PVCC / CGCC Dietetic Technology Consortium Program
Most Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I contact if I want more information about the PVCC Dietetic Technology (DT) Consortium Program?

What is a DTR?

Is the program accredited?

How can I apply for admission into the program?

What if I already have experience and/ or education in dietetics (or education in another discipline)?

Do I need to enroll as a full-time student?

If I wanted to go on to become a Registered Dietitian (RD), will the DT Consortium Program courses transfer?

How long does it take to complete and graduate from PVCC’s DT Consortium Program, and become a DTR?

Can I take a term (semester) off from the Program?

What are the practicum (i.e.internship) requirements of the program?

What are the practicum sites, and where are they located?

What kind of work is available as a DTR?

How do I learn more about what DTRs do?

Are there any job opportunities for students while enrolled in the Dietetic Technology Consortium Program?

How much do DTRs typically earn?

What is the job outlook for DTRs?

The Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) is prepared to play a key role in providing quality, cost-effective client care and food service management in a variety of employment settings. Job responsibilities may include patient counseling, education in basic and therapeutic nutrition, medical record documentation, health promotion, disease prevention, menu development, supervisory and administrative skills related to nutrition services and institutional food production. DTRs are an integral part of health care and food service management teams. They work independently or in partnership with Registered Dietitians (RDs) in a variety of settings:

Clinical: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, retirement centers, home health care programs, and research facilities. Food Service: Schools, daycare centers, correctional facilities, restaurants, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Community and Public Health: WIC programs, public health agencies, and community health programs. Wellness: Health clubs, weight management clinics, and community wellness centers. Business: Food companies, food vendors, and food distributors.

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Yes, the program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetics Association (ADA), www.eatright.org 

There are no prerequisites or application process for entry into the program.  It is recommended that students set up a meeting with a general PVCC advisor, as well as a Nutrition Program Advisor (see contact information above).  This should be done prior to enrolling in the program’s courses.  Back to top.

Core and required courses (see program’s website at www.paradisevalley.edu/nutrition) may transfer directly into the program.  In addition, work experience can be evaluated and may count toward required coursework.  To determine which courses will transfer and count as “credit by evaluation”, see both a PVCC general advisor and a Nutrition Program Advisor. 

Students who have a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited dietetics program are eligible to become a DTR by completing the internship hours (i.e. 466 practicum hours are required as part of the A.A.S. degree in Dietetic Technology). Back to top.

No, you can complete the program as a part-time student.  Classes are offered in a variety of formats, and at a variety of days/times during the day and/or evening to help accommodate student needs.  It is important to note, however, that some classes in the DT Consortium Program are only offered one term per year. Back to top.

Many of the DT courses transfer into Arizona State University’s (ASU) Polytech campus and Kansas State University’s (KSU) Nutrition and Dietetics programs.  This is of benefit to those students wishing to pursue a four-year dietetics degree and a RD internship.  See the Consortium Program Director for more information regarding the transfer of courses and a Suggested Course Sequence for Transfer Students to ASU Polytech Campus and/or KSU (an online degree program).  Other four-year dietetics degrees may also accept credits, and students are advised to contact the individual college/university to find out.   Back to top.

Students can complete the degree in two years, or less if transferring credits from other colleges/universities. However, some students prefer to take longer than two years, due to work and/or family commitments, and may enroll in fewer classes each term.  (Note: The Dietetic Technology Consortium Program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree). 

Once the student has successfully completed the degree, they must pass a written national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to be granted the nationally recognized credential of Dietetic Technician, Registered.Back to top.

It is recommended that students do not take a term off, but sometimes a break cannot be avoided.  If the student is absent more than three consecutive terms, they must meet the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their return. Back to top.

In order to be eligible to become a DTR, certain academic and supervised practice competencies must be met.  Competencies to be met in the practicum lab courses are outlined by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).  You will work on meeting the competency requirements during each practicum. There are three practicum lab courses; Foodservice during the fall term, Community in the spring term and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) during the summer term. Students must complete a minimum of 466 total hours of practicum experience; 200 hours for Foodservice, 133 hours for Community and 133 hours for MNT.  Each practicum lab course also has a concurrent lecture course that you must enroll for which meets one time per week. Back to top.

For both the MNT and Foodservice practicums, students are typically placed with health care organizations such as local hospitals, long term care or assisted living centers and/or schools. The Community practicum takes place in public health agencies or community health programs.  The sites are primarily located in the NE Valley. 

DTRs can work in a variety of settings. Many choose to work in health care as clinical DTRs screening and assessing patients while working closely with RDs.  Others have been successful in foodservice settings working as supervisors or managers at health care organizations, schools, contract foodservice companies and elsewhere.  DTRs can also choose to work in a community education program such as the Arizona Department of Health Services. Many DTRs are entrepreneurial and work in private practice or private business. Back to top.

You can go to the website of the American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org, as well as look under “Where are our graduates now” link at www.paradisevalley.edu/nutrition/spotlight.  Back to top.

Look under “employment opportunities” at www.paradisevalley.edu/nutrition/jobs for current and local job opportunities. Back to top.

Salary ranges for DTRs depend upon the dietetic practice area, place of employment, and level of responsibility of one’s job.  Compensation and salary data may be accessed at www.eatright.org. Back to top.

The job market for DTRs is assumed to be similar to that for dietitians.  According to current U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014 because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition.  Employment in hospitals is expected to show little change because of anticipated slow growth and reduced lengths of hospital stay; however, faster growth is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities and physician clinics.  For information on where PVCC’s DTR graduates are employed, go to the program’s website at www.paradisevalley.edu/nutrition/Spotlight. Back to top.