Division: Natural and Health Science
Academic Dept: Food Service Administration
Curriculum Chair: Prof.
Theresa Cousins
Tel: 914-606-6182
Program Description:
Careers in foods and nutrition
are as varied as their list is long. The two degree programs, A.A.S. and
A.S., offered by this department prepare students for very different
types of careers.
Working under the guidance of a registered
dietitian, the dietetic technician is responsible for securing and
evaluating a patient’s diet history; interpreting a physician’s diet
orders; assisting patients in making menu selections; instructing
individuals, families, or groups about normal nutrition and routine
medical nutrition therapy; planning menus at different economic levels
in accordance with varying cultural patterns; and collecting needed
information from a patient’s chart to formulate a nutrition care plan.
Additionally, students are exposed to the functions of a hospital food
service, preparing them for management positions in this or similar
types of establishments.
A unique aspect of this program of study is the
450-hour, professionally supervised clinical practice in area hospitals,
nursing homes, and community agencies. This experience enables students
to implement the skills and principles taught in the classroom. Students
are required to wear the designated uniform in clinical practice.
A malpractice fee is payable each academic year
that the student is enrolled in a practicum, and a physical examination
is required once yearly.
The Dietetic Technician program is designed
primarily for students who plan to seek employment directly upon
graduation. Graduates have secured positions in health care facilities
(hospitals and nursing homes), community agencies, and wellness and
weight reduction centers. Graduates also may transfer to baccalaureate
programs. Our students benefit from transfer agreements with local
four-year colleges.
For students who plan to transfer directly from Westchester Community College into four-year programs
specializing in nutrition and/or dietetics, an A.S. degree program,
Foods and Nutrition,, is also offered.
(See A.S. degree programs.)
Our Dietetic Technician program currently is
accredited by The American Dietetic Association’s Commission on
Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), a specialized accrediting
body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the
United States Department of Education. Graduates are eligible to take
the certifying exam to become “Dietetic Technician, Registered” if they
earn a verification statement upon graduating.
Students enrolled in the
Dietetic Technician Program must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in
required departmental courses in order to continue in the program.
Recommended Full-Time
Semester Plan
The curriculum chairperson for this
program
recommends taking the courses for this degree in a particular order.
Click the button above for recommended semester-by-semester layout of
the classes needed to complete this program.
Program
Descriptions Table of Contents
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