Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) offers a Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program for students interested in becoming a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR).
Program Description:
The Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program is an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree emphasizing medical nutrition therapy and food service management. Students acquire the knowledge and skills foundation to work in dietetics through the integration of classroom learning and supervised practice in locations throughout the valley. Emphasis is placed on the development of communication and human relations techniques that prepare the graduate for professional success.
Admission requirements for PVCC, and therefore the Nutrition and Dietetics Program, are listed on page 13 of the Student Manual. Program prerequisites are listed on page 7 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.
Graduation and program completion requirements for which the program is accredited can be found on page 19 in the program’s Student Manual. Availability of financial aid, scholarship stipends, etc. can also be found on page 18 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 by evaluation for job/professional experiences, please refer to the 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 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 18 in the program’s Student Manual.
The Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Program has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, ext. 5400, www.eatright.org.
Job Description and Opportunities:
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 basic and therapeutic nutrition, medical record documentation, health promotion and disease prevention, menu development, and supervisory and administrative skills related to nutrition services and institutional food production.
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; business; food companies, food venders, and food distributors. Further information can be found on page 6 in the program’s Student Manual.