Online Dietary Manager Certification and Degree Program Information

Dietary managers receive training in basic nutritional principles, menu management, food preparation and food safety. Online certificate programs are designed to prepare individuals for the national Dietary Manager Association (DMA) certification. Although rare, other educational opportunities are also available through online associate degree programs.

Overview of an Online Dietary Manager Certificate Program

Online dietary manager certificate programs provide students with specialized knowledge and experience in nutrition therapy, food production, human resource management and sanitation. Students learn to provide quality nutritional services and gain an understanding for food procurement, personal management and food safety. Upon completion of a dietary manager certificate program, individuals are eligible to take the national credentialing exam administered by the Dietary Managers Association (DMA). Students considering this type of online program may look for programs that are approved by the DMA.

Program Information

An online certificate program for dietary manager typically takes 8-12 months to complete. The program consists of traditional online coursework accompanied by approximately 150-200 hours of field experience. Students are required to arrange and complete the field experience component in a local hospital or healthcare facility under the supervision of a registered dietician mentor. Lesson modules are conducted online through reading assignments, self-study and competency exams. Courses are usually self-paced and can be completed at a time that is convenient for the student.

Common Coursework for an Online Dietary Manager Certificate Program

An online dietary manager program is typically offered as a single course that focuses on five main areas of study and is then broken down into separate content modules. Areas of study usually include sanitation and safety, foodservice management, human resource management and nutrition.

Food Safety Course

Students learn proper purchasing, storage, handling and preparation practices in this online class. Factors which cause food borne illnesses are also discussed.

Food Service Management Course

This course covers the contemporary management theories related to meal planning, institutional food service, recipe development, staffing and food production. Quality improvement and evaluation of service are emphasized.

Nutrition Course

Basic nutrition principles are covered, including techniques for achieving the optimal diet for health and fitness. Distance learning students also become familiar with the changing nutritional needs that occur throughout the lifecycle.

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Overview of an Online Dietary Manager Associate Degree Program

An online dietary manager associate degree program prepares individuals to find employment within a variety of food service management settings. This type of program can also provide advanced education for Certified Dietary Managers (CDMs) who have previously completed an online certificate program. This associate degree program also provides the knowledge base needed to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree within the field. The online curriculum includes courses in nutrition therapy, sanitation, human resources management and food services management. Professionals who have received dietary management training through another program, such as a certificate program from another education institution, can often submit documentation and receive transcript credits towards associate degree requirements.

Program Information

Online dietary manager associate degree programs require approximately 72 credits hours and incorporate courses in general education topics while focusing on dietary management content areas. Although most of the coursework can be completed online, the dietary manager degree program typically requires a number of field experiences in sanitation, food systems management, nutrition and human resource management. Students are typically responsible for arranging their own field experiences at approved facilities; these are conducted under the supervision of a CDM or registered dietician. A dietary manager associate degree program usually takes at least two years to complete.

Common Online Coursework for an Dietary Manager Associate Degree Program

Common coursework for an online dietary management associate degree program incorporates basic sciences, such as biology, chemistry and general psychology, with course content that provides in-depth knowledge in key areas relevant to performing the main duties of a dietary manager. In addition to the courses outlined below, course topics include sanitation, management of food systems and basic nutrition.

Nutrition Therapy Course

This online course provides an in-depth overview of nutrition therapy concepts, procedures and principals. Topics include basic nutritional guidelines, modified diets, nutrient intake calculation, physicians' orders and nutrition screening. State and federal regulations are also covered.

Human Resources Management Course

Students learn to manage employee schedules, conduct interviews, complete performance appraisals and provide professional development opportunities. Other topics include discipline actions, federal regulations, human resource policy and ethics.

Anatomy and Physiology Course

Online instruction covers the organization of the body and its major systems, including the muscular, sensory, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Other areas of study include electrolyte and acid-base balance, metabolism and the digestive system.

Career and Information

Dietary managers work closely with registered dieticians to meet the nutritional needs of patients and residents in healthcare settings. Most dietary managers can find employment as managers of food services and operations in a variety of facilities, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted-living institutions and food service contract companies. Dietary managers are also needed in correctional facilities, military bases, schools and corporate food service. According to the DMA, the fastest-growing segment within the field is elder care (www.dmaonline.org). The DMA also reported that as of 2006, the average full-time salary for dietary managers was $40,374, with those that have earned the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) credential, earning more than those professionals who have not.
Although the CDM and CFPP credentials are voluntary, the DMA reports that most employers prefer to hire individuals with certification. Certification is achieved by earning a passing score on the national credentialing exam that covers ten key areas of dietary operations, including sanitation and safety, nutritional education, nutrition data, food services and staff supervision. In order to maintain the CDM and CFPP credential, individuals must complete 45 hours of continuing education every three years.