Dietetic technician

Goal No. 1
Stark State College dietetic technician program graduates will be prepared to practice as entry-level nutrition and dietetics technicians.

• At least 80% of students complete program requirements within three years (150% of planned program length). (RE 2.1.c.1.a)
• At least 70% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for nutrition and dietetics technicians within 12 months of program completion. (RE 2.1.c.1.c.1)
• The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for nutrition and dietetics technicians is at least 70%. (RE 2.1.c.1.c.2)
• At least 70% of employers completing surveys for graduates working in nutrition and dietetics or related fields will rate graduates as meeting satisfaction expectations for an entry-level dietetic technician. (RE 2.1.c.1.d)

Goal No. 2
Stark State College dietetic technician program graduates will obtain employment or further education in nutrition and dietetics or related fields.

• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.b)
• Of graduates who identify further education as a goal at graduation, at least 70% have applied to a higher education program in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

*Program outcomes data are available upon request.

• Dietary manager certificate

Stark State’s dietetic technician program is accredited by:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND)
Full Accreditation
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600
www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietetic technician in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. The State of Ohio does not require licensure for dietetic technicians, and Stark State College’s dietetic technician program meets ACEND-requirements. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link.

Nutrition and dietetics technicians (NDTRs) are registered professionals in the food and nutrition field who work independently or as part of a team under the supervision of a registered dietitian.

As an NDTR you may, under the supervision of a registered dietitian:

• Interview clients for diet history.
• Gather data for nutritional assessments.
• Plan normal and modified diets.
• Chart medical records.
• Instruct clients on proper nutrition.
• Help educate the public.

In food service management, the NDTR may:

• Plan menus.
• Order and store food supplies.
• Supervise food production.
• Hire, supervise and evaluate employees.
• Maintain high standards of sanitation and safety.
• Prepare budgets and maintain cost control.

After you complete your degree, you qualify to take the Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR) exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. NDTRs can work in:

• Hospitals, HMOs, clinics, nursing homes, retirement centers, hospices, home health care programs and research facilities.
• Schools, day-care centers, correctional facilities, restaurants, health care facilities, corporations and hospitals.
• WIC programs, public health agencies, Meals on Wheels and community health programs.
• Health clubs, weight management clinics and community wellness centers.
• Food companies, contract food management companies or food vending and distributing operations.

If you also complete the dietary manager certificate portion of the degree, you’re eligible to sit for the Certifying Board of Dietary Managers exam to become a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), although this is not required.

The average annual wage for dietetic technicians is $39,416, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Salary Survey (2021).

The job market for dietetic technicians is expected to grow at an average pace thanks to an increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition. Faster-than-normal growth is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities and physician clinics.

It can be challenging to work full time while completing the AS degree, dietary technician. While about two-thirds of the coursework can be completed online, you will need to have significant flexibility in your schedule to complete the 450 supervised practice hours (i.e. directed practice hours), as well as participation in required labs.

While the program does not transfer in full to any other institution, the general education portion of the degree includes 36 credits from approved Ohio Transfer coursework. The technical food and nutrition courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If you have at least two years of dietary management experience in a non-commercial setting, you may be eligible to receive credit for the non-nutritional portion of the field experience (i.e. directed practice hours). This is equivalent to up to two credits. Students with the dietary manager certificate will have completed 22 credits of the degree program.

We typically have 10-15 students per program-specific class with the exception of courses that are open to the entire College.

Directed practices are part of the course curriculum. You’ll gain experience in food operations, food safety and sanitation, food management and nutritional care.

First-year courses related to food and nutrition are online, except for the food lab. The directed practice courses are in-person, and the remaining semesters are a variety of online and in-person.

Take a look at the prospective students information pack for details on estimated program costs.