DIETETIC TECHNICIAN
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Linda Pope · (901) 333-5056
This program prepares the student for a clinical or management position as a Dietetic Technician who works as a member of a food service team. The program is approved by the Commission on Accreditation/Dietetic Education (CADE). Program graduates are eligible to take the National Examination to become a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR). Graduates are employed at mid-management levels in health care and educational facilities, industrial food services, day care centers, community agencies, nursing homes, hospitals, restaurants, school lunch programs, college food services, and other institutional settings.
Policies and Requirements
Admissions Requirements
before acceptance into the program. To be eligible for admission to the Dietetic Technician program, an applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be granted degree admission status
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Complete each of the following required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C":
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| DIET 1110 | Techniques of Food Preparation and Service |
| DIET 1310 | Principles of Nutrition (a nutrition course completed five or more years before admission into the program requires department review and approval for acceptance) |
| DIET 1210 | Nutritional Care Laboratory I |
| DIET 1810 | Sanitation Measures |
| DIET 1820 | Equipment Care Safety/Layouts |
- Submit the special Application for Admission to Allied Health Sciences to the Admissions Office by November 1.
- Submit the following information to the Admissions Office by November 30: official transcript(s) of all college work attempted and/or completed at college(s)/university(ies) other than Southwest. All transcripts must be mailed directly to the Admissions Office from the institution releasing the document.
- Submit the following information to the department prior to November 30: evidence of physical and/or emotional ability to carry out the essentials of the program and evidence of freedom from communicable diseases and drug and alcohol addiction (obtain medical record/physical examination form from the Admissions Office).
- A background check may be required.
Selection Criteria
The following Admission Index variables are used by the Director of Admissions in ranking applicants so that each will be treated fairly and equally:
- College-level GPA x 2
- Required prerequisite course GPA x 2
Dismissal Policy
Refer to the policy applicable to all Allied Health Sciences and Nursing programs.
Malpractice Insurance Requirement
All Dietetic Technician students admitted to the program will be required to purchase and maintain malpractice insurance while enrolled in the program.
Background Checks
Students completing clinical rotations in the Dietetic Technician program may be required to have a criminal background check. Students will be responsible for the costs of such checks and making any arrangements for the background check.
Program Costs
In addition to tuition and lab fees, students may have additional costs ranging from $400 to $800 to include uniforms, duty shoes, physical examinations, laboratory tests, immunizations, graduation, certification and licensure fees.
