Food Service and Nutrition Management

The Food Service and Nutrition Management (FSNM) program is fully accredited by the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM).  The two-year program is designed for individuals currently working in health care or other institutional settings who wish to pursue a career in food service management.

A food service nutrition manager is involved with the day-to-day operation of the food and nutrition/dietary department and is an active member of the management team. He/she provides the much needed link between administrative and food service personnel. The role of this manager is to incorporate education and experience in co-ordinating and supervising operations of the food service department and to provide quality, economical meal service.  The emphasis on cost control, quality assurance, accreditation, menu planning, patient counseling and safe food handling makes for a stimulating and challenging program.

The first year of study focuses on food management, while the second year explores nutrition and diet therapy and focuses on the clinical aspects of the food service and nutrition manager’s role.

To apply, students must be working in food services.

Student Testimonials

"Completing the Food Service and Nutrition Management Program with CHA had always been one of my goals.  In April of 2011, after a great deal of hard work, much support from my workplace, and with the help of the staff at CHA, I achieved that goal!  The in-depth program provided by CHA, has given me knowledge that will truly complement my role as an Administrative Chef, in the acute care hospital where I am currently employed.  The well organized learning modules, support from the staff at CHA, and in particular, the very informative and positive experience of the Intramural week held in Ottawa, made this program a wonderful and invaluable learning experience."

Karen Smith
FSNM Graduate 2011

"The FSNM course offered through the Canadian Healthcare Association provided me with the knowledge necessary to effectively meet the nutritional needs of our residents and to maintain compliance within the LTCHA. Both the clinical aspects of the course and the practical experience have allowed me to become an educated resource for my department and to offer support for the entire care team. In my opinion, this program fully prepares students for success in the field of Nutrition Management. It was challenging, and also rewarding to have earned a recognized designation!"

Internet and E-mail Access

Students must have internet and e-mail access (either at home or at work) for communication with CHA Learning and their education consultants.

Course Outline

For the course outlines, click here: Year 1, Year 2.

Course Components

Year One

Year One has four compulsory components: eight home study units, 30 supervisory hours per month, a 75-hour field placement and a final examination.

The study units cover the following managerial concepts and administrative functions in a food service operation:

• Communications
• Human resources management
• Purchasing and inventory control
• Financial management
• Sanitation, safety and security
• Ensuring quality food service
• Food service systems
• Quantity food service

The field placement must be in a health care food service outside the student’s place of employment and supervised by a food manager or dietitian. The placement must be completed by the end of July.  

CHA Learning does not provide or arrange Workplace Safety and Insurance / Workers’ Compensation coverage. CHA strongly encourages students to purchase personal disability and critical injury insurance from their private home or renter insurance provider.

Year Two

Year Two has five compulsory components: eight home study units, 30 supervisory hours per month, a 75-hour practical nutrition experience, a five-day intramural session in Ottawa and a final examination.

The study units include the following topics:

• Human physiology
• Normal nutrition — nutrients
• Nutritional requirements and life cycle needs
• Menu planning
• Nutritional care
• Nutrition in weight management, diabetes, cancer and AIDS
• Nutritional management of G.I.disorders, surgery and supplemental feedings
• Nutritional management of heart disease, renal and gallbladder disorders and pancreatitis

The practical nutritional experience may be completed in the student's place of employment but it must be supervised by a dietitian.  The placement must be completed by the end of May.

CHA Learning does not provide or arrange Workplace Safety and Insurance / Workers’ Compensation coverage. CHA strongly encourages students to purchase personal disability and critical injury insurance from their private home or renter insurance provider.

Certificate

Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate in Food Service and Nutrition Management issued by the Canadian Healthcare Association.

Application

You may apply for the Food Service and Nutrition Management program if you:

• have a Canadian secondary school diploma (grade 12) or equivalent, or proof of completion of either a diploma or degree program from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution;
• are employed in food services a minimum of 50 hours a month; and
• are involved in, or can make arrangements to undertake supervisory activities / experience for at least 30 hours a month in a food service department.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they complete the required supervisory hours in their place of work or another facility. 

Success in the program requires good reading and writing skills. Applicants who are weak in these areas should upgrade these skills prior to applying for admission. All assignments must be word processed. No hand written submissions will be accepted.

Required Registration Documents

Click here to access a list of ALL required registration documents, which you must submit in order to apply to the FSNM program.  Prospective students must submit all required registration documents before their application is reviewed.  All required registration documents must be received by the application deadline date.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

A prospective FSNM student may apply for a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).  This review allows an assessor to determine whether prior learning gained through previous recognized courses, work and life experiences can meet the content or requirements of a program. For more information on PLAR click here.

Course Recognition

CSNM
Upon graduation, CHA FSNM students are eligible to apply for membership to the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM), the national professional organization for food service and nutrition managers in Canada.  For more information contact www.csnm.ca.

Athabasca University
Graduates of Food Service and Nutrition Management are eligible for a block of 18 credits toward the Bachelor of Health Administration degree at Athabasca University (www.athabascau.ca). Athabasca University is a publicly funded institution of the Province of Alberta that reports to the government through the Minister of Advanced Education and Career Development. It offers a wide range of programs through distance education.

CAEM
Graduates of the food service and nutrition management program receive 150 credit hours toward their Canadian Association of Environmental Management certification.

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Awards

For further questions regarding the Food Service and Nutrition Management Program contact learninginfo@cha.ca.