Menu
Apply to Program

Please note:

​This program is no longer accepting new applicants. If you are currently enrolled in the program, please contact an OntarioLearn Team Member about plans for completion.

About the program

The food service worker is an essential member of the long-term care interdisciplinary team, delivering quality nutrition care and service in a health-care environment. Those currently employed in hospitals, institutions, special-care homes and integrated-care facilities will benefit from this Ontario College certificate. Areas to be covered include customer service, safe food-handling techniques, safety, nutrition, communication, food and beverage preparation and service. Completion of the program will provide you with Food Safety, Smart Serve certification and 40 hours of field placement. This program is mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for all staff employed in the position of food service worker in long-term care dietary environments.

Note: this program has online equivalent credits. Please go to www.conestogac.on.ca/dl for information about the OntarioLearn online courses.

Program information

All course must be completed within 3 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older.

Note re: admission requirements

  • Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in the English language.

Admission procedures

  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates will be certified to work in entry level positions in commercial kitchens, long term care homes and daycares as well as quick service outlets.

On average, 87% of graduates from the last three years (2018 to 2020) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Apply the principles of human nutrition to select food that meets the requirements of various health care environments.
  • Develop oral, written and computer skills to professionally communicate, collaborate and verify information with interdisciplinary teams and clients. .
  • Contribute to the quality of care of clients using interpersonal skills that meet relevant customer service standards.
  • Apply knowledge of health care food service systems to adhere to departmental and industry best practices.
  • Apply food preparation and service principles and techniques within the food service worker's scope of practice to support the goals of quality foodservice.
  • Adhere to government and departmental regulations relating to food safety, injury and hazard prevention in order to provide a safe and healthy foodservice environment.
  • Apply appropriate portion and cost control techniques to meet the budget requirements of a health care foodservice department.
  • Apply the standards and principles of diet therapy to select and serve therapeutic meals that meet the needs of various health conditions

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
UpcomingRegistrations

Mark your calendar for our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Fall registration: Opens July 24, 2023
Winter registration: Opens November 27, 2023