Frequently Asked Questions
The Dietetic Technology Program at Cuyahoga Community College is no longer accepting new program applications and will be discontinued effective May 16, 2025.
Current program students must complete their dietetic technology courses by the end of Spring 2025.
How do I apply?
- Apply to Tri-C
- Apply to Health Careers
- Admission Requirements
- Upon program acceptance (and prior to beginning supervised practice or practicum), students must submit evidence of good health and required immunizations.
- A letter of acceptance is sent upon completion of admission requirements.
Is financial aid available?
Students can meet with a financial aid adviser to obtain information about various options including grants, scholarships, student loans and public benefits.
The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) also offers scholarships to help offset educational costs, including exam fees. Contact Student Financial Aid or visit anfponline.org for more information.
Dietetic Technology Associate Degree Program
How much does the associate degree program cost?
Tuition and Fees*
In-county: $124.54 per credit hour x 65 = $8095.10
Ohio Residents: $154.08 per credit hour x 65 = $10,015.20
Out-of-state: $291.19 per credit hour x 65 = $18,927.35
*Institutional and/or supplemental fees are applied automatically at registration for certain courses and are not reflected in the figures shown here.
Books and Supplies
Books: $2,367*
Uniform (shoes, program polo, lab coat): $110
Liability insurance and background check: $130 (Cost subject to change)
National registration exam: $120
Total estimated cost: (Ohio Residents) $10,822.10
*A list of books is provided in the Program Orientation. Significant savings are possible through use of e-books and rentals, when available. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) student membership allows purchase of AND-published resources at member cost.
Health Requirements: Costs vary depending on health insurance coverage. Lower cost options are available. Please contact the Program Director.
Dietary Management Certificate Program
What is a dietary manager?
Dietary managers are experts at managing dietary operations. Many work in nursing or rehab facilities, senior living communities or hospitals. Some work in correctional facilities, schools or the military. Others work for corporations. They are trained and qualified to manage menus, food purchasing and food preparation and to apply nutrition principles, document nutrition information, ensure food safety and manage work teams.
Is there a credential for dietary managers?
The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) offers a national certification program in dietary management called Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP). Individuals must pass a credentialing exam in order to achieve certification.
CDM, CFPPs are experts in foodservice operations management who have proven their competence in the areas of foodservice management, personnel and communication, nutrition, sanitation and safety, and business operations. Continuing professional education is required to maintain certified status.
What are the pathways available for a dietary manager?
Pathway I
For graduates of an ANFP-approved foodservice manager training program
Candidates must submit a certificate of course completion, and their name must appear on the official graduate list sent to ANFP by the school.
Pathway III(b)
For graduates of the classroom and online instructional portion of an ANFP-approved foodservice manager training program who also have two years of full-time non-commercial foodservice management work experience
Candidates must submit a certificate of course completion, and their name must appear on the official graduate list sent to ANFP by the school. They must also submit employment verification with their exam application.
What is the average salary for a dietary manager in Ohio?
The average full-time salary for dietary managers who participated in the 2018 ANFP Salary and Benefit survey is $49,512. Dietary managers with the CDM, CFPP credential earn more than those without. Visit anfponline.org for more information.
What employment opportunities are there for a dietary manager?
Dietary managers work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, correctional facilities and other non-commercial foodservice settings.
How long does the Dietary Management certificate take to complete?
The Dietary Manager certificate program is two semesters in length. It’s designed for those currently working in a health care foodservice operation. During the second semester, students must complete a field experience (150 hours minimum) at their worksite. A registered dietitian nutritionist directly supervises 25 of the 27 nutrition-related field experience hours and coordinates the entire 150 hours.
Dietary management courses are generally available during daytime hours, and some have online options. Students may choose to enroll in the program on a part-time basis; however, it will take them longer than one year to complete requirements.
Do dietetic technology/dietary management courses at Tri-C transfer to four-year institutions?
If a bachelor’s degree is your educational goal, you can take advantage of Tri-C’s partnerships with four-year colleges and universities that allow students to continue their education with significant cost savings. Contact the Transfer Center for more information.
How much does the Dietary Management certificate cost?
Tuition and Fees *
In-county: $124.54 x 31 credit hours = $3,860.74
Out-of-county: $154.08 x 31 credit hours = $4,776.48
Out-of-state: $291.19 x 31 credit hours = $ ,026.89
Books and Supplies
Books: $1,000*
Uniform (shoes, program polo, lab coat): $110
Liability insurance: $150
National registration exam: $399
Total estimated cost: (Ohio Residents) $5,510.74
*Estimates subject to change. Significant savings are possible through use of e-books and rentals, when available.