PITTSBORO - Central Carolina Community College has received full approval from the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals to offer a Nutritional Dietary Manager training program. The program will be offered at both the Chatham County Campus, in Pittsboro, and the Siler City Center.

The approval means that graduates of the program will be eligible for membership in the ANFP and can take its credentialing examination. Those passing the exam can use the title of certified dietary manager (CDM).

This NDM program trains students to provide optimal nutritional care through food service management in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, school cafeterias, restaurants, and similar locations.

Dietary managers work under the supervision of a dietitian. They supervise the purchase, production and distribution of food; train employees; assess and implement diet plans; and ensure their department's compliance with regulatory standards.

Employment in this field is projected to grow by 14 percent in the decade from 2008-2018. The median North Carolina hourly and annual wages are $12.14 per hour or $25,300 per year.

Applicants to the program must be at least 18 years old. Admission requires a high school or GED diploma. criminal record check and current health screenings.

The program consists of about 300 classroom/lab hours of which approximately half will be in the college's Natural Chef culinary arts program. For this portion of their studies, students will receive ServSafe certification.

The program also covers Health Care Readiness and Nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy. Students must score at level 4 on WorkKeys job skills assessments prior to entering the Nutrition and Medical Nutrition portion of the program.

Students currently or previously enrolled in the Natural Chef program are eligible to finish the rest of the requirements for the Nutritional Dietary Managers certificate.

NDM program classes are scheduled to start in July at the Siler City Center. Tuition scholarships are available for Chatham County residents.

For more information or to enroll, contact the college's Continuing Education Department at the Chatham Campus, (919) 545-8682 or (919) 545-8042.