Nutrition & Dietetic Technology
Program Description
(Program No longer accepting candidates as of February 2022. Alumni who graduated from the program can contact the registrar regarding your statement of verification)
The current emphasis on nutrition care as a fundamental part of present day health care has increased the demand for nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered in the nutrition field. This is a career for those who enjoy working with people to achieve nutritional well-being. Nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered work in association with the food service manager and under the supervision of a registered dietitian/nutritionist to provide nutrition care to individuals in health care facilities.
The primary objective of the Nutrition & Dietetic Technology curriculum is to prepare nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered to be capable of interviewing patients regarding food patterns, counseling patients in dietary practices, reporting nutritional status and progress to other health care professionals, monitoring food consumption of clients, calculating nutrient components and planning and supervising food service.
Courses in the curriculum provide an orientation to the health field and dietary services. Nutrition care is emphasized with courses in nutrition and modified diets, and clinical experiences in each of the last three semesters are provided. In the fourth semester field experience, students learn the principles of food service and dietary management.
Graduates qualify for employment as nutrition and dietetic technicians in hospitals, nursing homes, adult residences, children's residential homes and community agencies. Those who successfully complete the program also meet minimum New York State requirements for food service managers in health care facilities.
In order to become a Dietetic Technician, Registered, students will need to complete at least an associate's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college such as SUNY Erie Community College and complete the SUNY Erie dietetic technician program which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Included in the program requirements for graduation are 450 hours of supervised practice in various community programs, health care, and food service facilities which must be completed.
Detailed program accreditation information can be found on page 3 of the program handbook.
Professional course sequencing and specific requirements for graduation can be found on page and 13 of the program handbook.
Upon completion of all program requirements and supervised practice hours, graduates may sit for a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Successful completion of the exam earns the graduate the CDR credential.
Subsequent to credentialing, the DTR must complete continuing professional education to maintain registration.
Program Details
Health facility experience
Pre-Admission Recommendations:
Math I
Chemistry or biology
Interview
- Applicants must have a high school diploma with at least an average of 78%.
- Students are admitted to the program in the fall semester.
A personal interview for advisement is required. - Prospective students must complete the college immunization form and the Health Sciences Report form in order to participate in clinical facilities.
- Applicants are required to have taken algebra and chemistry or biology. A minimum grade of 75% is required for chemistry or biology.
- Work experience in a health care setting is desirable.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be provisionally accepted for an extended program to include algebra and basic chemistry. - Admission to clinical courses will be on a space available basis.
- The Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care Program is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post-secondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. A copy of the accreditation standards may be obtained by contacting the education staff at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995 or by calling 312/899-0040, extension 5400.
- Graduates of the Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care Program are eligible to write the registration examination for nutrition and dietetic technicians. This examination is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Successful completion of the examination credentials the individual as a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR).