The Nutrition and Food Service Management department was founded in 1966 and is currently home to both the Nutrition and Food Service Management Diploma Program, and the Associate of Science Degree in Dietetics. We also offer Post-Baccalaureate Upgrading for International Dietitians, for applicants who have completed the intial self-assessment application process to the College of Dietitians of British Columbia (CDBC).
The primary goal of the department is to provide students with the education and training needed for careers in food service management, with a strong focus on nutrition and the healthcare sector. The faculty specializes in the administration of food and support services for healthcare facilities, as well as nutrition, and are recognized for their practical experience in these areas.
The department is unique in BC in that it offers a fully online Nutrition and Food Service Management Program. All nutrition and food service courses are taught by Registered Dietitians with specialized knowledge in their subject areas. The majority of these food service theory courses are university-transferable and can be used in the prerequisite years for the dietetics degree program at UBC. Several second year courses transfer to third and fourth year at UBC and can be used for academic upgrading, or to meet upper-level degree program elective requirements.
Many arts and science students also opt to take nutrition and food service courses as electives. Nutrition and Sports Nutrition are some of the most popular
online and university-transferable courses within the department.
The department works in cooperation with industry professionals to keep program content current and relevant, reflecting the ongoing changes in healthcare systems and regulations as well as other areas of the food service industry. Graduates work in supervision and management roles, such as Food Service Supervisor and Diet Technician, in large food service operations. Others secure positions as Support Service Managers in long term care settings.
These same industry professionals serve on the Nutrition and Food Service Management Program’s advisory committee and meet at least once a year. Members of the committee represent professional organizations such as the CSNM, the Pacific Society of Nutrition Managers (PSNM), the College of Dietitians of British Columbia (CDBC), the University of British Columbia (UBC), the Canadian Association of Food Service Professionals (CAFP), as well as recent graduates of the program.
Langara graduates are in demand both in BC and across Canada. Graduates are eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM). In October 2011, the diploma program achieved a full, five-year accreditation, meaning it meets 100% of the required CSNM accreditation standards.
