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Where Culinary Expertise Meets Nutritional Science
APPLIED CULINARY NUTRITION
APPLIED CULINARY NUTRITION
Why Culinary Medicine? Why Brightwater?
Diet-related chronic disease is one of the most significant health challenges facing our country. Culinary professionals are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution — and Brightwater is committed to building that bridge. Through our licensed partnership with the Health Meets Food curriculum from the Academy of Culinary Medicine, we deliver nationally recognized, evidence-based programming grounded in real culinary skill.
Whether you're earning your first credential or deepening an established career, Brightwater is your partner in culinary wellness.
Elevate your Culinary Wellness Career
At Brightwater, we believe food is one of the most powerful tools for human health. Through our Culinary Wellness programs, we're training the next generation of food professionals, supporting working culinary pros, and engaging our broader community — all through the lens of culinary medicine. Whether you're a student, a seasoned chef, or a healthcare partner, there's a pathway for you.
Our Pathways
Integrated Culinary Wellness Curriculum
Brightwater's culinary arts program goes beyond technique. Culinary wellness is woven directly into our credit curriculum, giving students real-world knowledge of how food intersects with health.
Our Culinary Nutrition I and II courses provides foundational nutrition education and allows students to engage with the nationally recognized Health Meets Food curriculum — the same evidence-based coursework used by culinary medicine programs across the country. Students who complete the required coursework and capstone project will be eligible to sit for the Certified Culinary Medicine Professional (CCMP) national exam, earning a credential that sets them apart in the workforce.
This integrated approach means students don't have to choose between culinary excellence and health expertise — they can graduate with both.
CCMP Certification Program
Already working in food service? Brightwater offers a condensed, non-credit pathway to the CCMP credential designed specifically for culinary professionals ready to deepen their impact.
Through our Community CCMP Program, participants work through the complete Health Meets Food curriculum in an accessible format — combining online learning with hands-on modules in our teaching kitchens. Upon completion of the Foundational and Intermediate courses and capstone project, you'll be eligible to sit for the national CCMP exam.
Who is this for? Working chefs, foodservice directors, healthcare facility cooks, dietary managers, and food industry professionals with qualifying experience or credentials. See full eligibility requirements here.
Foundational Course
Aug 21 - Oct 2, 2026 | $875
Covers the core science of culinary medicine: macronutrients, anti-inflammatory diets,
recipe modification, chronic disease prevention, and more.
Intermediate Course & Capstone
Oct 9 - Nov 20, 2026 | $1,075
Dives deeper into therapeutic diets, advanced menu planning, and real-world application.
Complete Certification Pathway
Aug 21 - Nov 20, 2026 | $1,695
Complete the educational pathway toward becoming a Certified Culinary Medicine Professional
(CCMP) while saving 10%.
Extending Culinary Wellness Beyond Our Programs
Certification is just one way we work at the intersection of food and health. Brightwater actively brings culinary medicine to our community through:
Hands-on, accessible demos that translate nutrition science into everyday cooking skills — for audiences of all backgrounds and experience levels.
We partner with local healthcare facilities to bring culinary medicine directly to clinical teams, helping providers better understand and communicate the role of food in patient health.
Brightwater is proud to partner with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to support their culinary medicine elective for medical students. Future physicians get hands-on kitchen experience that prepares them to counsel patients on food and nutrition with confidence.
From public workshops to health fairs, we bring the principles of culinary medicine into the community — meeting people where they are and making healthy cooking approachable and delicious.
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Events? Join our mailing list here.
CCMP Eligibility Requirements
At least one of the eligibility requirements listed below must be met to register.
Current American Culinary Federation designation and member in good standing.
Graduation from an accredited culinary program. A copy of certificate/diploma must accompany application.
Currently employed at a healthcare facility; assisted living, independent living, long-term acute care hospital, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, or hospital.
Currently employed in any food service establishment with three (3) years of experience. Proof of employment and a copy of your resume must accompany application.
Currently credentialed as a certified dietary manager by the CBDM. A copy of current certification must accompany application.
Currently employed by USDA extension. Proof of current job position and description must accompany application.
Have questions or need more information?