Dietetic Technician Program Track 2 Students

Track 2 is for students who are seeking an associate of applied science degree. Track 2 students take eight credits of science prerequisites. These credits are not transferable to a four-year institution within the NSHE system.

This program prepares students for employment as paraprofessionals in nutritional health care and/or food service supervision and management. Dietetic technicians work in settings such as hospitals, public health nutrition programs and long-term care facilities. Dietetic technicians also work in child nutrition and school lunch programs, community wellness programs, health clubs, and in nutrition programs for the elderly. The technician's role may include nutrition screening and monitoring, client education, menu development, supervision of food service personnel, food purchase and inventory maintenance.

Some of the responsibilities routinely performed by dietetic technicians include:

• Nutrition screening and monitoring of patients
• Client counseling and education on a continuing basis
• Menu development for people with specific nutritional needs
• Supervision of food service personnel
• Food purchase and inventory

Dietetic technicians work under the direction of Registered Dietitians, or as independent employees with little or no direct supervision. Excellent general health, personal neatness and cleanliness, honesty and dependability are essential qualities. Applicants to the program must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.

The TMCC Dietetic Technician program meets all the minimum requirements for the associate in applied science degree and combines a strong academic background with supervised practice experience. This experience consists of 450 hours of supervised work in a variety of health care or community institutions.

Upon completion of the program, the individual will be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technician. This examination is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of The American Dietetic Association. Satisfactory completion of the examination provides for National Registration as a Dietetic Technician or DTR (Dietetic Technician Registered). This registration gives the graduate the privilege and responsibility to practice as a paraprofessional in health care and community service.

See also: Track 2 - Suggested Course Sequence