Career Pathways

Transferability

Transferring courses

A number of program food service theory courses are transferable to university, specifically to the Food Nutrition and Health major at UBC. Some of the recommended support courses are also transferable. Please refer to www.bctransferguide.ca or consult with Langara College’s Counselling Department for details.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is available for students with related food service experience. First year flexible assessment courses are available after assessment by the Department.

Graduates of baccalaureate programs in nutrition or dietetics, may enter the program for the fourth, fifth and sixth terms provided that they meet the requirement for experience in the food service industry. Upon approval, a block transfer credit of 27 credits is applied to the transcript and the student is required to complete 35 credits from the program. A diploma in Nutrition and Food Service Management will be granted. All graduates will then be eligible for membership in the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management and regional associations.

Transferring the program

Students who complete Langara's Nutrition and Food Service Management Diploma will now be eligible to block transfer into the third year of Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management or Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainability and International Business programs. Students must complete the diploma, including FMGT 1116 course and meet all other additional requirements (per the program admission requirements listed for the BBA and or BCom on the Royal Roads University website) including meeting any GPA or work experience requirement for the program that they intend to apply to. Entrance to all programs at Royal Roads is on a competitive basis and is dependent on space availability within the program at the time of applying.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Nutrition and Food Service Management (NFSM) Program are qualified for a career in food service management. The program is accredited by the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM) and graduates are also eligible for membership in the national and related provincial association. This membership is required in the BC Residential Care Act, to take on the position of Food Service Supervisor, Food Service Manager or Support Service Manager in Health Care Facilities.

Program graduates succeed

The Nutrition and Food Service Management Program prepares graduates for employment in health-care facilities, commercial catering services, educational facilities, school districts, private practice, education, and research.

Within these fields, the changing health-care scene offers new opportunities for graduates and job prospects remain positive.

Our graduates become supervisors and managers who:

  • purchase supplies and maintain large inventories
  • manage food service operations: production and service areas
  • train staff
  • plan and implement regular and therapeutic menus - diet technician role

This program does not allow you to train as a dietitian.

Professional Organizations

Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM)

The national professional organization, CSMN was founded in 1965 with the objective to ensure high standards of training for its members and to ensure quality of food service to the public. The CSNM establishes the competencies for entry-level nutrition managers and accredits programs across Canada. Langara’s Nutrition and Food Service Management is accredited by CSNM.

After three years, members may apply to become a Certified Nutrition Manager (CNM). This higher level of membership is achieved by completing a personal data form and completing an examination based on higher-level management skills. Successful completion entitles the member to use the CNM designation after their name. This designation represents a higher level of achievement to the employer and increases the graduate’s employability when applying for work.

Pacific Society of Nutrition Managers (PSNM)

Pacific Society of Nutrition Managers keeps provincial members in touch with each other through their e-mail connection and meetings. Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at various facilities and venues around the Lower Mainland. Meetings often feature speakers and supplier presentations. The minutes are e-mailed to the membership. If members have an employment opportunity or question, it can be sent out to other members via e-mail. PSNM is developing an ongoing relationship with Langara College by offering student memberships for a low fee and the opportunity to attend PSNM workshops at no charge.

Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals (CAFP)

This association is national with branches across Canada. It supports the personal and professional growth of members who include foodservice buyers, operators, and suppliers. Membership in the junior branch at Langara provides opportunities to network with industry leaders, colleagues, and friends; education opportunities including seminars, tours, monthly meetings, and an annual national conference; and opportunities to pursue career prospects through business contacts and resources.

Junior branch members organize events as well as get involved at the monthly branch meetings. Members also have opportunities to apply for regional and national bursaries and scholarships.

FoodSafe

FoodSafe is a BC Food Handler’s certificate. It can be completed in a classroom setting or online. There are two levels of FoodSafe – Basic and Advanced. FoodSafe 1 or Basic is required for admission to the Nutrition and Food Service Management Program. Proof of completion of FoodSafe2 or Advanced is needed in one of the second year courses. FoodSafe certificates expire every five years - those received prior to July 31 are valid until July 31 of the following year.