Students completing this program are prepared to join the nutrition and dietetics team in various nutritional aspects of health care. Graduates from this program are employed by acute care, long term care, and rehabilitation hospitals, as well as by community agencies that provide education in nutrition. Completion of the following courses, along with the Associate Degree program at Orange Coast College qualifies the student to sit for the Nutritional and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) exam. Students are highly encouraged to become a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Upon successful completion of these courses (with grade of ‘C’ or better), the program requirements, and the General Education Requirements, students will receive a Verification Statement from the program director confirming that all requirements of the program have been met. Students will then be eligible to take the National Registration Exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

This program has been granted full accreditation by:

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600 x5400
www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

It is recommended that the student complete at least 15-17 units of general education requirements prior to entering the program.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate competent entry-level skills of a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) in order to meet the employment needs of the community.
2. Communicate and work effectively with an interdisciplinary workforce and clientele of the community.
3. Participate in personal growth and lifelong learning activities

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

1. UNIT REQUIREMENT - 60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.

Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Suggested Electives: 

ALH A120 Human Diseases
ALH A130 Applied Pharmacology
CMST A100 Interpersonal Communication
FN A195 Food Science
PSYC A100 Introduction to Psychology

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.