programs equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to support registered dietitians in delivering specialized nutritional care. This training emphasizes precision in meal planning, food safety, and compliance with medical dietary guidelines, preparing graduates for vital roles in healthcare and wellness environments.
- Food Preparation Techniques: Learn standardized methods for cooking and processing meals that meet specific nutritional requirements, ensuring consistency and dietary accuracy.
- Dietary Regulations and Protocols: Study clinical guidelines for managing diets related to conditions such as diabetes, renal disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Food Safety and Sanitation Standards: Master best practices in handling, storing, and preparing food to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with health department regulations.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Gain hands-on experience with kitchen and food service tools, including specialized equipment used in therapeutic meal preparation.
- Administrative Procedures in Nutrition Services: Develop organizational skills for managing inventory, documentation, scheduling, and coordination within dietetic support teams.
Dietitian Assistant Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Dietitian Assistant Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Dietitian Assistant degrees, including Dietetic Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 29,950 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dietetic Technicians 29-2051 | $37,040 | $28,280 - $53,440 | 29,950 | $17.81 |
Dietitian Assistant Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $27,910 in Kentucky to $52,800 in Oregon—a 89% difference. The highest-paying states include Oregon, New York, and New Hampshire. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 29,950 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Dietitian Assistant by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Dietitian Assistant programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Dietitian Assistant is found at Purdue University Global (516 graduates), Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Elizabethton (41 graduates), Barton County Community College (21 graduates), Suffolk County Community College (SUNY) (9 graduates), and Sinclair Community College (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 615 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
516 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology |
Other Award
|
41 | Elizabethton, Tennessee | Public | tcatelizabethton.edu |
| Barton County Community College |
Other Award
|
21 | Great Bend, Kansas | Public | bartonccc.edu |
| Suffolk County Community College (SUNY) |
Associate's
|
9 | Selden, New York | Public | sunysuffolk.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Residency
|
8 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Stark State College |
Other Award
|
6 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Middlesex College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Edison, New Jersey | Public | middlesexcollege.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| University of Arkansas Community College (UACCM) |
Other Award
|
2 | Morrilton, Arkansas | Public | uaccm.edu |
| Lindsey Hopkins Technical College (LHTC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Miami, Florida | Public | lindseyhopkins.edu |
| Nassau Community College (NCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Garden City, New York | Public | ncc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Dietitian Assistant programs
How much can I earn with a Dietitian Assistant degree?
Salaries for Dietitian Assistant graduates vary by role and location. Dietetic Technicians earn a median of $37,040 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Oregon average $52,800 compared to $27,910 in Kentucky. Approximately 29,950 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Dietitian Assistant programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Dietitian Assistant degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Purdue University Global (516 graduates), Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Elizabethton (41 graduates), and Barton County Community College (21 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Dietitian Assistant growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 223 in 2010 to 615 in 2023-24. This represents a 176% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Dietitian Assistant degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Dietetic Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 29,950 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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