|
Certificate
National Exam Eligible |
Approx. Cost
$3,600
includes registration
exam fee |
Approx. Length
4 semesters |
A.S.
required for
completion |
Prerequisites
Al H 010, Al H 111,
FSM 160 |
Program mission
The Mission of the Dietetic Technology Program, similar to the Mission of the College, 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. In addition, a major goal is to offer continuing education, knowledge, and skills development to graduates and other dietetic professionals throughout the community, implementing the College’s provision of instructional excellence for lifetime access to educational opportunities.
Description of job for which program prepares students
Assist the registered dietitian in providing:
Nutrition care services to patient in health care facilities.
Nutrition education for clients of community agencies.
Food/Nutrition services in schools.
Required program prerequisites
q Allied Health 010: Health Occupations
q Allied Health 111: Medical Terminology
q Food Service Management 160: Sanitation and Safety
Recommended preparation (not required)
q Completion of general education classes
Associate of Science Degree
This is an Associate of Science degree program. All Associate of Science degree requirements must be completed prior to entry into the program. (See college catalog for specific requirements)
Does this program transfer?
Yes: California State University, Los Angeles, CSU Long Beach, Cal Poly Pomona, and other California State Universities.
Procedure for program admittance
Selections are made from students successfully completing Allied Health 010. Students with prior dietetic technology training or experience may be eligible for a waiver of Allied Health 010 and/or advanced standing in the program. Call the program coordinator for further information.
Program cost
Approximately $3600 for the four semesters. Refer to current college class schedule for tuition and fees.
Program start
Falls semester of each school year.
Employment possibilities upon program completion
In hospitals, extended care and retirement facilities, medical nutrition therapy, and nutrition education in public health departments, community agencies, and school food service.
Spaces available
30
Employment prospects
Virtually all graduates find employment in the field, although not always in Orange County.
Salary
Beginning salary is $14-18/hr ($34,000-$38,000/year)
Length of program
Two years (4 semesters) if a full-time student.
Background checks
All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background check. The background check will include Social Security number, address verification, a two-county felony criminal history, a State sex offender search, and a Medicare/Medicare Sanctioned Fraud List verification (OIG/GSA) search. The background checks will be performed by a service provided by the District and must be completed prior to beginning of the first clinical rotation. The student understands that the results of background checks must be provided to the clinical sites before patient care or clinical work commences.
Clinical requirements
The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities. It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites.
Just prior to entry into clinical, students are required to complete/obtain:
q A physical examination
q Criminal background check clearance
q CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H 115
q Student liability insurance
Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include a laboratory coat, nametag, and other program specific requirements.
Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work. There may be exposure to hazardous materials or pathogens in the clinical setting. Students will adhere to all safety and precautionary measures. The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program.
Registration exam/credentialing
Upon successful program completion with a “C” or better in all core courses, graduates receive a verification of program completion statement and are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians. The Dietetic Technician-Registered credential signifies that the individual has completed the minimum of an A.S. degree, an accredited Dietetic Technician program, and passed the National Examination. Credentials are maintained through 50 hours of continuing education credits every 5 years.
Accreditation of program
The program has been granted full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association. (120 S. Riverside Plaza, Ste 2000, Chicago, IL 60606, (800) 877-1600.
Program Goals
Graduates will:
1. Be competent entry-level Dietetic Technicians to meet the employment needs of the community.
Outcome Measures:
- Program completion of at least 75% of declared Dietetic Technician students will graduate from the program within two years of enrolling in the program.
- Employers of Graduates will indicate that at least 80% meet or exceed the expected knowledge base for employment.
- The post-graduate employment survey will show that at least 85% of graduates have found employment in the field of dietetics or are engaged in pursuing higher education, or both.
- Graduates achieve a pass rate of 80% or more on the DTR exam over a 5-year period.
- 80% of students will meet or exceed the minimum entry-level competencies during clinical rotations
- Ensure a Labor Market demand for graduates
2. Communicate and work effectively with an inter-disciplinary workforce and clientele of the community.
Outcome Measures:
- At least 80 % of graduates are able to communicate and work effectively with a diverse cultural and inter-disciplinary work force.
- At least 80% of graduates will evaluate their education as meeting employment needs in the multi-ethnic communities.
3. Participate in personal growth and lifelong learning activities.
Outcome Measures:
- At least 75% are involved in professional organizations and continuing education or higher education.
Other
The Dietetic Technician program has a Food Service Management option, which focuses on production of food and the management of food services facilities and food service employees. This option replaces chemistry with Food Service Management classes.
Orange Coast College also has a California Department of Health approved program (7 classes) for training of dietetic service supervisors who work independently under the direction of a consultant dietitian in an extended care facility.
Contact information
Eleanor Huang, Program Coordinator Dan Adelmann, Allied Health Advisor
Office: Home Ec 106A Office: C&L 114 B
ehuang@occ.cccd.edu dadelmann@occ.cccd.edu
714-432-5835, ext 5 714-432-5541
714-432-5702 appts.
Allied Health Program Assistant
Jane McLaughlin
jmclaughlin@occ.cccd.edu
714-432-5729