Dietetic Technology

Program Description

The Dietetic Technology program provides training for Dietetic Technicians, who work cooperatively with Registered Dietitians. The Dietetic Technician is certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to screen clients for nutritional risk, and assist in assessing dietary needs, implementing care plans, and supervising food production and service. The Dietetic Technician, trained in food and nutrition, is an integral member of the healthcare, business and industry, public health, food service and research team.

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities may include food service manager, dietetic technician, first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers, and nutrition assistant in institutions and food service facilities

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Utilize up-to-date, evidence-based practices in the field of nutrition and dietetics
2. Effectively communicate within the professional environment utilizing various verbal, written methods and electronic based technology