FAQ

Where will this program take me in my career?
The Ministry of Health and Algonquin College designed the food service worker program for students who wanted to become dietary aides in long-term care, retirement, or hospitals. It is now mandatory for long-term care homes to hire candidates who have their food service workers.

How many courses are there in the program? Is a specific order of the courses?
There are six courses that are 7 – 10 weeks in length as well as the field placement of 30 hours at the end of the program. The first course that is the prerequisite for all the other courses is the Role of the Food Service Worker; you will also need to take Nutrition 1 before taking Nutrition 2. You can choose additional courses alongside the Role of the Food Service Worker if you are already registered.

The program courses within the program include:

FOD5107 Nutrition – Part 1
FOD5108 Nutrition – Part 2
FOD5109 Communication/Customer Service
FOD5110 Role of the Food Service Worker
FOD5111 Food Preparation and Production
FOD5112 Sanitation and Safety for Food Service Worker
HLT6810 Field Placement

Do I have to pay for the whole program when I start?
You only pay for the courses you have registered for each term.

How do I register?
You can register online under the course you selected, or by phone to the Registrar’s Office Phone: 613-727-4723 or 613-727-0002, Toll-Free: 1-800-565-4723.

When are classes held?
Classes can be scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 7 to 10 pm for the theory classes and Sunday morning from 9 am to 1:30 pm for the in-class kitchen lab.

Is there a field placement?
Yes. In addition to getting a taste of your career in a long-term care home, students gain industry contacts and real-life experience through a mandatory 30 hours of field placements at the end of the program.

Do I have to have Emergency First Aid with Heart Saver Certificate – St. John Ambulance Standard?
No, the Emergency First Aid with Heart Saver Certificate – St. John Ambulance Standard is recommended for students going into healthcare, this is not required for this program.

Do I need to buy a computer?
Your learning experience is enhanced using online and mobile technologies in and out of the classroom, allowing you to work with course materials and participate in collaborative learning environments. You will require a PC laptop with the specifications found here.