Welcome to the Dietetics Program at Long Beach City College
As a student you will be asked to meet many program and college requirements. As a student you also have certain rights, privileges and responsibilites. This section includes those rights, privileges and ressponsibilities that are particular to the Dietetics Program at Long Beach City College. All others can be found in the Long Beach City College Catalog. The Field Experience component of the Program requires additional standards to which the student must adhere. Please contact the Program Director at 562-938-4550 with questions regarding any of the policies listed in this Website.
Program Philosophy and Mission
The mission of the Dietetics Program at Long Beach City College is the development of the students’ competency to provide nutritional care services in food service management and clinical nutrition care. The provision of excellent health care to every individual, as his/her right, stands above every objective in the development of health care manpower. Therefore, individuals who step into the health care delivery system at any point must be competent to practice in the capacity in which he/she works. Long Beach City College trains individuals to assist in providing nutritional care services to individuals or groups in health care institutions under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian or an Administrator who has regularly scheduled consultation with a Registered Dietitian. In the role of Dietetic Technician the individual supports the citizen’s right to the best possible health care.
Program Description
Long Beach City College offers both the Dietetic Service Superviosr Program that is approved by the California State Department of Health Services as well as the Dietetic Technician Program that is fully Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, 120 Riverside Plaza, #2000, Chicago, IL 60606, telephone: 800-877-1600.
The Program offers a community based two-year post secondary education at a reasonable cost to all who may benefit. The curriculum is designed to provide entry-level Dietetic Technician knowledge and performance skills to meet a wide range of professional opportunities in food and nutrition. Dietetic Service Supervisor Program meets all standards mandated by the State of California Department of Health Services. The college provides undergraduate transferable credit to a four-year college in professional courses as well as general education courses. Remedial preparation is also available when necessary. The Program also encourages desirable attitudes, interpersonal skills and critical thinking to prepare the student to achieve and contribute to society.
The Program encourages each student to meet his or her own individual potential. Educational and professional goals and based upon expected outcomes required of students at each phase of the Program. The student is encouraged to pursue further knowledge in dietetics once technical competencies have been achieved. Long Beach City College instructors and professional staff are selected not only for their expertise and knowledge, but also for their ability to interact with the student and develop a student-centered environment fostering both learning and student self-development. Faculty maintains contact with the professional community; remains current in education techniques and development; pursues continuing professional education; and promotes the role of the Dietetic Technician, Registered to the health care, food service and/orhospitality industries and that of the Dietetic Service Supervisor.
College Accreditation
Long Beach City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (3402 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, 707-569-9177, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the US Department of Education.
Program Accreditation Status
The Dietetic Technician Program is currently granted accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, #2000, Chicago, IL 60606, (800) 877-1600.
Academic/Program Calendar and Schedule
Please refer to current Schedule of Classes for the academic/program calendar and schedule.
Withdrawal and Refund of Tuition Fees:
It is the student’s responsibility to drop a class by the official deadline. If you wish to receive a refund, transfer enrollment fee or nonresident tuition from one class to another you must officially withdraw or transfer within the period defined below. The period depends on the length of the class, regardless of when you enroll. If you wish to drop a class and not have a “W” on your record, you must officially drop within the period defined as follows:
1. Classes nine weeks or longer: You have two weeks in which to withdraw and not receive a grade of “W” and receive a refund. That means you have to officially drop the class by the end of the second week of the class. After the second week, transfers may only be made within the same academic discipline, provided that permission is granted by the instructor.
2. Classes three through eight weeks in length: You have one week in which to withdraw and not receive a grade of “W” and receive a refund. That means you have to officially drop the class by the end of the first week of the class. After the first week, transfers may only be made within the same academic discipline, provided that permission is granted by the instructor.
3. Classes less than three weeks in length: You have only the first class meeting in which to withdraw and not receive a grade of “W”, and receive a refund. That means you have to officially drop the class by the end of the first class meeting day.
Please refer to the current Schedule of Classes or College Catalog for additional information.
Access to Student Support Services
Refer to student support services on home page.
Program Cost Information
Registration enrollment fees are based on residence. All students who have lived in California for at least one year and can provide proof of intent to become a permanent California resident pay $20.00 per unit. For complete residency rules, please see the Schedule of Classes. If you are eligible for some form of government economic assistance, please pay the fees as directed by your particular plan.
Tuition: $20.00 per unit
College Services card: $20.00 (can be waived at your request)
Health insurance: $14.00
Parking: $25.00 Fall and Spring semesters
$15.00 Summer session for all students
Parking is free at clinical field sites
Textbooks: Approximately $ 300.00 a semester if full load is taken
Uniform: $50.00 (needed for F&N 230AC and 240AC)
TB test: Given free at student health center
Optional: Seabury & Smith Association offers students professional liability insurance ( $35/year for $3 million total coverage or $41/year for $4 million total coverage)
Statement of Equal Opportunity
The Long Beach Community College District does not discriminate in its admissions, educational programs, activities or employment policies on the basis of race, age, sex, religious creed, ancestry, color, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. The district is subject to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sections 503 and 504; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participating in the district’s programs. Please refer to the current Schedule of Classes for further information.
Protection of Privacy of Information and Access to Personal Files
All student records of Long Beach City College are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The two basic elements of this act are the student’s right to review and challenge his/her record and the conditions under which information in the record can be released to outside parties. Please refer to the current Schedule of Classes or College Catalog for additional information regarding protection of privacy of information.
Grievance Procedures
Long Beach City College is committed to resolving problems students may be encountering while working within the guidelines and policies established by the State of California and the Board of Trustees. For specific information on both the policy and process for student grievances please refer to the college catalog and/or contact the office of the Dean of Student Affairs.
Disciplinary/Termination Procedures
Please refer to the current Schedule of Classes and/or College Catalog for disciplinary/termination procedures.
Vacation, Holiday, and Absence Policies
Please refer to the current Schedule of Classes regarding vacation, holiday, and absence policies. Attendance is the responsibility of the student. Students not attending the first class session may be dropped from the class at the discretion of the instructor. In the event of excessive absences, the instructor may drop a student from a course or may lower a student’s grade. Students who are absent in excess of 20 percent of the total class hours or for two consecutive weeks shall be dropped from class. The grade assigned by the instructor upon dropping a student for non-attendance shall be in accordance with Regulation 4020.3. Such students may be reinstated only at the discretion of the instructor for extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances shall be defined as reasons for absence beyond the control of the student. Typical examples of such circumstances would be extended illness, hospitalization, court appearances or death in the immediate family.
Graduation and Program Completion Requirements
The completion requirements for the Dietetic Service Supervisor Program include 29 units of Program classes to be met with a grade of "C" or better and 150 hours of clinical field experience. Graduation requirements for the Dietetic Technician Program include completion of 40 units in the major with a grade of “C” or better in all coursework and 450 hours of clinical field experience. Students must also meet the College’s General Education requirements for an A.A. degree (Refer to College Catalog). The requirements for general education/proficiency and the field of concentration need to be from the same catalog year. This catalog year may be any year between the year of initial enrollment to the present, provided continuous enrollment is maintained throughout (see the catalog for definition of “continuous enrollment”). Fifty per cent or more of the unit requirements for this field of concentration must be completed in residence (credit earned by exam, where applicable, may be included). In general, “double-counting” is not allowed. That is, one course may not be used to fulfill both a field of concentration requirements and to fulfill a general education requirement. Please refer to College Catalog for additional information. Students must also successfully complete a competency examination before a certificate is awarded (One competency exam is given at the conclusion of the first 29 units and another at the conclusion of A.A. requirements for the D.T. certificate. Both examinations require a 70% passing grade in order fulfill requirements) If a DSS student completer fails the competency exam the first tine they must re-enroll in F&N 230AC - Clinical Field Experience I and also Math 805 before re-taking the exam. If a DT student completer fails the DT competency exam the first time, the student is required to re-enroll and complete an additional semester of F&N 240AC in order to make up deficient areas on the exam. The student may then re-take the DT competency exam. If a DT student completer fails the DT competency exam a second time, the student is required to complete 20 hours of clinical field experience for each semester that elapses since they were eligible to take the exam. The student must also repeat and pass (with a letter grade of C or higher) any dietetic technician program course(s) that were taken greater than five years prior to the date of completion of program courses. The student may then be eligible to re-take the competency exam. A DT student completer will be awarded a Verification Statement only if they have passed both the DSS and DT competency exams and all dietetic program courses have been completed within a five year period with a letter grade of C or higher. Student must re-take classes that have been taken more than five year ago or take the necessary courses credit-by-examination.
The student must submit a completed application for the Career Certificate in the Admission and Records Office during the final semester of course work. Upon completion of all requirements, students will be given a “Statement of Verification” that is needed to apply to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to take the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians.
Formal Evaluation of Students
All Dietetics students are routinely evaluated. Students receive written performance appraisals at the completion of each clinical field assignment as well as course grades. The program director also conducts regular evaluations of students as well as ongoing interaction and appraisals. Final scholarship marks are issued at the completion of each semester. Their significance is as follows:
A - Excellent
B - Good
C - Satisfactory
D - Passing, less than satisfactory
F - Failing
W - Withdrawal
MW - Military withdrawal
CR - Credit (at least satisfactory - units awarded not counted in GPA)
NC - No-credit (less than satisfactory - units not counted in GPA)
Grade marks for noncredit courses are limited to CR, NC, MW, or W.
Counseling & Advisement
Upon enrolling in the Dietetics Program, the student is required to meet with a college counselor and the Program Director. The counselor will guide the student through requirements for major program and the A.A. general education requirements. This is an important process assuring successful completion of all college requirements. Students will complete an education plan at this first meeting with the college counselor. The initial meeting with the Dietetics Program Director will entail assessment of student background, experiential learning, previously achieved competencies, course placement, goal setting, etc.
Progression of Program and Field Experience
In order for the student to complete the Dietetic Technician Program in a timely manner, it is important that the student follow a curriculum sequence that builds competence. Classes are offered in the late afternoon and evenings (with the exception of Clinical Field Experience courses which are offered during the day), so that students who are employed can still take advantage of the Program. General Education courses and other graduation requirements are available and offered at many different times and locations. Information on course changes may be obtained from the Program Director and/or the Counseling Office.
The following dietetics courses are required to graduate with a certificate and/or A.A. degree in Dietetics. These courses should be taken in the order that they are listed with attention to necessary prerequisites. Note that each student will be assessed individually at the onset of program for appropriate placement. Field experiences are taken as prescribed to ensure that the student has the necessary skills and competencies to function effectively in the field site/ health care environment. The first two semesters are requirements for the DSS Program. All are requirements for the DT Program.
Suggested Schedule of Classes for Program Completion in Two Years
1st Year - Fall Semester
F&N 20 - Nutrition and Life
F&N 21 - Food Selection & Meal Preparation
F&N 224 - Sanitation, Safety & Equipment
F&N 230AC- Clin.Field Exp. I
F&N 231 – Menu Planning & Food Purchasing
Total of 15 units for first Fall semester
1st Year - Spring Semester
F&N 225- Intro Food Serv&Work Org
F&N 227– Supervision & Train. Techs
F&N 228 – Food Prod. Mngt.
F&N 230AC-Clin. Field Exp. I
F&N 232 - Medical Nutrition Therapy
A total of 14 units forfirst Spring semester
2nd Year Fall Semester - third semester
F&N 234 - Advanced Nutrition Care
F&N 240AC - Clin. Field Exp. II
A total of 5 units of Dietetics courses for third semester of Program
Plus General Education requirements for Associate of Arts degree
2nd Year Spring Semester - fourth semester
F&N 235-Adv. Med. Nutr. Therapy
F&N 236 – Dietetic Seminar
F&N 240AC – Clin. Field Exp. II
A total of 6 units of Dietetics courses for fourth semester of Program
Plus General Education requirements for Associate of Arts degree
General education courses may be taken during summer sessions as well. At the completion of these requirements, a full-time student will have the required 60 units to earn an Associate of Arts Degree.
Suggested Courses to Fulfill A.A. General Education Requirements
Recommended for Natural Sciences requirement: Biology 60 (preferred) Biology 2, Physiology 1, Anatomy 1 or any Chemistry.
Recommended for Proficiency in Mathematics: It is recommended that the student complete this proficiency prior to enrollment in F&N 228 and F&N 232 by a passing score on the placement test or successful completion of a mathematics course at the level of elementary algebra (Math 110 or 220) or higher. Recommended Proficiency in Computer technology: COMIS1A/1B or CBIS
Recommended for Social Sciences requirement: Sociology 1 or Psychology 1
Policy on Prior Learning
The LBCC dietetics program customizes the program for individual student needs based upon their prior coursework and experiential learning. LBCC has an Articulation Agreement with other DT programs which allows course work taken at other colleges to be accepted for credit by LBCC. Articulation also exists with other two year and four year colleges and universities. Furthermore, students past experience in the field is also taken into consideration. That is, a student will be allowed to take a course credit-by-examination for which they have significant prior experiential learning. Student cases are handled on an individual basis and all decisions are made by the program director in conjunction with program faculty. A student portfolio must be submitted as part of the credit-by-examination process. Please inquire with the program director for portfolio assessment requirements.
Policy Regarding California State Assembly Bill 1444
With the passage of Assembly Bill 1444, in addition to RD’s, only Registered Dietetic Technicians (DTR’s) are permitted to provide medical nutrition therapy in health care facilities in California as of January 1, 2002. Currently employed technicians who wish to become registered, may contact the Dietetic Technician program director for information regarding this process.
Clinical Field Experience Site Assignment
A clinical field site orientation meeting is held the first week of each semester on the first Wednesday of the semester at 2:00PM in room F110. At that meeting the student will be given a roster of all clinical field sites, complete with addresses, phone numbers, report times, preceptor names, etc. At this orientation each student will be assigned his or her rotation of field sites for the entire semester. The clinical coordinator will then inform each site of students assigned to their facility. Upon completing all assigned competencies and field activities/assignments within the prescribed time at each site, the student will have each “signed-off” by the preceptor along with required written reports and time records. These will then be submitted to the clinical coordinator along with an evaluation form from each site at the conclusion of each field experience.
Professional Responsibility
The student must wear professional attire and display a professional attitude at all times while attending a field site. This includes being on time; calling in if unable to attend at the appointed time; willingly accepting field site assignments and completing them with no evidence of second requests; arriving prepared to work with a clean uniform/lab coat, hairnet, and shoes; using appropriate communication skills; and always being congenial, cooperative, and eager to learn.
Absence Policy at Field Sites
The student is required to complete the total number of hours that he/she is assigned to a clinical field experience site. A time record form must be completed to document the time spent at the facility. A total of 450 hours of clinical field experience in clinical nutrition, food service preparation and management, and community nutrition must be completed order to graduate from the Dietetic Technician Program at Long Beach City College. Hours lost due to illness or other reason must be made up. Please arrange a mutually convenient time with the clinical field site preceptor to complete the missing hours before the end of the semester. The student must keep the clinical coordinator informed of all absences in a timely manner.
Insurance Coverage and Safety Liability
Long Beach City College District and each clinical field site facility maintains a comprehensive liability insurance program that protects against the perils of bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. Each party agrees to assume liability for and defend and indemnify against claims brought on account of the acts, omissions, of adults of its respective officers, agents, employees, students, and volunteers, or dangerous conditions of its real or personal property. Written agreements are maintained with each clinical field site facility that participates in the training of dietetics students. A designated representative of the facility and a designated representative of the college sign the agreement. The college and the facility agree that students are assigned to the facility for training purposes only, and are there to work with the facility employees but not to replace them. Each facility requires that the college Dietetic Technician student, with reasonable accommodation, be physically capable of participating in the program. In addition the student must have an annual negative tuberculosis test. This test is provided by Student Health Services. Students are required to show proof of this test prior to the start of the field assignment.
Long each City College also carries professional liability insurance to cover student activities at the training facilities. It is recommended that students also carry optional student professional liability insurance. This insurance is offered by Seabury & Smith Associates as follows: A premium of $35/year allows for $3 million total coverage. A premium of $41/year will allow for $4 million total coverage. The Dietetics Program Director has application information for this insurance.
Injury or Illness While at Clinical Field Site
Students injured at Long Beach City College are covered under a Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Plan that pays 100% of covered expenses if Blue Cross participating providers (hospitals/doctors) are used. Non-participating providers are paid at a 60% rate of covered expenses. Each student accident claim is subject to a $50.00 deductible.
Under the Blue Cross plan, the student needs to see a Participating Provider when seeking medical care as a result of a school connected injury. Student should receive medical attention at the facilities listed below if they are unable to come into the Student Health Service office on campus.
St. Mary Medical Center
1050 Linden Ave.
Long Beach, CA
562-491-9000
Lakewood Regional Medical Center
3700 East South Street
Lakewood, CA
562-531-2550
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
2801 Atlantic Ave.
Long Beach, CA
562-933-2000
Torrance Memorial Medical Center
3330 West Lomita Blvd.
Torrance, CA
310-325-9110
The hospitals listed above will call Long Beach City College in order to obtain the insurance policy number. Please contact the Student Health Services office for further information. Insurance for such emergency treatment is provided by the Long Beach City College Student health Fee.
Liability for Safety in Travel to or from Assigned Areas
It is the policy of Long Beach Community College District that students shall travel to the location of assigned clinical field experience in the same manner which they travel to attend regularly assigned class. The student is responsible for transportation cost and insurance to and from the assigned field experience suite. Long Beach City College assumes no responsibility in this area. The instructor shall not arrange private transportation either to or from the clinical field experience location. Accidents involving a vehicle or student: The student should receive prompt emergency treatment for any injury. If a vehicle is involved in an accident, passengers should be moved to a point of safety. The nearest law enforcement agency should be contacted. Do not leave the scene of the accident until the accident is reported to the law enforcement officials and the disposition of passengers and vehicle arranged. Each student’s health care is his/her personal responsibility. Please refer to College Catalog and current Schedule of Classes for additional information.
Evaluation Update
Students enrolled for credit at Long Beach City College will receive regular evaluations in the form of grades on a transcript at the end of each semester. The transcript will be useful to the student to continue education at another school to apply to sit for the Dietetic Technician Registration Examination, or for other student needs. The grading system is listed in this Handbook within the section entitled “Formal Evaluation of Students”. The requirement for graduation is a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all college units at tempted, with a grade of “C” or better in all required Dietetic Technician coursework.
Students receive both oral and written evaluations during the semester. The number of progress reports is determined by the instructor. During a clinical field experience, the clinical site preceptor uses a planned evaluation form to document the student’s performance at the end of the rotation. This review is presented both orally and in writing. Students also receive weekly informal evaluations of their progress. This is important because the student has only a short time to acquire and practice required skills.
The clinical coordinator periodically visits the student on site to assess student progress and to address and resolve any problems that may arise. The clinical coordinator also communicates by telephone with clinical field site preceptors to address issues and check student progress.
Professional Affiliation
It is recommended that students join professional organizations that will provide opportunities for mentoring, networking, and continuing education. Attending meetings, volunteering time and effort, and participating in the activities of professional organizations contribute to your professional development and indicate a strong commitment to the field of dietetics. The following professional organizations offer reduced fees for student members:
The American Dietetic Association
120 S. Riverside Plaza #2000
Chicago, IL 60606
(800) 877-1600
Credentialing Process/Verification Statement
Upon completion of all Program requirements for graduation including the Final Competency Exam with a minimum 70% grade, the Program Director will issue the graduating student a Verification Statement. This document is necessary for the graduate to apply to the Commission on Dietetic Registration to take the Registration Examination to become a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR).
