How to Be Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 4, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Earning the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential is an important step for professionals in the food service industry. This certification demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of nutrition, food service management, and safety, which can lead to higher wages, increased job opportunities, and improved job satisfaction. With the CDM credential, dietitians and nutritionists can demonstrate their expertise to employers and clients and build their resumes.

having a CDM credential can lead to better job security since employers know that they are hiring a qualified and knowledgeable individual. Furthermore, the ability to stay up-to-date on the latest nutrition guidelines and regulations ensures that professionals are able to provide the best possible nutrition care to their patients.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), you must earn a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, food service management or a related field.
Complete an Accredited Internship Program. You must also complete an accredited internship program in dietetics or food service management. This will provide you with the experience and knowledge necessary to become a CDM.
Pass the National Exam. After completing your education and internship program, you will need to take and pass the national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Obtain State Certification. In addition to the national exam, you may also need to obtain state certification depending on the state in which you will be working.
Maintain your Certification. Once you have become a Certified Dietary Manager, it is important to maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses and/or participating in professional development activities.

In order to stay ahead and capable as a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), it is important to stay up to date on the latest nutrition science and dietary trends. Keeping abreast of changes in the field can be achieved by staying involved in professional organizations and taking continuing education courses. having a good understanding of food service management, health and safety regulations, and nutrition standards will help you stay ahead and capable as a CDM.

Being able to effectively manage personnel and resources is also essential for success. With the right knowledge and skills, a CDM can ensure that their clients are receiving the best possible nutritional care.

You may want to check Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) for alternative.

Job Description

Developing and implementing nutrition-related policies and procedures in accordance with applicable regulations.
Evaluating the nutritional status of patients and residents and developing individualized nutrition care plans.
Overseeing the preparation and service of food in accordance with established standards, regulations, and sanitation procedures.
Monitoring food production, storage, and sanitation practices to ensure that they meet all applicable standards.
Developing menus that meet the nutritional needs of patients and residents.
Supervising dietary staff and coordinating their work assignments.
Investigating and resolving complaints related to food service and nutrition.
Ensuring that all food products are stored, prepared, and served in accordance with applicable regulations.
Assisting in the development of budgets for food service operations.
Developing educational materials for staff and patients on nutrition-related topics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of food production and service
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition
Ability to plan and implement menus
Ability to manage personnel
Ability to work within a budget
Ability to purchase and order food and supplies
Ability to evaluate and monitor food production and service
Knowledge of food service regulations
Knowledge of relevant computer systems and applications
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, vendors, and customers

The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is an important role in the healthcare industry that requires a set of specialized skills and knowledge. Communication is the most important skill for a CDM to have, as they are often responsible for communicating with both patients and staff in the healthcare setting. Effective communication skills include being able to listen, empathize, and provide accurate information.

Other essential skills for a CDM include organizational skills, problem solving, and the ability to multi-task. Having knowledge of food safety and nutrition is also essential, as CDMs are responsible for creating and maintaining safe, nutritious meal plans for their patients. CDMs have to have the ability to work with limited resources and a budget in order to provide their patients with the best care possible.

All of these skills are necessary for a successful CDM, as they work to ensure that their patients receive the best nutritional care possible.

Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the dietary management field?
How have you managed menu planning and food production in previous roles?
What food safety protocols have you implemented in your past roles?
How do you ensure regulatory compliance in your dietary management role?
How have you managed challenges related to dietary restrictions for patients?
What strategies do you employ to ensure nutrition standards are met?
How do you handle customer complaints and resolve disputes with dietary staff?
How do you develop a budget for food service and manage expenses?
What methods do you use to motivate and train dietary staff?
How do you keep up with changes in the dietary management field?

Common Tools in Industry

Menu Planning Software. Allows for the easy creation of nutritious, cost-effective meal plans. (eg: eMenuPlanner)
Nutrition Analysis Software. Analyzes the nutrient content of a given recipe or meal. (eg: Nutritionist Pro)
Food Costing Software. Calculates the food cost of a given menu item or recipe. (eg: MenuCostPro)
Kitchen Management Software. Helps to streamline and manage the day-to-day operations of a kitchen. (eg: ChefTec)
Inventory Management Software. Tracks food inventory to ensure that all ingredients are available. (eg: Compeat Inventory)
Food Safety Software. Ensures that all foods are handled according to safety guidelines. (eg: FoodSafetyPro)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA)
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
Healthcare Foodservice Management Association (HFMA)
Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)
National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS)
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
American Culinary Federation (ACF)

We also have Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Nutrition Care Process (NCP). A systematic approach for delivering high-quality nutrition care to individuals, groups and communities.
Nutrition Assessment. The systematic process of collecting, organizing, and interpreting information to determine the nutritional needs of an individual.
Nutrition Diagnosis. The identification of a problem or condition resulting from inadequate or inappropriate nutrition.
Nutrition Intervention. A planned program that is designed to modify or improve a persons nutrition status.
Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation. The systematic collection and analysis of data to assess the effectiveness of a nutrition intervention.
Nutrition Education. The process of teaching people how to make informed decisions about food choices and lifestyle behaviors in order to promote health and prevent disease.
Food Service Management. The application of foodservice management principles to the planning, organizing, and controlling of foodservice operations.
Menu Planning. The process of creating menus that meet the nutritional needs of an individual or group.
Food Safety and Sanitation. The practice of preventing food-borne illnesses through proper hygiene, sanitation, and storage procedures.
Quality Assurance. A system of procedures used to ensure that food products meet established standards for safety, quality, and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)?

A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a professional who specializes in the management of foodservice operations in healthcare and institutional settings.

What qualifications are needed to become a CDM?

To become a CDM, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a minimum of 450 hours of supervised work experience in a foodservice setting, and pass a nationally accredited certification exam.

What are the benefits of becoming a CDM?

Becoming a CDM allows one to gain expertise in the areas of nutrition, menu planning, food safety, and personnel management. It also provides the opportunity to advance in their career and potentially earn higher salaries.

How much does a CDM earn?

The average salary of a CDM is approximately $50,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

What is the job outlook for CDMs?

The job outlook for CDMs is positive, with an expected growth of 14% over the next decade.

Web Resources

Online Certified Dietary Manager Certification - University of und.edu
Certified Dietary Manager Program - LaGuardia Community College www.laguardia.edu
Certified Dietary Manager | Community College of Denver www.ccd.edu