Nutrition & Dietetics

The Nutrition & Dietetics Program prepares the student for employment as a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and/or an entry-level Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Registered (NDTR). Upon completion of the first year of the Program students earn the Dietary Managers Certificate and are eligible to take the CDM Credentialing Exam. Upon completion of the second year of the Program students earn an Associate of Applied Science, Dietetic Technician Major and are eligible to take the DTR National Exam.

After passing the DTR National Exam students are required to maintain the NDTR credential. Lifelong learning is a necessary way of life to be a knowledgeable professional. NDTRs must complete continuing education hours throughout their professional careers.

The Columbus State Community College Dietetic Technician Program is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program may accept up to 20 students per academic school year.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600 X 5400
ACEND@eatright.org
www.eatright.org

The Path to Becoming a CDM

The CDM Certificate is approved by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) and is designed to prepare students to manage foodservice operations in a variety of healthcare facilities. The certificate includes nine required courses (19.5 credit hours). Credit hours earned can be applied to the Dietetic Technician Major.

Students interested in this certificate should note that this program of study includes three academic components: classes with instructors in scheduled/structured environments, supervised practice experience, and work hours completed in a retail environment within Mitchell Hall.

The Path to Becoming an NDTR

The Dietetic Technician Program is approved by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) and is designed to prepare students to work as an entry-level NDTR under the guidance of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

NDTRs are not licensed, but work under the licensure of a Registered Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN, LD).

Students interested in this degree should note this program of study consists of five semesters (2 years) of full-time study. Coursework includes both classroom and supervised practice hours in a variety of settings.

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietetic technician in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.

Dietetic Technician Curriculum

The Ohio Department of Higher Education and ACEND sets program standards. The curriculum is composed of classroom (didactic) coursework and supervised practice. Didactic coursework can be taken during any semester, however the initial supervised practice course begins in the autumn semester only.

The program contains four supervised practice courses, with a minimum of 450 hours per ACEND requirements. During supervised practice, students are assigned to clinical sites. This is an experience guided by the requirements of the course and is unpaid. Supervised practice courses are designed to give students the opportunity to apply classroom information in the professional setting. 

The program welcomes part-time students. To complete the curriculum in the most timely manner, this student must closely coordinate course selection with the program coordinator.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

If becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is the educational goal, students can take advantage of Columbus State’s partnership with The Ohio State University to continue their education with significant cost savings. Contact the Nutrition & Dietetics Program Coordinator for more information and visit this link to learn more about becoming an RDN.

Questions? 
Paula Gallagher, MFN, RD, LD
Instructor, Program Coordinator
Mitchell Hall
Room 302D
250 Cleveland Ave
Columbus, OH 43215
614-287-2217
pgallagher3@cscc.edu

 

Accreditation