Program Description
Working under the guidance of a registered dietitian, the dietetic technician is responsible for securing and evaluating a patient’s diet history; interpreting a physician’s diet orders; assisting patients in making menu selections; instructing individuals, families, or groups about normal nutrition and routine medical nutrition therapy; planning menus at different economic levels in accordance with varying cultural patterns; and collecting needed information from a patient’s chart to formulate a nutrition care plan. Additionally, students are exposed to the functions of a hospital food service, preparing them for management positions in this or similar types of establishments.
A unique aspect of this program of study is the 450-hour, professionally supervised clinical practice in area hospitals, nursing homes, and community agencies. This experience enables students to implement the skills and principles taught in the classroom. Students are required to wear the designated uniform in clinical practice.
A malpractice fee is payable each academic year that the student is enrolled in a practicum, and a physical examination is required once yearly.
The Dietetic Technician program is designed primarily for students who plan to seek employment directly upon graduation. Graduates have secured positions in health care facilities (hospitals and nursing homes), community agencies, and wellness and weight reduction centers. Graduates also may transfer to baccalaureate programs. Our students benefit from transfer agreements with local four-year colleges.
Our Dietetic Technician program currently is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. Graduates are eligible to take the certifying exam to become “Dietetic Technician, Registered” when they earn a verification statement upon graduating.
Students enrolled in the Dietetic Technician Program must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in required departmental courses in order to continue in the program.
For students who plan to transfer directly from Westchester Community College into four-year programs specializing in nutrition and/or dietetics, Foods and Nutrition A.S. , is also offered.
General Education Requirements - 29 Credits
Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses .
Basic Communication (3 credits)
Mathematics (3 credits)
Select ONE of the following courses:
Natural Sciences (8 credits)
Social Sciences (6 credits)
Degree Requirements - 35 Credits
Program Notes:
Continued enrollment in the Dietetics program requires the following:
- A grade of C+ or better must be received in the following Nutrition Courses: NUTR 105 , NUTR 107 , NUTR 115 , NUTR 123 , NUTR 145 , NUTR 205 , NUTR 245 , and NUTR 247 .
- A grade of C or better must be received in the following Nutrition Courses: NUTR 118 , NUTR 120 , and NUTR 211
- Students must receive a grade of C or better in all required Science Courses: BIOL 121 and BIOL 123
- Students must receive a grade of C or better in all required Math Courses: MATH 117 or MATH 130
- Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 during each semester.
- Students will be allowed to repeat any nutrition course only once.
- Students who do not meet the above criteria will receive notice of dismissal from the program.
- Students may appeal the decision in writing through the Curriculum Chair. The appeal process mirrors Steps 2-4 of the Grade Appeal Process found in the Student Handbook.
Required Screening
Students admitted into this program must complete, at their own expense, a successful criminal background check and drug screening prior to beginning clinical courses. Please consult the curriculum chair of your program for additional details regarding the timetable and procedure for completing these requirements.
Minimum Total Credits - 64
Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click here to Download the Educational Plan .
Career Path Opportunities
Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.
Transfer Opportunities
Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process for its incoming and graduating students. To ensure its graduates enjoy a seamless transfer with junior status to another college in the same discipline at both institutions (transferred from/to) and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer, Westchester Community College has signed Transfer Articulation Agreements with many colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programs. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transferarticulation to see a list of Articulation Agreements by institution or search by a specific program of study. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transfer for additional transfer resources and contacts.
Transfer Scholarship Opportunities
Many colleges and universities are eager to have Westchester Community College graduates transfer to their institutions. Consider this an incentive to complete your WCC degrees with high honors! Go to www.sunywcc.edu/scholarships to view the many transfer scholarship opportunities to four-year colleges.
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