Academic Catalogs

Nutrition and Dietetics

The Nutrition and Dietetics program at Orange Coast College offers multiple pathways to begin a career in nutrition. Students can complete a certificate of achievement, associate of science degree, or an associate degree for transfer. Our program is designed to give students entry-level knowledge and skills in nutritional science, medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and food safety and sanitation. Graduates from these programs are prepared to work in a variety of settings such as acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, school districts, senior centers, and community nutrition agencies.  

Completion of the required courses, along with the Associate Degree program at Orange Coast College qualifies the student to sit for the Commission of Dietetics Registration national exam for the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) level. 

Department Contact Information

Beth Blake, MPH, RDN
Associate Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics 
Program Director
eblake@occ.cccd.edu 

Verna Leahy, MS, RDN
Instructor, Nutrition and Dietetics
vleahy@occ.cccd.edu 

Nutrition and Dietetics Department Website

Credit Courses

NC A1001 Unit (18 lecture hours; 9 lab hours)  
Careers-Dietetics/Fdsci  

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

Exploration of the fields of Dietetics and Food Science/Culinology, including trends, future projections and employment opportunities. Guest speakers and field trips to nutrition services in health care and community agencies and food manufacturing plants are included. Same as Food and Nutrition A100. Students completing Nutrition Care A100 may not receive credit for Food and Nutrition A100.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NC A100

    NC A1754 Units (27 lecture hours; 150 lab hours)  
    Health Care Field Experience  
    Prerequisite(s): FSM A150; FN A170; and NC A180 or concurrent enrollment.

    Grading Mode: Standard Letter

    Transfer Credit: CSU.

    Importance and scope of providing food and nutrition services in health care or community facilities to include clinical experience. Team concept approach and public relations will be emphasized. Students will be required to follow dress standards set by the facility in which they are working. TB clearance required. Lecture, Lab.

    Catalog Program Pages Referencing NC A175

      NC A1803 Units (36 lecture hours; 36 lab hours)  
      Introduction to Medical Nutrition Therapy  
      Prerequisite(s): FN A170 or FN A136 or HLED A136.

      Grading Mode: Standard Letter

      Transfer Credit: CSU.

      The principles of nutrition as they relate to special and abnormal physical conditions and diseases and the dietary modifications necessary Healthcare diets are studied and planned.

      Catalog Program Pages Referencing NC A180

        NC A2802 Units (18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)  
        Intermediate Nutrition Care  
        Prerequisite(s): NC A180.
        Co-requisite(s): NC A281.

        Grading Mode: Standard Letter

        Transfer Credit: CSU.

        Nutrition education principles and techniques for individual, family, and small group instruction in normal and preventive nutrition care. Consideration is given to community and cultural influences on nutrition.

        Catalog Program Pages Referencing NC A280

          NC A2813 Units (9 lecture hours; 150 other hours)  
          Supervised Practice 1  
          Co-requisite(s): NC A280.

          Grading Mode: Standard Letter

          Transfer Credit: CSU.

          Supervised clinical practice in community agencies and schools dealing with nutritional aspects of dietary evaluation, nutrition education and counseling. Students will be required to follow dress standards set by the facility.

          Catalog Program Pages Referencing NC A281

            NC A2852 Units (18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)  
            Advanced Nutrition Care  
            Prerequisite(s): NC A281.
            Co-requisite(s): NC A286.

            Grading Mode: Standard Letter

            Transfer Credit: CSU.

            Advanced application of knowledge and skills related to food service management and the nutrition care process in preparation for entry-level practice as dietetic technicians in health care facilities.

            Catalog Program Pages Referencing NC A285

              NC A2863 Units (9 lecture hours; 150 other hours)  
              Supervised Practice 2  
              Co-requisite(s): NC A285.

              Grading Mode: Standard Letter

              Transfer Credit: CSU.

              Supervised practice in food service management and nutrition care in acute medical care facility. Rotation through the various job responsibilities of the dietetic technician. Students will be required to follow dress standards set by the facility.

              Catalog Program Pages Referencing NC A286