The Dietetic Technician Program prepares individuals to promote optimal health through proper nutrition by providing personalized services to meet client’s needs, and ensure balanced diets. Dietetic Technicians work under the supervision of a registered, licensed dietitian. Graduates of the Dietetic Technician program are eligible for the national registration examination for dietetic technicians.
There are two (2) components to the dietetic technician courses: online and supervised practice. All course work is offered online via the Internet. Gaston College offers students within a two-hour travel proximity to complete the supervised practice at Gaston College and facilities in the surrounding communities. Supervised practices completed under the supervision of someone other than Gaston College faculty must meet credentialing agencies requirements.
Course work includes content related to food, nutrition, communication, and management. The physical, biological, behavioral, and social sciences support these areas.
Employment opportunities include hospitals, correctional facilities, public health agencies, Meals on Wheels and community health programs, retirement centers, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare programs, schools, child nutrition programs, wellness centers, medical offices, research facilities, food companies, contract food management companies, or foodservice vending and distribution operations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:
- Communicate and perform effectively as a health care professional to a diverse population.
- Demonstrate knowledge of social, physical and biological sciences.
- Incorporate and apply the dietary guidelines in the provision of services to the general population.
- Demonstrate a general understanding of research as it applies to dietetics.
- Apply basic food preparation skills.
- Develop basic menus for conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and cardiac.
- Perform nutrition screening for at-risk populations.
- Gather basic nutrition assessment information to assist the registered dietitian.
- Demonstrate knowledge of management principles required to deliver food and nutrition programs and services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of heath care systems and community setting that deliver nutrition services.
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