Student Experience
What to Expect
Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Food and Nutrition Management program.
AC’s Food and Nutrition Management program has received a 5-year Accreditation award, the highest award possible, from the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM). This gives our graduating students the highest level of certification in the field of Nutrition Management, offering the competitive edge needed for career success.
Success Stories and Testimonials
“I graduated from the Food and Nutrition Management Program in October 2024. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management in China before I came to Canada to take this program as an international student. The Food and Nutrition Management program is different from the traditional nutritionist career that people might imagine. This one-year program builds on students’ culinary and hospitality skills, providing the knowledge and real-world experience needed to work in the lucrative health care sector of the food services industry. I found this interdisciplinary program to be a good fit for students like me who have a background in hospitality and food services but lack a strong background in biochemistry.
The main employment opportunities are in the dining departments of long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and hospitals, typically in supervisor roles. The program includes a five-week placement opportunity, with the Program Coordinator recommending and introducing many opportunities. For example, I secured a field placement at The Ottawa Hospital through this program and was able to stay on as a Food Service Supervisor after completing my placement. Currently, there are many job opportunities in retirement or long-term care centers. As far as I know, the starting salary for a Food Service Supervisor is approximately CAD $30 per hour. Some of my classmates have chosen to work in food processing companies or manage food courts.”
– Xiaoxi, Graduate, Food Services Supervisor, The Ottawa Hospital
“The Food and Nutrition Management program at Algonquin College gave me a great set of tools to work with once I got into food services in health care. The lectures given by professors were clear and concise and often provided real life examples to connect what we were learning that day to it’s application in the workplace. The professors were great at sticking around after class to answer questions, to provide feedback and give advice for our future careers.
Thanks to the program, I was able to land a co-op opportunity with CHEO Food and Nutrition Services and I am happy to say that I was able to succeed quickly as a co-op student and was hired as a result of the training and experience I received at Algonquin College.”
– Christopher Dennison, Graduate, Food and Nutrition Services Supervisor, CHEO
“As a graduate of the Food and Nutrition Management program, I can confidently say that this program has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the Healthcare sector.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to engage with professionals and completed a field placement that provided real world experience. Professors were exceptionally knowledgeable and supportive. I’m grateful for the solid foundation that I gained from this program.”
– Durga Bhavani Katta, Graduate, Patient Service Supervisor, Royal Ottawa Hospital (ROH)
“Algonquin College’s Food and Nutrition Management program built on the skills I developed in Culinary Management and gave me the necessary knowledge and networking opportunities to achieve a successful, rewarding, and well-paying career in the healthcare sector as a Food Service Supervisor for two hospitals in Ottawa.”
– Stephen Veaudry, Graduate, Supervisor, Foodservices, Queensway-Carleton Hospital & Bruyere Continuing Care
Work-Integrated Learning
During your time in the Food and Nutrition Management program, you’ll gain real-world experience during 175 hours of field placement, where you participate in the supervision of food and nutrition services. Most placements take place in a long-term or other health care facility. Make valuable connections with the opportunity to leave a lasting impression.