Nutrition & Dietetic Technician, AAS & Certificates

Embark on your journey to becoming a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician with Central Arizona College’s renowned online program. Proudly established and experienced, our Dietetic Technician Program has maintained accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) since 1978.

Join us from the comfort of your own home and access your dreams like never before!

Please note: Students residing in Colorado must be employed in a hospital or similar setting when applying to the program, in compliance with Colorado distance education requirements.

For prospective students located in Maine, Central Arizona College’s 100% online Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program meets the educational requirements to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR) national exam. Currently, Maine is the only state that requires licensure for NDTRs. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students receive a verification statement, which qualifies them to take the national exam and pursue licensure in Maine.

This verification statement also confirms that clinical experience has been met according to program standards, aligning with Maine’s licensure requirements.

Upskill Your Employees

Elevate your workforce and future-proof your team with Central Arizona College. We’re proud to partner with renowned healthcare institutions and food service providers, offering customized upskilling solutions that not only empower your employees but also pave the way for long-term, successful careers.

Upskill Nutrition and Dietetic Page

Program Information

Earn three certificates and your associate degree.  

Vision:
The leading choice for accredited online nutrition education and career excellence.

Mission:
The Dietetic Technician Program at Central Arizona College serves as a

TRUE Learning community by empowering our students to succeed.

Teaching evidence-based nutrition education for pre-professional students.
Reaching students with a passion to help improve the health of others with nutrition.
Understanding the importance of high quality nutrition education ­­­­­­­­­­­­and professional engagement.
Empowering our students to succeed in becoming competent entry-level Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered

The Dietetic Education Program at Central Arizona College offers the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician Associate of Applied Science degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to take the Registration Examination from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. A passing score is required to become a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR).

The Nutrition & Dietetic Technician AAS degree emphasizes medical nutrition therapy, education and wellness, and food service management. It is designed to help students acquire the knowledge and skills to work in dietetics through didactic coursework and a minimum of 450 hours of supervised practical experience. NDTRs work independently or in collaboration with Registered Dietitians Nutritionists in a variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community, public health, foodservice and research. NDTRs are trained in food and nutrition and are an integral part of healthcare and foodservice management teams.

All classes for the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician Program AAS degree are offered online, except the Dietetic Technician Internship which must be completed in an approved facility. The Dietetic Education Program has implemented a formal application process to the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician AAS Degree.

  • Please note: Students residing in Colorado must be employed in a hospital or similar setting when applying to the program, in compliance with Colorado distance education requirements.

Faculty and Staff

Sheri Steincamp, MS, RDN, CDCES
Director
sheri.steincamp@centralaz.edu

Pamela Hector, RDN
Dietetic Advisor/Instructional Specialist
diettechadvisor@centralaz.edu

Karrin Klosterboer
Program Assistant
karrin.klosterboer@centralaz.edu

Melinda Barnum, MS, RDN
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
melinda.barnum@centralaz.edu

Orville E. Bigelow, DHSc, MS, RDN
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
orville.bigelow@centralaz.edu

Kara Boley, MA, RDN
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
kara.boley@centralaz.edu

Susan Leo, MPH, RDN
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
susan.leo@centralaz.edu

Romy Nelson, M.Ed., DTR
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
romy.nelson@centralaz.edu

Lauren Peña, MS, RDN
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
lauren.pena@centralaz.edu

Becca Ritzko M.Ed., NDTR
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
rebecca.ritzko@centralaz.edu

Tasha Williams

Tasha Williams, MS, RDN
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
tasha.williams@centralaz.edu