Career Description
Certified Dietary Managers (CDMs) are nationally recognized experts at managing dietary operations. Many work in healthcare - nursing facilities, rehab facilities, senior living communities, or hospitals. Some work in correctional facilities, schools or the military. Under the direction and supervision of a registered dietitian, CDMs manage menus, food purchasing and food preparation. They apply nutrition principles, document nutrition information, ensure food safety, manage work teams, and much more. CDMs must complete an approved education program and successfully complete a national certification examination.
For a more complete description of careers in dietary management, refer to the website of the Dietary Managers Association at www.dmaonline.org.
Program Overview
BPCC's DM Program consists of a Classroom component and a Clinical component. Students may work at any pace (part time/full time) to complete the courses and other requirements. Applicants must be high school graduates or attained their GED. When reading comprehension is documented or the 1 prerequisite reading course completed (with a "C" or better), students apply for admission to the DM program. Applications for the program are taken each fall and spring. The program is designed so that a student may complete the DM program in 1 year.
Program Curriculum (Courses Required)
| Pre-DM (Qualification) Course | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| (must be completed prior to beginning clinical classes) | ||
| *READ 099: | Reading Comprehension | 3 |
| Total Pre-DM Hours: | 3 | |
| *If ACT Read score less than 16 or BPCC reading placement test recommends READ099. | ||
| DM Courses | ||
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| DMTP 101: | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 4 |
| DMTP 110: | DMA Resource Management | 3 |
| 7 | ||
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
| DMTP 115: | DMA Foodservice Operations | 4 |
| DMTP 120: | DMA Sanitation and Safety | 3 |
| 7 | ||
| Total program credit hours: | 14 | |
Admission to the Program
The selection process for the DM Program begins each fall and spring. Students should be aware of the following requirements and procedures regarding selection:
- Students must submit a completed DM Clinical Application Packet by the application deadline of August 1 for fall semester and January 1 for spring semester. Please see a flow chart
of the process for an overview. - The reading course, if applicable, must be completed by the end of the semester before the application semester.
- GPA in prerequisite courses must be 2.0 or higher and students must earn a "C" or better in all courses to be eligible for application.
- Qualified applicants will be notified by mail of their acceptance into the program.
- Up to 20 students per year are selected for the clinical component of the program.
Special Requirements
Students who are selected for the clinical component of the DM Program must be available for daytime field experiences (3 hours per week per each 15-week course) and night classroom classes (2 evenings per week if both courses taken).
Students selected for DM clinicals must adhere to the BPCC Allied Health Clinical Requirements related to additional tests/immunizations required, documentation submission and policies/procedures of the division/program.
Students selected for DM clinicals pay a clinical fee, in addition to regular tuition, each clinical semester.
Students with 2 years of experience as a food service manager may apply to waive specific field experiences. If approved, they register for DMTP 111, DMTP 116 and DMTP 121 instead of DMTP 110, DMTP 115 and DMTP 120 respectively. Contact Program Director for the required forms.