Associate of Science Degree:

This is an Associate of Science degree program.  All Associate of Science degree requirements must be completed. (See Course Catalog for specific requirements). It is recommended that students complete at least 15-17 units of general education requirements prior to entering the program

 
Program Admission:

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 Dietetic 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.  

Length of program

The length of the program is two years (4 semesters) if a full-time student.

Academic/Program Calendar

The Dietetic Technician program follows the Orange Coast College academic calendar.

Program cost

The program costs approximately $5,000 for the four semesters.  For a breakdown of costs, refer to the Dietetic Technician Clinical Handbook. Consult the current college fees for actual costs. 

Employment possibilities

Under the supervision of a registered dietitian nutritionist, Dietetic Technicians are employed in direct patient/client nutrition care in practice areas such as: hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement centers.

Dietetic Technicians also find employment providing nutrition services in a variety of community settings such as: school food service, school nutrition education, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs, public health agencies, food banks, and community health programs.

Credentialing

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, 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.

Program Completion Requirements

In order to graduate from the Dietetic Technician Program and obtain a Verification of Program Completion statement from the program director, students must successfully complete the following:

1. General education course requirements satisfying the Associate of Science Degree

2. All required program courses with a grade of 'C' or better

3. A minimum of 450 hours of Supervised Practice in community agencies and health care facilities.

4. A portfolio of accomplishments

5. The Dietetic Technician Comprehensive Exam, administered by Orange Coast College Dietetic Technician Program instructors, with a 75% score or better

Accreditation

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 2000, Chicago, IL 60606, (800) 877-1600. www.eatright.org/acend.

Other

Orange Coast College also has a California Department of Health approved program (7 classes) for training of dietetic service supervisors (DSS) who work independently under the direction of a consultant dietitian in an extended care or nursing home facility.