Food Service Management, Nutrition and Dietetics Technology, A.A.S.

Pamela Hamilton, Nutrition and Dietetics Technology Program Coordinator
139 Education Building / (304)367-4297
Pamela.Hamilton@pierpont.edu

Accrediting Agency

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 899-0040; Ext. 5400
(3012) 899-4817 Fax
http://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

Program Purpose

The Food Service Management degree specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics Technology is in the process of being reviewed for candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for educational programs for students planning careers as registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians, registered.

Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Food Service Management A.A.S. Degree with a specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics Technology prepares graduates for successful entry-level positions as Dietetic Technicians, Registered, through evidence-based training and practical experience in the classrooms, clinics, and communities of north-central West Virginia.  Successful graduates could be employed in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, retirement centers, hospices, home health-care programs, and research facilities.

Admission Requirements

After being accepted at Pierpont, students can apply for selective admission into the Food Service Management AAS degree’s Nutrition and Dietetics Technology concentration. The program may accept 15 applicants yearly. To be considered for entry into the NDT program, applicants must:

• Have earned a minimum high school GPA of 2.0
• Experience in the foodservice industry, a background in science, and an interest in food and wellness are highly desirable.
• Have successfully completed or be eligible to enroll in English 1104 (Written English I) or have at least the minimum assessment score (as follows) required by Series 21 standards for enrollment in these courses:
  • An 18 or above on the English section of the ACT
  • 450 or above on the critical reading portion of the SAT-1
  • A scaled score of 38 on the writing skills test of the ASSET
  • A score of 71 or above on the writing skills test of the COMPASS
  • A scaled score of 88 on the Sentence Skills test of the College Board’s ACCUPLACER Testing System
• Have successfully completed or be eligible to enroll in Mathematics 1207, Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics, or have at least the minimum assessment score (as follows) required by Series 21 standards for enrollment in these courses:
  • A score of 19 or higher on the mathematics section of the ACT
  • A score of 460 or above on the quantitative portion of the SAT
  • A scaled score of 40 on the numerical test and a 38 on the elementary algebra test of the ASSET
  • A scaled score of 59 on the pre-algebra test and a scaled score of 36 on the algebra test of the COMPASS
  • A scaled score of 85 on the arithmetic test and 84 on the elementary algebra test of the College Board’s ACCUPLACER Testing System
• Complete a separate NDT program application and essay
• Submit official high school and college transcripts as part of Pierpont’s application process
• Submit official ACT or SAT or other test scores clarifying eligibility for English 1104 and Mathematics 1207 as part of Pierpont’s application process

The program director must receive applications for the fall term for this selective enrollment program by no later than August 1. Once admitted, students must pass all FOSM, ENGL 1104, ENGL 1108, and MTH 1207 courses with a “C” or better and maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the AAS degree in Food Service Management, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Graduates of Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Food Service Management Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics Technology will be identified as well-prepared for entry-level positions as dietetic technicians in healthcare, community wellness, and foodservice industries
• Graduates of Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Food Service Management Concentration in Nutrition and Dietetic Technology will engage in lifelong learning and professional development in the field of nutrition and Dietetic Technology.

Opportunities 

Nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs) are educated and trained at the technical level of nutrition and dietetic practice for the delivery of safe, culturally competent, quality food and nutrition services. NDTRs are an integral part of the healthcare and food service management teams.

NDTRs work under the supervision of a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDNs) when in direct patient/client nutrition care in practice areas as:

• Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, retirement centers, hospices, home health-care programs, and research facilities conducting patient/client screens, gathering data and performing assigned tasks to assist RDNs in providing medical nutrition therapy. 

NDTRs may work independently in providing general nutrition education to healthy populations in a variety of settings.