The Nutrition and Dietetics program serves those who wish to train for a career in the nutrition and dietetics field, those who wish to prepare for transfer to a four-year institution, and those who are currently employed in an agency providing nutrition/dietetics services and who seek training for career advancement or certification as Dietetic Technicians.
There are two majors in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department: Dietary Manager (DM), and Dietetic Technology (DT). To qualify for the Certificate of Achievement in Dietary Manager (Dietetic Service Supervisor), students must satisfactorily complete the Certificate of Achievement requirements specified for that major. To qualify for the Associate of Science in Dietetic Technology degree, students must satisfactorily complete the Degree Major requirements and the local AA/AS General Education requirements. Some courses in this major also satisfy the General Education requirements.
The newest Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) degree is intended to meet the lower-division requirements for nutrition and dietetics majors or majors that have been deemed similar in the California State University (CSU) system in development. (See more information below.)
The Nutrition and Dietetics program is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that:
- Provides the healthcare community with culturally diverse dietetic practitioners who have excellent training, ethics and professionalism.
- Supports the lifelong academic and professional success of every student, regardless of race, national origin or economic status.
- Contributes to institutional success by preparing students to successfully complete their training and find employment, and to be responsive to community needs and become active leaders and mentors in the field of dietetics.
Eligibility/Admission Requirements for Dietary Manager and Dietetic Technician Field Placement/Internship Programs:
1… A recent (within 6 months) physical examination certifying good physical health, a negative TB screening, immunization history, and verification of a clear background check must be satisfactorily completed, at the student’s own expense, and results submitted at the application orientation meeting held at the beginning of May for the Fall semester and in December for the Spring semester.
2… Active email account.
3… Prerequisite courses in Nutrition and Dietetics must be completed before applying for admission into the Dietary Manager or the Dietetic Technician Field Placement/Internship programs.
- Nutrition and Dietetics major courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
- Nutr 1 is highly recommended. This course is a survey of the various professions in nutrition and dietetics, including academic requirements, job opportunities, and program details. Students’ coursework from previous institutions is discussed and evaluated in this course which is helpful to the student in developing a Student Educational Plan (see Step 6 in Eligibility/Admission Requirements.
- Nutr 10, 12, 30, 31*, and 32* must be taken prior to applying to the field placement/internship program. This coursework must be current and have been taken within the last seven (7) years.
*Nutr 31 or 32 (one course only) may be taken concurrently with Nutr 70A/71A.
4… Transcript evaluation: Upon admission to the college, students should obtain an Initial Evaluation Request Form from the college’s Admissions and Records Office for courses completed at other colleges or universities. Go to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) website, www.eatright.org, for a list of agencies that are accepted to evaluate foreign transcripts for Nutrition and Dietetics.
5… Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges outside of the Peralta District must be on file: One set to the District Admission and Records Office, and one set to the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Merritt College. Coursework taken at a Peralta College is available already; therefore, it is not necessary to send transcripts for coursework completed in the Peralta Community College District.
6… Develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP).
Highly Recommended Preparation:
CIS 1, Introduction to Computer Information Systems: Students entering the DM/DSS and DT programs are expected to demonstrate intermediate skills using Microsoft Word, email, and navigating the Internet. Students who are not proficient are advised to complete CIS 1 at Merritt (or an equivalent course at another college).
DIETARY MANAGER
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
The Dietary Manager (Dietetic Service Supervisor) program is designed for those interested in food service management and for individuals with food service and cooking experience who seek advancement into management positions, especially in the healthcare field. Completion of this program qualifies one for employment in a long-term healthcare facility as a Dietetic Service Supervisor (DSS designation, State of California Department of Public Health). It also qualifies the graduate to apply for certification with the national Association of Nutrition as a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP).
A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the certificate requirements specified below.
Note: Students should see a counselor at least once each semester to plan for their educational goal(s).
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the certificate will be able to:
- Communicate with staff and clients in a professional and culturally sensitive manner.
- Be readily employed.
- Display effective dietary manager skills.
- Synthesize the knowledge and skills to pass the national Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam.
- Provide and maintain the highest level of personal ethical behavior.
- Utilize up-to-date, evidence-based practices in the field of dietary management.
Certificate of Achievement Requirements:
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| NUTR 10 | Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 12 | Nutrition and Disease | 3 |
| NUTR 30 | Sanitation and Safety | 2 |
| NUTR 31 | Food-Production Systems | 3 |
| NUTR 32 | Supervision and Training | 3 |
| NUTR 70A | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level A | 2 |
| NUTR 71A | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level A (1-4) | 2 |
| Total Required Units for Certificate: | 19 |
NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS FOR TRANSFER (AS-T)
The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T Nutrition and Dietetics) degree is intended to meet the lower division requirements for nutrition and dietetics majors or majors that have been deemed similar in the California State University (CSU) system. The degree prepares students to function in a variety of nutrition, public health and clinical settings and is for students who seek to transfer to a CSU institution or to prepare for a career in nutrition and dietetics by meeting the requirements to work in a variety of health and wellness settings.
Successful completion of the Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer degree (AS-T Nutrition and Dietetics) affords students specific guarantees for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system such as admission to a CSU with junior status, priority admission to their local CSU campus and to a program or major in nutrition and dietetics or similar major. Students transferring to a CSU campus will be required to complete no more than 60 semester or 90 quarter units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.
To qualify for the Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer degree (AS-T Nutrition and Dietetics), students are required to complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to a California State University, including both of the following: (1) The California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth) or the:
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) and (2) 29-30 semester units with a grade of “C” or better in the major (or “P” if the course is taken on a “Pass/No-Pass” basis) and an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework. (Some universities may have limits on the number of Pass/No-Pass units they will accept for transfer. See a counselor for more information.) See the Transfer to Four-Year Colleges and Universities section of this catalog for more information on AA-T overall requirements and CSU GE-Breadth or IGETC.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Communicate with clients and colleagues in a professional and culturally sensitive manner.
2. Utilize up to date, evidence-based practices in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
3. Communicate effectively orally, and in writing, in a health care or community nutrition environment, whether working with children, families or seniors.
4. Advocate within the community for continued support of health and nutrition.
5. Provide and maintain the highest level of personal ethical behavior.
Major Degree/ Associate in Science Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer degree Requirements:
Dept/No. Title Units 20 units required from the following:
BIOL 3 Microbiology 5
CHEM 1A General Chemistry 5
NUTR 10 Nutrition 4
NUTR 31 Food-Production Systems 3
PSYCH 1A Introduction to General Psychology 3
Select two courses (9 – 10 units) from the following:
BIOL 2 or Human Anatomy * 5
BIOL 4 and Human Physiology * 5
CHEM 12A Organic Chemistry ** 5
MATH 13 Introduction to Statistics 4
Total Required Units for Degree Major : 29.00 – 30.00
DIETETIC TECHNOLOGY
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (AS) DEGREE
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 (AND) and the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) 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 of Science in Dietetic Technology degree, students must satisfactorily complete the Degree Major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS General Education requirements. See the Associate Degrees and Certificates section of this catalog for more information on the local AA/AS overall requirements and the local AA/AS General Education requirements.
Note: Students should see a counselor at least once each semester to plan for their educational goal(s).
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the degree will be able to:
- Synthesize the knowledge and skills to pass the national Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) exam.
- Display effective clinical nutrition skills.
- Provide and maintain the highest level of personal ethical behavior.
- Be readily employed.
- Utilize up-to-date, evidence-based practices in the field of dietetic technology.
Degree Major Requirements:1
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| NUTR 10 | Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 12 | Nutrition and Disease | 3 |
| NUTR 30 | Sanitation and Safety | 2 |
| NUTR 31 | Food-Production Systems | 3 |
| NUTR 32 | Supervision and Training | 3 |
| NUTR 70A | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level A | 2 |
| NUTR 70B | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level B | 3 |
| NUTR 70C | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level C | 3 |
| NUTR 71A | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level A (1-4) | 2 |
| NUTR 71B | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level B (1-4) | 2 |
| NUTR 71C | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level C (1-4) | 2 |
| BIOL 24 | Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| HLTOC 201 | Medical Terminology I | 2 |
| And: | One Psychology or Sociology course from Area 2 (Social and Behavioral Sciences) of the local AA/AS General Education requirements2 |
3 |
| Total Required Units for Degree Major: | 38 |
Highly Recommended:
Nutr 1, Survey of Nutrition and Dietetics: This course is a survey of the various professions in nutrition and dietetics, including academic requirements, job opportunities, and program details. Students’ coursework from previous institutions is discussed and evaluated in this course which is helpful to the student in developing a Student Educational Plan (see Step 6 in Eligibility/Admission Requirements).
1The courses listed meet course-content graduation requirements specified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to meet their minimum standards. Some of these courses also meet local AA/AS General Education requirements. Note: Students who plan to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam for Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) certification must possess an Associate or higher degree before applying to take the exam.
2See the Associate Degrees and Certificates section of this catalog and/or a counselor for information on which Psychology or Sociology courses satisfy Area Two of the local AA/AS General Education requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Courses for Five Semesters:1
FALL (FIRST SEMESTER)
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| MATH 203 | Intermediate Algebra | 4 |
| CIS 205 | Computer Literacy (1) | |
| or | ||
| Other course from Area 4c (Computer Literacy) of the local AA/AS General Education requirements (1-5)5 |
1-5 | |
| HLTOC 201 | Medical Terminology I | 2 |
| NUTR 10 | Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 32 | Supervision and Training | 3 |
| Semester Total: | 14-18 |
SPRING (SECOND SEMESTER)
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| ENGL 1A | Composition and Reading | 4 |
| BIOL 24 | Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| NUTR 31 | Food-Production Systems | 3 |
| NUTR 30 | Sanitation and Safety | 2 |
| NUTR 12 | Nutrition and Disease | 3 |
| Semester Total: | 16 |
FALL (THIRD SEMESTER)
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| NUTR 70A | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level A | 2 |
| NUTR 71A | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level A (1-4) | 2 |
| Plus: | One Psychology or Sociology course from Area 2 (Social and Behavioral Sciences) of the local AA/AS General Education requirements5 |
3 |
| And: | One course from Area 3 (Humanities) of the local AA/AS General Education requirements5 |
3-5 |
| And: | One course from Area 4d (Oral or Written Communication, or Literature) of the local AA/AS General Education requirements5 |
3-4 |
| Semester Total: | 13-16 |
SPRING (FOURTH SEMESTER)
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| NUTR 70B | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level B | 3 |
| NUTR 71B | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level B (1-4) | 3 |
| Plus: | One course from Area 5 (Ethnic Studies) of the local AA/AS General Education requirements (if necessary) |
0-3 |
| And: | Additional degree-applicable courses as needed to complete 60 units |
0-7 |
| Semester Total: | 5-15 |
FALL (FIFTH SEMESTER)
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| NUTR 70C | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level C | 3 |
| NUTR 71C | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level C (1-4) | 2 |
| Plus: | Additional degree-applicable courses as needed to complete 60 units |
0-7 |
| Semester Total: | 5-12 |
1Out-of-district and/or out-of-state courses will be individually evaluated through the Counseling Office to determine if they fulfill the Merritt College General Education requirements. See a counselor regarding General Education requirements or contact the Nutrition and Dietetics Department for evaluation of previously completed coursework in nutrition and dietetics and possible course waiver. A written exam may be required to demonstrate currency. At least 12 units of Associate degree-level coursework must be completed at Merritt College.
2Math 203 or a more advanced Mathematics course is required for Associate degrees; Math 50 or higher is required for transfer.
3Nutr 32 is offered only in Fall semester; Nutr 31 is offered only in Spring semester.
4Engl 1A is required for transfer and fulfills Associate degree requirements.
5Consult a counselor for appropriate course selection for your educational goals.
PATHWAY II CERTIFICATE
CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY
The Merritt College Nutrition and Dietetics program is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/Accreditation Council for Education programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (AND/ACEND). Program graduates are qualified to sit for the national Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam, and upon successful completion of the exam, they are qualified to use the designation of “Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR).” Dietetic Technicians who possess an Associate or higher degree, but who are not registered, must successfully complete both the Pathway II Certificate courses specified below and the national CDR exam to become registered. A Certificate of Proficiency will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the certificate requirements specified below. The Certificate of Proficiency is not indicated on the student’s transcript.
Students qualifying to apply for the Pathway II Certificate of Proficiency fall into one of the following three categories:
1.. Graduates of an AND/ACEND-accredited, Associate-degree (or higher) program in nutrition and dietetics: Students who have satisfactorily completed all didactic components of their education (as verified by statement from the Nutrition and Dietetics Program Director) need only successfully complete the Seminars and Rotations in Supervised Practice requiring 450 hours of supervised practice to sit for the national CDR exam.
2.. Graduates of a non-AND/ACEND-accredited, Associate-degree (or higher) program in nutrition and dietetics, or an unrelated field, from an accredited U.S. college or university: These students must provide evidence that they have completed the equivalent courses needed to satisfy the AND/ACEND Foundation Knowledge and Skills requirement. Additional coursework (as determined by the Nutrition and Dietetics Program Director) beyond the seminar lectures and 450 hours of supervised practice may be required.
3.. Graduates who have earned degrees outside the United States: These students are required to provide evidence of equivalency through an evaluation service recommended by AND/ACEND. For specific information, see website information at: www.eatright.org/students/getstarted/international/agencies.aspx. The student then proceeds as specified in #2 above.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the certificate will be able to:
- Synthesize the knowledge and skills to pass the national Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) exam.
- Display effective clinical nutrition skills.
- Provide and maintain the highest level of personal ethical behavior.
- Be readily employed.
- Utilize up-to-date, evidence-based practices in the field of dietetic technology.
Certificate of Proficiency Requirements:
| Dept/No. | Title | Units |
| NUTR 70A | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level A | 2 |
| NUTR 70B | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level B | 3 |
| NUTR 70C | Seminar in Supervised Practice, Level C | 3 |
| NUTR 71A | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level A (1-4) | 2 |
| NUTR 71B | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level B (1-4) | 2 |
| NUTR 71C | Rotations in Supervised Practice, Level C (1-4) | 2 |
| Total Required Units for Certificate: | 14 |
Accreditation: The Dietetic Technician program is accredited by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND),
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Contact Information:
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190,
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
URL: www.eatright.org/ACEND
