Nutrition and Dietetic Technology

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nutrition and Dietetic Technology is a degree that emphasizes medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition and food service management. Students acquire the knowledge and skills foundation to work in dietetics through the integration of classroom learning and 466 hours of supervised practice. Emphasis is placed on the development of communication and human relations techniques that prepare the graduate for professional success. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be eligible to take the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) Examination by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Job Description: The Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) is prepared to play a key role in providing quality, cost-effective client care and food service management in a variety of employment settings. Job responsibilities may include patient counseling and education in Medical Nutrition Therapy, medical record documentation, health promotion and disease prevention, menu development, and management skills related to nutrition services and institutional food production.

Opportunities: NDTRs are an integral part of healthcare and food service management teams. They work independently or in partnership with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in a variety of settings: acute and long term care facilities, community health programs, senior centers, home health care programs, school lunch programs, WIC programs, fitness and wellness centers, and weight management clinics.

Details

Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Nutrition and Dietetic Technology (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3840
Total credits required
65-82
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn
  • Apply concepts and principles of anatomy, physiology, and chemistry in the practice of Dietetic Technology.
  • Explain nutrition and anatomy and physiology principles as they apply to health promotion, disease prevention, and sports performance.
  • Demonstrate use of computer operations and software applications in business.
  • Practice food safety and sanitation, menu planning, procurement, inventory, and quality control principles in food service operations.
  • Promote health and wellness by collaborating with dietetic professionals using appropriate medical terminology in private and public health care delivery systems and regulatory agencies.
  • Demonstrate basic principles and evaluate techniques of food preparation.
  • Practice food service management including planning, decision-making, leadership, fiscal and human resource principles.
  • Use relevant scholarly literature, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, and statistical analysis to inform decision making and solve problems.
  • Apply theories of motivation and behavior change to develop and implement strategies for improving nutrition and exercise adherence for weight management.
  • Design and implement nutritional care plans and provide counseling and education to patients/clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds throughout the lifecycle.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors including interpersonal communication skills.
  • Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Required Courses
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 43-51
BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (4) OR
BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4) AND
BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4) 4-8
BPC110 Computer Usage and Applications (3) OR
CIS105 Survey of Computer Information Systems (3) 3
FON125 Introduction to Professions in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics 1
FON142AB Science of Food 3
FON207 Introduction to Nutrition Services Management 3
FON210 Sports Nutrition and Supplements for Physical Activity (3) OR
FON247 Weight Management Science (3) 3
FON225 Research in Complementary and Alternative Nutrition Therapies 3
FON241 Principles of Human Nutrition 3
FON241LL Principles of Human Nutrition Laboratory 1
FON242 Introduction to Medical Nutrition Therapy 3
FON244AA Food Service Management Practicum 2
FON244AB Food Service Management Practicum Laboratory 2.5
FON245AA Medical Nutrition Therapy Practicum 2
FON245AB Medical Nutrition Therapy Practicum Laboratory 2.5
FON246AA Community Nutrition Practicum 2
FON246AB Community Nutrition Practicum Laboratory 2
FON250 Nutrition and Dietetic Exam Review 1
FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3
HCC145AA Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals I (1) OR
HCC145 Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals (3) 1-3
Restricted Electives
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 0-3
Students seeking university transfer may select zero (0) to three (3) credits:
MAT206 Elements of Statistics (3) OR
PSY230 Introduction to Statistics (3) 3

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Read the official description