More than ever, people are embracing healthier lifestyles through mindful dietary choices. Good nutrition plays a pivotal role in preventing chronic diseases, maintaining a healthy weight, and enhancing overall well-being. Being that March is National Nutrition Month, we shine a spotlight on PVCC's Nutrition and Dietetic program, which encourages students to become advocates for healthier communities by promoting sustainable food practices and improving access to nutrition education.
At the forefront of PVCC’s commitment to health and wellness are Director of the Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program Angela Jordan, MEd, BS, DTR, CPT, and Nanci Orozco, lab coordinator for the program. Both Jordan and Orozco are proud graduates of PVCC’s Nutrition and Dietetic Technology program and are now leading the next generation of nutrition professionals toward success.
"At PVCC, we provide students with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and mentorship needed to thrive in the field of nutrition," says Angela Jordan. "Whether they choose to become NDTRs or continue their education toward becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, our program offers a strong foundation for their future careers."
Why Choose PVCC’s NDTR Program?
PVCC’s Nutrition and Dietetic Technology AAS degree is an excellent entry point for those passionate about health and wellness. Unlike the four-year Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) degree, which requires 1,200 hours of interning, PVCC’s NDTR program integrates 466 hours of supervised practice with classroom instruction. This comprehensive experience covers three essential areas of dietetics:
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Community Nutrition
- Food Service Management
Students gain valuable knowledge and skills in patient assessment, counseling and education, medical record documentation, disease prevention, sustainable food practices, and more. After completing the program, graduates can take the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to earn the NDTR credential.
Career Opportunities in Nutrition
NDTRs play an essential role in nutrition and dietetics management teams, working independently, in partnership with an RDN, or within public health and community education programs. Career paths for PVCC graduates include:
- Clinical: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare programs
- Food Service: Schools, correctional facilities, restaurants, and hospitals
- Community and Public Health: WIC programs, public health agencies, and wellness initiatives
- Wellness: Health clubs, weight management clinics, and wellness centers
- Business/Entrepreneurship: Food companies, vendors, and distributors
- Sustainability: Farm-to-table initiatives, food security programs, and policy advocacy
For those looking to expand their qualifications, PVCC also offers health coaching certification and diabetes lifestyle coach training, supporting graduates in building versatile careers in nutrition.
For more information, visit the PVCC Nutrition and Dietetic Program website.