DTR: Check

Holy cow, I passed the DTR exam.  This post will be me brain dumping any advice I can think of since it is all very fresh in my mind.

1.  Scoring
I still don't understand how this test is scored.  To pass, you must receive at least 25 out of 50 on a scaled score, "scaled scores represent an adjustment to the raw score that compensates for any slight variation in the difficulty of the examination."  I guess this is because each person that takes the test gets different questions.  Who knows! All I know is I got 28 points which means I passed and don't have to take it again!

2.  Cost
The test is made by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and it costs $120 to take the exam.  You can purchase a study guide for about $60.  The study guide is a binder containing an 8 page very detailed outline of topics that can be covered on the exam.  I attempted to go through the detailed outline defining and studying the topics listed but made it halfway through page 2 before I stopped.  The study guide does contain a practice test that is available on paper and online.  You are able to take the online test 3 times. 

Although the paper and online tests have all the same questions, it is helpful.  You are able to see the style of questions asked and also can become comfortable taking the test on a computer since that is what you do for the real exam. It's up to you if this is worth the extra cost.  Personally, I wanted to take the test knowing I had exhausted all resources so purchasing the study guide gave me a better piece of mind.  I think it is worth it though.

3.  Preparation
Again, you can use the CDR study guide.  I also had a study guide made by a student, found here.  I basically used both and was able to pass.  Plus I made about 500 flashcards. I was really concerned I wouldn't remember information I learned in school since I graduated 5 months ago.  However, when you know something well it should be able to stick with you for a long period of time.  You may be asking yourself what to study and the answer I'm afraid is EVERYTHING!

You can be asked everything from a basic accounting question, to the temperature of a beef patty, to what is age appropriate to feed a toddler for lunch, to handling employees, to how to remodel a kitchen.  I found the broadness very frustrating.  I have trained as a diet tech at our hospital where the job is limited to modifying diets, taking temperatures of food, ordering supplements, and communicating with patients, doctors, nurses, and dietitians.  They do not have to calculate FTE's, accept food deliveries, discipline employees, or counsel patients.  However, in the big picture this knowledge will be needed for the RD exam so I decided to grin and bear it. Also, techs at different facilities may have different responsibilities. 

So to summarize; you need some sort of study guide or outline to go off of so you know all of the topics you are responsible for.  You can purchase the CDR study guide.  You can ask me about the student study guide I used.  Or if you search online there are additional resources you can purchase.  Flashcards are helpful!  Practice tests are helpful!

4.  Other Tips
I did notice a couple of patterns with answers for questions.  Don't rely on what I say, it is something I think may be true

-Questions asking you about seeing patients (i.e. they have dentures and aren't eating, they have lost weight and may need to be put on parenteral nutrition) with answers such as place patient on tube feed, give patient pureed food, ask about food preferences, refer to dietitian.  Since techs are not allowed to prescribe diet orders, it would never be to put the patient on a tube feed or pureed diet.  You can ask about food preferences, but usually the patient will get referred to a dietitian.

-Questions about disciplining employees (i.e. the clerk has been leaving early or the cook has been leaving the food out over the heaters for 2 hours when they are only allowed out for 30 minutes) with answers such as report to supervisor, conduct an in service, record the incident, instruct/counsel employee in private/individually.  The answer was always talk to the employee personally about the issue.

-Questions about patients not eating, having low intakes, or losing weight.  The answers varied from monitoring through daily weights, plate wastes, calorie counts, and asking about food preferences.  Honestly, I relied on calorie counts, but this wasn't always the answer.  I wouldn't put daily weights since a tech usually wouldn't weigh a patient everyday, that would be up to a nurse. 

Example of a ridiculous question from my CDR study guide:

"A noon meal at a nutrition site for senior citizens consists of baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and asparagus with hollandaise sauce.  To improve plate presentation and appeal, the tech should substitute:

A.  Broccoli with cheese sauce for the asparagus with hollandaise sauce
B.  Steamed broccoli for the asparagus with hollandaise sauce
C.  Fried chicken for the baked chicken, and tomato slices for the mashed potatoes and gravy
D.  Fried chicken for the baked chicken, and broccoli with cheese sauce for the asparagus with hollandaise sauce"

The answer? B.  This is because you want varied colors and textures.  There is already gravy on the potatoes, so having a similar colored sauce over the green veggies makes the plate look rather beige.  Subbing in broccoli brings in green to a plate of whites and browns.


ALSO don't worry about memorizing all of the can sizes.  I just memorized the #10 can, and I don't think there was even a question on that.  There were at least 2 scooper questions though.


All in all, don't be intimidated by the broad amount of info you need to study.  Just do it and get through it.  I found a glass of wine and the Mumford and Sons Pandora station to make the studying process a little more enjoyable!  Take the test as many times as you have to to pass.  I trained as a tech before I took the test and it helped me learn food exchanges, renal patterns, and standard food servings really well.  Once you have this certification, when you get a job there won't be much nutrition learning for you to do!  You will be able to focus on how your facility runs (i.e. the computer program, daily routine, staff, etc).  Remember, you can do it!  The feeling of passing has made it all worth it for me!