Accreditation status:
The program has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Ste 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400. www.eatright.org/acend.
Description of the program
The Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Program is part of the School of Allied Health in the Consumer and Health Sciences Division at OCC.
The Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program includes all of the requirements for an Associate of Science degree, and includes 450 hours of supervised practice. Students completing this program are prepared to join the dietetics team, and participate in the nutrition care process for clients and patients. Successful completion of the program qualifies the student to sit for the Commission of Dietetics Registration national exam for the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) level. For a list of prerequisites and course required for the program, use the OCC Catalog. The program is designed to be 2 years in length, for a full-time student.
Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered are trained at the technician level, and participate in the nutrition care process to ensure the delivery of quality food and nutrition services. Technicians work under the supervision of a registered dietitian in clinical care. They may work independently in food service operations or providing general nutrition education.
Graduates from this program are employed by acute care, long term care, and rehabilitation hospitals, as well as by community agencies that provide education in nutrition. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides additional information regarding the profession of Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR).
Mission, Goals, and Objectives of the Dietetics Program
The Mission of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program is to enhance student success by providing quality instruction in food, nutrition, dietetics, and related courses which lead to a certificate, associate degree, or transfer to higher education. The Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program specifically prepares students as entry-level Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTRs).
Goal #1– Program graduates will be prepared as competent entry-level Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians to meet the employment needs of the community.
Goal #2– Program graduates will be prepared to communicate and work effectively with an interdisciplinary workforce and diverse clientele in the community.
Objectives:
- At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years.
- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 75% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 75% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for nutrition and dietetics technicians within 12 months of program completion.
- The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for nutrition and dietetics technicians is at least 70%.
- 80% of employers will express satisfaction with the academic preparation of entry-level graduates hired by their facility.
- At least 80% of employers responding to the survey will express satisfaction with entry- level communication skills with the diverse population of the work environment.
- At least 80% of graduates responding to the survey will express adequate classroom and clinical preparation for caring for culturally diverse clients and working with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Outcomes data are available on request.
Requirements and Process to become a Credentialed NDTR
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates receive a verification of program completion statement and are eligible to take the national Registration Examination for Dietetics Technicians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered credential signifies that the individual has completed the minimum of an A.S. degree, an accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program which includes a minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice hours, and passed the national Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians. Credentials are maintained through 50 hours of continuing education credits every 5 years.
Program Costs
The program costs approximately $5,100 for the four semesters. For a breakdown of costs, refer to the Nutrition and Dietetics Program Handbook. Consult the current college fees for more information.
Application and Admission Requirements
To enroll in the program, students must successfully complete the Allied Health 010 course. At the end of the course, students complete the Application to the School of Allied Health and indicate their program choice as Nutrition and Dietetics Technician. Students will then receive additional information from the Program Director. For more information regarding the Allied Health 010 class, read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Academic/Program Calendar
The Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program follows the Orange Coast College academic calendar.
Graduation and Program Completion Requirements
In order to graduate from the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program and obtain a Verification of Program Completion statement from the program director, students must successfully complete the following:
- General education course requirements satisfying the Associate of Science Degree
- All required program courses with a grade of 'C' or better
- A minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice in community agencies and health care facilities.
- A portfolio of accomplishments
- The Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered Practice Exam, administered by Orange Coast College Dietetic Technician Program instructors, with a 75% score or better.
Financial Aid and Other Monetary Support
Financial aid, scholarships, and other financial support may be available. For more information, visit our Financial Aid Office web site.
Credit for Prior Learning
The program will consider granting credit for prior supervised practice hours completed
through other accredited dietetics programs. The student is responsible for initiating a review
of prior supervised practice through the Orange Coast College Academic Petition process. The student must schedule an appointment with an academic counselor who initiates the petition form.