Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program

Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) offers a comprehensive Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program designed for aspiring health professionals. This pathway is specifically tailored for students interested in becoming a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). Through a blend of academic coursework and practical experience, the program prepares graduates to excel in diverse clinical and community settings. It serves as an essential stepping stone for those dedicated to improving lives through the science of nutrition.

Program Description

Program Description

Admission requirements for PVCC Nutrition and Dietetics Program, are listed on page 15 of the Student Manual Program prerequisites are listed on page 11 of the Student Manual, and there is currently not an application process for entry into the program. It is recommended that students set up a meeting with a Nutrition and Dietetics Program Advisor prior to enrolling in classes. This can be done by completing the Student Interest Form on the home page. Students are not responsible for finding their own supervised practice sites and/or preceptors. Supervised practice sites for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), Food Service Management, and Community Nutrition will be set up for students by the Program Director and faculty.

Graduation and program completion requirements for which the program is accredited can be found on page 22 in the program’s Student Manual. Availability of financial aid, scholarship information can be found on page 20 in the program’s Student Manual. Students who have a B.A./B.S. degree from an approved dietetics program are eligible to become an NDTR by completing the practicum hours. For information on Credit for Prior Learning for job/professional experiences, refer to page 10 in the Student Manual or PVCC College Catalog, then meet with the Program Director.

Following the completion of the AAS degree at PVCC, students must pass a national written examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to be granted the credential of Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). The requirements and process to become a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR), including education and supervised practice, which can be found in the page 9 of the program’s Student Manual.

Estimated expenses for travel, housing, books, liability insurance, medical exams, drug testing, background checks, verification of student identity (such as for distance learning), uniforms and other program-specific costs/fees, in addition to any institutional fees and tuition can also be found on page 20 in the program’s Student Manual. Information on technology requirements and support can be found on page 15 of the Student Manual.

The Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
For more information,  ACEND® can be contacted by:

Program

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, weight management clinics, and in business for food companies, vendors and distributors.

Salaries and Job Outlook

According to the 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession, the median annual income of nutrition and dietetic technicians registered in the United States was $54,700.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2022 because of the increased emphasis on the role of food and nutrition in preventing and treating diseases, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition.

https://www.talent.com/salary?job=dtr
https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/nutrition-dietetics/nutrition-dietetic-technician/ 

Learn More

ndt sections

Mission and Goals

Mission and Goals

This program is dedicated to fostering excellence through a mission centered on student success. By establishing clear goals and measurable objectives, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel as skilled professionals.

Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff

Learn from the Pros Connect with our experienced faculty and staff. Discover the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the educators leading the next generation of nutrition professionals.

Online Resources

Online Resources

Learn more about the available Online Resources to help support your journey through the NDTP.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid (includes scholarship information)

Academy of Nutrition And Dietetics Scholarships
https://eatrightfoundation.org/why-it-matters/scholarships/

Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships
https://mcccd.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/

Harrington Memorial Fund Scholarship
https://stlukessl.wixsite.com/sybilbharrington/current-scholarship-application

Continuing Education

Continuing Education

* Note: Beginning January 1, 2024, prior to sitting for the registration exam, students will be required to have a master's degree in addition to completing a dietetic internship

Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science degrees are available in Dietetics, Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship, Food and Nutrition Management, Human Nutrition and Nutrition Science. A Bachelor of Applied Science degree with a concentration in Food Service Management is also available to enhance the skills of those holding an AAS degree from a community college and seeking to work in food service and marketing.

Eastern Michigan University online coordinated program in Dietetics

This program allows students to take all required courses both on campus and distance - online for a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Eastern Michigan University. The coordinated program allows students to complete internship hours concurrently with coursework. 

Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Science - Rutgers University (formerly University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey)

Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Science offers both Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD), and an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) program. Both are in housed within the Department of Nutritional Sciences.

University of Northern Colorado online B.S. degree program in Dietetics

Bachelor of Science degree and online Dietetics Master’s degree programs (with Dietetic Internships) are available at UNC. The University also offers a distance -based Didactic Program in Dietetics called the Distance Dietetic Program (DDP). This program allows students to take 15 courses online; the rest of the required courses are taken at a regionally accredited institution where you live or online.