Careers in Nutrition Science: Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

The diverse nature of the nutrition field provides a variety of educational routes and career options for students to consider. One such example is the growing demand for nutrition professionals within foodservice management, specialty dining, and senior care.

What Is a Certified Dietary Manager?

The nationally recognized credential for nutrition and foodservice professionals is Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM^®, CFPP^®). The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP^®) describes a CDM, CFPP’s role as providing “quality nutritional care in a variety of non-commercial settings” and performing “a myriad of specialized tasks and roles within a foodservice operation.”

CDM, CFPP Certification and Education Requirements

Purdue Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program can be customized to meet the educational prerequisites for the CDM, CFPP Exam as outlined by the ANFP and overseen by the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM). This credentialing agency “is responsible for establishing and upholding policies for and administration of the CBDM Certification Program and the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam.”

Students who earn their bachelor's in nutrition from Purdue Global and successfully complete Food Service Management – Principles and Practices may qualify to apply for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam through the eligibility Pathway II. Pathway II is for graduates of a college degree program majoring in nutrition or food service management and requires graduates to submit official transcripts along with the exam application. Transcripts should include at least one nutrition course and two courses focused on foodservice management. The Certifying Board for Dietary Managers will evaluate the material submitted for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam and determine eligibility at the time of application.

Completing the BS in nutrition program, along with Food Service Management – Principles and Practices, can help students prepare for the CDM, CFPP Credentialing Exam as well as meet the transcript requirements for Pathway II. Earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and a subsequent specialized credential, such as the CDM, CFPP, can open up rewarding employment opportunities.

Certified Dietary Manager Jobs

Combining the CDM, CFPP certification with a bachelor’s in nutrition can bolster the job application and interview process. The comprehensive nutrition education provided within a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program can prepare students to apply their nutrition knowledge and skills in a variety of work environments.

Gaining in-depth nutrition knowledge related to health care diet orders can specifically benefit health care foodservice operations. Extensive education in therapeutic patient diets can be used to “increase employee morale and motivation, which may help decrease the higher turnover rate associated with hourly patient meal-prep positions” (Puckett, 2018). If employees are trained about the why behind specific dietary restrictions (e.g., low-sodium diets), then they can understand how the specific meal restrictions are an important part of the patient’s overall health plan and possible outcomes.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of food service managers is projected to increase 2% from 2023 to 2033. Those with several years of work experience and a college degree in nutrition or foodservice management will have the best job opportunities. To gain related work experience before graduating, it’s recommended to apply for a part-time position within a health care foodservice company. If this isn’t feasible, then volunteer experience may be a more realistic option. This could be through a food service-related nonprofit, food and nutrition outreach, or a nutrition or agriculture co-op. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) partners with many local food banks, soup kitchens, and nutrition outreach organizations that are in need of qualified and motivated volunteers.

Below are six examples of the types of jobs that may be associated with the CDM, CFPP certification:

1. Patient Services Manager (PSM)

A PSM generally works in a food and nutrition department. The patient services manager — or the assistant patient services manager — is typically in charge of hiring, training, and managing hourly employees who prepare patient meal trays. Patient services managers who hold a CDM, CFPP certification and a bachelor’s degree in nutrition can apply their extensive nutrition education to help train and educate patient tray-line employees regarding therapeutic hospital diet orders. PSMs develop rotating patient menus, assist in inventory management and budgets, handle specialty oral nutrition supplement orders, negotiate contracts, and provide formulary choices for nutrition supplements. These positions are typically available through specific health care foodservice contract companies.

2. Health Center Nutrition Manager

Health center nutrition managers act as a liaison on behalf of the patient to discuss specific patient nutrition and dietary needs with various members of the health care team. Health center nutrition managers oversee nutrition education programs and manage preparation of specialized patient meals. Positions such as these are becoming more common as an increasing percentage of the aging population is interested in specialty long-term care or retirement options. Facilities that hire such nutrition managers may classify themselves as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

3. Director and Assistant Director of Food and Nutrition Services

This position generally requires multiple years of experience within the foodservice industry. Positions can be associated with hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and assisted living facilities. These positions are typically available through specific health care food service contract companies.

4. Corporate Catering/Specialty Nutrition Dining Manager

Large businesses that offer their employees generous benefit packages and wellness promotion plans may have onsite dining options. These companies want to encourage healthy eating among their employees not only to save on employee insurance premium costs but also to boost employee morale. CDM, CFPPs can fully manage and operate various foodservice operations (cafeterias, restaurants, cafes, coffee/snack carts, and catering options) to offer healthy food options for employees. Additionally, CDM, CFPPs can design unique menus based on employee health goals or interests.

5. Director of Dining Services

The director of dining services is responsible for the oversight of daily foodservice operations for a facility. This position requires management and leadership experience. This role encompasses a wide range of duties — such as designing, directing, and performing safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs — within the foodservice facility. A dining services director plays a role in menu development, cost-control measures, and ensuring the service of high-quality food. This position is typically associated with institutions within the healthcare industry as well as private-sector companies with on-site dining facilities.

6. Dietary Manager

A dietary manager works in a wide variety of settings, including facilities in the healthcare, educational, correctional, and private-sector industries. Dietary managers aid in the development of personalized meal plans for patients, clients, and customers under the supervision of a nutrition professional to ensure specific nutritional needs are met. A dietary manager is responsible for monitoring food safety, inventory, and budgets. They also apply knowledge of nutrition principles to assist in recording nutrition information and planning menus for patients, clients, or customers.

Become a Certified Dietary Manager

If you’re interested in certified dietary manager careers, earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition can help. Purdue Global offers an online degree program with multiple start dates so you can have flexibility in your education, work, and life schedules. Request more information today.