Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5404
Curriculum Code: 0573
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division
Pre-Admission Recommendations: Math I, Chemistry or Biology, Interview*
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Health Facility Experience
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Hospitals, Long Term Care, Residential and Child Care Facilities; Public Health Nutrition Programs, School Food Service, Transfer to a four-year program
*Informational interviews will be arranged by the individual departments to acquaint prospective students with the program.
Program Description
The current emphasis on nutrition care as a fundamental part of present day health care has increased the demand for dietetic technicians in the nutrition field. This is a career for those who enjoy working with people to achieve nutritional well-being. Dietetic technicians work in association with the food service manager and under the supervision of a registered dietitian to provide nutritional care to individuals in health care facilities.
The primary objective of the Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care curriculum is to prepare technicians 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 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.
Accreditation
- The Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care Program is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the American Dietetic Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.
- Graduates of the Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care Program are eligible to write the registration examination for dietetic technicians. This examination is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Successful completion of the examination credentials the individual as a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR).
Department Notes
- Continuation in the program is contingent on satisfactory completion of required courses and attainment of a minimum grade of “C” in all Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care courses. Co-requisite courses must be completed concurrently to receive credit.
- Students are responsible for lab coat, transportation, liability and malpractice insurance costs as well as other miscellaneous expenses related to clinical and field experience.
- Student membership in the American Dietetic Association and the WNY Dietetic Association is recommended.
- The Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care Program Student Handbook describes additional program policies.
Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
- 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.
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are available from several sources, including the American Dietetic Association and the Gertrude Chrymko Scholarship.
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Food Service Administration-Dietetic Technology-Nutrition Care, the graduate will be able to:
- utilize the nutrition care process to maintain or restore wellness among a diverse population with various cultures and faiths;
- utilize the nutrition care process to promote wellness among a diverse population in various community settings;
- demonstrate competence in basic technical knowledge and skills in the field of food service management;
- demonstrate a sound knowledge base regarding food;
- incorporate professionalism in dietetics practice;
- communicate effectively in written and verbal forms;
- apply critical thinking at an entry level in a variety of professional situations;
- work independently and cooperatively; and
- use current information technologies for information and communication activities.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 64.0
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