Dietary Manager
Serving Up Career Options in the Food Service Industry
Our Dietary Manager program prepares you to lead food and nutrition services in healthcare facilities, schools and long-term care settings. This online program can be completed in as little as one semester, making it perfect for busy professionals. You'll learn essential skills in nutrition science, food safety, menu planning, staff management and budgeting specific to institutional settings. Our graduates become certified dietary managers ready to oversee food service operations while ensuring proper nutrition for patients, residents and students. This program is ideal for those passionate about serving others through quality food service management in non-commercial organizations.
PROGRAM GOALS
Comprehensive Nutrition Science Knowledge
You will master fundamental nutrition principles including nutrients, digestion, absorption and metabolism throughout the human lifecycle. This knowledge forms the foundation for making informed decisions about food service and nutrition programs in healthcare settings.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Expertise
You will develop specialized skills in medical nutrition therapy practices, learning to work effectively with healthcare teams, conduct nutrition screening and education, and plan appropriate supplemental feedings for patients with specific medical needs.
Food Service Operations Management
You will learn to manage all aspects of food production operations, including menu planning, food safety protocols, staff supervision and budget management while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in institutional settings.
Dietary Manager
Certificate
Locations: Online
The Dietary Manager program prepares students to take leadership roles in food service operations in healthcare and long-term care facilities as well as schools. Students learn to implement nutritional programs, manage food service staff, ensure compliance with health regulations, control costs, and coordinate with registered dietitians.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$2,000
CREDIT HOURS
12
PROGRAM LENGTH
1 Term
SCHEDULE
Full-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring / Summer
WHY SCC?
Can I complete a Dietary Manager program while working full-time?
Our Dietary Manager program is completed entirely online, giving you the flexibility you need to balance your education with work and personal commitments.
What kind of practical experience will I get in the Dietary Manager program?
You'll gain valuable real-world experience through our Certified Dietary Manager cooperative experience at healthcare sites. Students complete a minimum of 150 field experience hours working alongside professionals in dietary environments. This includes 50 precepted hours with supervision from Registered Dietitians and other certified professionals, giving you practical skills that employers value.
Who teaches in the Dietary Manager program?
Our Dietary Manager courses are taught by registered dietitians with years of industry experience. SCC's instructors bring real case studies to the classroom to prepare students for a variety of situations they'll encounter in their careers. This real-world expertise ensures you're learning from professionals who understand the field.
How long does it take to complete the Dietary Manager program?
Our program is designed for efficiency and can be completed in as little as one semester. This accelerated timeline helps you enter the workforce quickly while still providing comprehensive training in nutrition, food safety, and management skills needed for success.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Certified Dietary Manager
Oversees food service operations in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or schools. Responsible for menu planning, food preparation, staff supervision, budget management and ensuring nutritional standards are met for patients or residents.
Food Service Director
Manages comprehensive food service programs in hospitals, long-term care facilities or educational institutions. Coordinates dietary operations, develops nutrition policies, manages staff and ensures compliance with health regulations and dietary guidelines.
Clinical Nutrition Assistant
Supports registered dietitians in healthcare settings by helping with nutrition assessments, patient education, meal planning and documentation. Works directly with patients to implement dietary plans and monitor nutritional progress.
Next Steps
Program Chair
Additional Resources
- Accreditation
- Health Statement (PDF)
- Immunization Waiver Form (PDF)
- Essential Functions (PDF)
- CPR Training
The Dietary Manager program is approved by:
Students are eligible for ANFP Pre-Professional membership; graduates are eligible to apply for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam and ANFP Professional membership.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
States where licensure or certification requirements are met by this program’s curriculum – Nebraska. Please go to the Certifying Board for Dietary Managerswebsite for more information about other states. Students who successfully complete this program may sit for the nationally recognized CDM® Credentialing Exam offered through the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM). Other States may have additional educational requirements, and SCC has not made a determination of whether or not this program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements of any other State.
How did the New Regulations Impact Food and Nutrition Services?