Nutrition & Dietetic Technician, AAS & Certificates

The Nutrition & Dietetic Technician AAS Degree is for highly motivated individuals who would like to work in healthcare, schools and wellness. Students who successfully complete the coursework and internship are eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians (DTR) offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Degree Map

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Program Information

Accepting Applications for Fall 2023 starting February 1st, 2023- June 15th, 2023.

Earn three certificates and your associate degree.

Click here for detailed information &

how to apply to the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician (NDT) AAS 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

Click here for the NDT program Mission, Goals and Objectives
NDT Program Outcomes Data available upon request. Please email nutrition@centralaz.edu.

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.

Contact Information

Dietetic Education Program & Academic Advising

Academic Advising

Nutrition and Dietetic Technician Students – Questions regarding NTR courses:
Contact the Diet Tech Advisor diettechadvisor@centralaz.edu from your CAC student email address and include your CAC student ID number. Please allow the Dietetic Technician Advisor up to two working days to respond.

General Education Courses – Questions for transferability of general education courses:
Contact the Diet Tech Advisor diettechadvisor@centralaz.edu, with the course number, name, catalog description, number of credits, and college taken at or to be taken at.

Contact DEP :

Central Arizona College
Dietetic Education Program
8470 N. Overfield Rd
Coolidge, AZ 85128

Signal Peak Campus – W113
800-465-1016 / 520-494-5497
nutrition@centralaz.edu

Staff and Adjunct Faculty

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

Kathy Hatch
Program Assistant
nutrition@centralaz.edu

Pamela Hector, RDN
Dietetic Advisor/Instructional Specialist
diettechadvisor@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

Dalia Blunt, MS
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
dalia.blunt@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

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

Chantal Wolfe, MS, RDN, CSG, LDN, CLC
Adjunct Nutrition Faculty
chantal.wolfe@centralaz.edu

Career and Transfer Resources

Career & Transfer Resources

Transfer Center

Many students who start their college career at Central Arizona College plan to continue on for a bachelor’s degree. If you plan to transfer, our Transfer Center has many resources to help you make the most of your time at CAC and plan for a smooth and successful transfer.

Career Center

The Career Center is where students can find up-to-date resources in career assessment, resume development, interview preparation, and internships and more.

Applicants Fall 2023

Nutrition & Dietetic Technician Applicants for Fall 2023

Applications are accepted once a year for Fall semester entry to the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician (NDT) Associate of Applied Science degree program. The NDT admission process is highly competitive. Students must meet the admission requirements for Central Arizona College and the NDT Program.

There will be a maximum of 25 students admitted to the NDT program annually.

Pre-requisites:

General education requirements (CHM, BIO, MAT, ENG) must be completed before applying for admission to the program. Students must have earned a grade of “C” or better. Completion of required Chemistry (CHM) course within last (5) five years.
Community Nutrition Worker (CNW) Certificate must be completed with a Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Admissions Rubric

Application Dates/Deadline:

Application Packets will be accepted electronically via the link below from February 1st through June 15th for Fall semester entry. (Step 2-Steps to Apply to the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician AAS Degree Program). Faxed or emailed applications will not be considered. Acceptance letters will be emailed on or before July 6th.

Steps to Apply for Admissions to the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician AAS Degree Program:

Step 1: Important: Gather the following information before opening the online CAC-NDT program application link.

Note: You only have 60 minutes to complete the application from the time you click on the NDT Application link below.

Personal Information
- First and last name
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Personal email address
- CAC email address
CAC Student ID Number
Letter of Intent ready to upload explaining your interest in the field of dietetics and why you want to become a Nutrition & Dietetic Technician, Registered. Rubric for Letter of Intent.
- File types allowed: pdf, word, or image
- Read the NDT Student Handbook
Colleges/Universities previously attended if applicable
- Name and Dates Attended (FROM year, TO year)
- Transcripts from Colleges/Universities previously attended. If uploading more than one document, upload them as one file.
- File types allowed: pdf, word, or image
Current resume ready to upload. Note: If you do not have experience please research how to write a resume with no experience and utilize the CAC Learning Center and/or the CAC Career Center.
- File types allowed: pdf, word, or image
List of Membership(s) in Professional Organizations (e.g. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

Read the Online Learning Equipment & Skills Requirements Checklist

Step 2: Click on the link below to apply to the CAC NDT program
Note: You only have 60 minutes to complete the application from the time you click on the NDT Application link below.

NDT Application:

Step 3: Admission Status
Upon receipt of the application, an email confirmation will be sent to you. You will receive an acceptance letter if accepted to the NDT Program. Students who are not accepted will receive notification letters.

Other Information:

Health Declaration:

It is essential that Nutrition & Dietetic Technician (NDT) Students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students may be required to stand or sit for several hours at a time and perform bending and lifting activities. Students who have a chronic illness or condition must maintain current treatment and be able to perform these duties.
The clinical experience may place students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients’ lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the NDT Program.

Additional Requirements:

Additional requirements are completed after admission to the NDT Program. These include but are not limited to:

The Nutrition & Dietetic Technician Students may need to complete one or more of the following requirements prior to starting their internship: Immunization/Drug Screening/TB Skin Test/Criminal Background Check.
You may need to have health insurance to complete the internship. This is dependent on facility placement.
Other items may be required based on facility placement.

Accreditation

Nationally Accredited

Accreditation, Dietetic Technician Program
The Dietetic Technician Program at Central Arizona College has maintained accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 1978. The Nutrition and Dietetic Technician Program is accredited through June 30, 2029.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600, Extension 5400
www.eatright.org/ACEND/

Self Study Report for Continued Accreditation for ACEND – submitted August 2013 can be obtained by emailing nutrition@centralaz.edu.

Program Detail

Certificates

Dietetic Education Program Certificates

Many of the following certificates also meet some of the requirements for the Nutrition & Dietetic Technician (NDT) AAS Degree. Students interested in working towards a NDTAAS degree or needing information about CDM certificates are encouraged to contact the DEP Program Advisor at diettechadvisor@centralaz.edu.

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Click here to view the CAC CDM Program Pathways Table

Certifying Board for Dietary Managers Pathways I and IIIb-ANFP Verified Certificate Programs

Dietary Manager Training (DMT) Certificate: This certificate is for experienced foodservice workers and/or supervisors with roles in healthcare facilities and various other food service establishments. The DMT Certificate at Central Arizona College offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for individuals with a minimum of two years of institutional food service management experience that meets the eligibility requirements of CBDM Pathway III(b) to sit for the National Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Credentialing Exam. NOTE: This updated CBDM Pathway III(b) certificate was effective in Summer 2022.

Course Requirements:

Total Credits: 7

NTR105 ServSafe (1) (No certification, preparation only)
NTR223 Food Service Management (3)
NTR240 Clinical Nutrition (3)

Click here to view the Dietary Manager Training Certificate Map

Students must earn:
-a grade of a C or better in each required class;
-a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale;
-a minimum of 3 earned CAC credits numbered 100 or above;
-a minimum of 7 semester credits

Nutrition and Foodservice Professional Training Program (NFSPTP) Certificate: This certificate is a proven successful pathway (CBDM Pathway I) to obtain the nationally recognized credentials CDM and CFPP. CDM, CFPPs are nationally recognized experts at managing foodservice operations. Many CDMs work in healthcare, nursing facilities, rehabilitation facilities, senior living communities, or hospitals. Some CDMs work in correctional facilities, schools, and the military, others work for corporations. Certified Dietary Managers (CDMs) are trained and qualified to manage menus, food purchasing, and food preparation; and to apply nutrition principles, document nutrition information, ensure food safety, manage work teams, and much more. Our program requires 11 credits that can be done online and part -time in three (3) semesters. The required internship can usually be done in YOUR facility. Upon completion of this certificate, students are eligible to sit for the National Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Credentialing Exam. (Individuals that have two years of institution foodservice management experience, may qualify for CBDM Pathway IIIb).

Course Requirements

Total Credits: 11

NTR105 ServSafe (1) (No certificate, preparation only)
NTR223 Food Service Management (3)
NTR240 Clinical Nutrition (3)
NTR196 Dietary Manager Internship (4)

Click here to view the NFSPTP Certificate Map

Dietary Manager Internship Information for Nutrition and Foodservice Professional Training (NFSPT) Certificate Program (CBDM Pathway I): The DM Internship requires a minimum of 150 hours of practical experience coordinated by the Dietetic Education Program Director and Preceptor(s). From the 150 hours, 50 precepted hours are required with 25 directly supervised by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or with the approval of the program director, a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) with at least one year of practitioner experience. The remaining 25 hours are directly supervised by a CDM, CFPP, DTR or RDN. In the absence of an RD, DTR or CDM, CFPP and with the approval from the program director, other healthcare foodservice professionals such as Executive Chefs and Directors of Foodservice who have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in a managerial or supervisory capacity in non-commercial foodservice with third-party oversight such as CMS, TJC, State Department of Health, etc., can precept the foodservice field experience. Additionally, the intern must document at least 100 hours compiling a portfolio that will be submitted to the CAC Instructor.

Prior to beginning the internship experience, interns are required to find a facility and preceptor. Also, interns are required to review the Certified Dietary Manager Pathway I Handbook which includes information on the legal and ethical aspects specific to internships for nutrition professionals. Preceptor and student paperwork as well as an agreement between the facility and CAC needs to be completed before interns start their Dietary Manager Internship.

DM Projects:
Project A – Nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy
Project B – Management of Food Service
Project C – Human Resource Management
Project D – Sanitation and Food Safety

For information about obtaining a Pre-professional ANFP Membership, please click below:

Become an ANFP Member Today

Approved since 1988 by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). The ANFP Program Review Committee has granted full approval to the online Nutrition and Foodservice Professional Training Program (formerly known as Dietary Manager Training Program) through August 31, 2023.

National Certification (Credentialing Exam)
Students who complete the DMT or the NFSPT certificate are eligible to earn two credentials, Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) by taking a National Certification Exam offered by Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals. The CDM/CFPP exam is offered year-round at more than 200 approved computer testing centers. At this time, CDM/CFPP exam applications and fees are only accepted online. Please refer to Exam Candidate Handbook.

For questions about the CDM Credentialing Exam, please contact:
Certifying Board for Dietary Managers
www.cbdmonline.org
Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals
www.anfponline.org

Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)/Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM)
PO Box 3610
St. Charles, IL 60174
Tel: 800.323.1908 or 630.587.6336
Fax: 630.587.6308
E-mail: info@ANFPonline.org
Website: www.anfponline.org info@ANFPonline.org or info@CBDMonline.org

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The NDTAAS Degree includes three stackable nutrition certificates:

- Community Nutrition Worker
- Diabetes Care & Education
- Nutrition & Health Promotion

Community Nutrition Worker Certificate Requirements:

- All new NDT students interested in the NDT program are initially required to choose the Community Nutrition Worker (CNW) Certificate as their program of study at CAC.
- Completion of the CNW certificate program is a requirement (in addition to the four pre-requisite courses) for admission into the NDT Program. All courses for the CNW certificate must be completed before officially starting the NDT program.
- Once students complete this certificate and are accepted into the NDT program, they will fill out a change of program of study and declare the NDTAAS degree as their program of study at CAC.
- Review the NDTAAS suggested degree map below to see how this certificate requirement fits into the timeline for completing the NDT program.

Information about the three stackable nutrition certificates:

Community Nutrition Worker (CNW) Certificate: Click here for more information. This certificate develops skills and competencies in the area of food, nutrition and wellness for public health. It is specifically geared toward employees who work for WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. VENA competencies have been correlated with this curriculum.

Diabetes Care and Education (DCE) Certificate: Click here for more information. This certificate is designed to provide current education and training for professionals, paraprofessionals and other individuals working or in contact with people at-risk for developing diabetes or complications from diabetes. This program is also appropriate for anyone who has diabetes. The purpose of the certificate is to enhance understanding and facilitate the implementation of strategies to prevent and/or manage diabetes mellitus.

Nutrition and Health Promotion (NHP) Certificate: Click here for more information. This certificate is designed to provide knowledge and training for people who are working with individuals who need education and coaching to lead a healthy lifestyle. This certificate is based on health promotion and disease prevention. This certificate is beneficial to individuals working in fitness centers, health food stores, weight loss centers, wellness centers, school foodservice as well as Certified Nursing Assistants, and continuing education for allied health and paraprofessionals.