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Where Culinary Expertise Meets Nutritional Science
FOOD AS WELLNESS

Where Culinary Expertise Meets Nutritional Science
FOOD AS WELLNESS

Elevate your Culinary Wellness Career

Become a Certified Culinary Medicine Professional (CCMP) and revolutionize the way you approach food and health. Our innovative certification program, offered through Health Meets Food, is designed to empower foodservice professionals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to transform menus and recipes into powerful tools for wellness.

The CCMP program combines the art of culinary technique with the science of nutrition, providing a deep understanding of how food influences health and wellness. Participants will learn how to create nutrient-dense, flavorful meals that promote overall well-being, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support long-term health. By integrating evidence-based nutritional principles into everyday cooking, you will gain the expertise to craft healthier, more balanced dishes that align with modern health trends and dietary needs.

With hands-on training and expert guidance, the CCMP program equips you with practical strategies to make impactful changes to your food offerings, helping you become a leader in the growing field of culinary medicine.

Upon successful completion of the Foundational and Intermediate courses, along with the capstone project, participants will be eligible to sit for the CCMP certification exam.

 

Key Benefits

Description

Enhanced Knowledge and Skills

Deepen your understanding of the latest research in nutrition science and learn how to apply it to culinary practices.

Description

Improved Meal Quality


Elevate your culinary skills and create delicious, nutritious meals that cater to diverse dietary needs.

Description

Targeted Chronic Disease Prevention

Develop expertise in designing menus and recipes that address diet-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

 

 

Foundational Course

April 3 – May 8, 2026

$800

Begin your transformative journey to becoming a Certified Culinary Medicine Professional.

This foundational course will provide you with a solid understanding of the principles of culinary medicine, including the science of food, nutrition and chronic disease prevention.

 

 

Curriculum

Our hybrid curriculum combines the convenience of online learning with hands-on experience in our teaching kitchens. Through 25 credit hours of coursework and completion of the 10 hands-on modules listed below, you’ll develop a strong foundation in culinary medicine and its real-world applications.

*These credit hours apply to the Health Meets Food CCMP curriculum and are not affiliated with or equivalent to credit hours from Northwest Arkansas Community College.

  • Introduction to Culinary Medicine
  • Macronutrients 
  • Select Micronutrients 
  • The Gastrointestinal Tract: Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism
  • Recipe Modification
  • Calorie and Nutrient Density: Plant-Forward Cuisine 
  • Anti-inflammatory Diet
  • Food Allergy and Intolerance
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Obesity & Weight Management

 

Click to Register

 

 

Intermediate Course & Capstone Project

Coming soon - Fall 2026

$1000

Building upon the foundational knowledge, the intermediate course delves deeper into advanced culinary techniques, therapeutic diets and menu planning for various health conditions. The capstone project will allow you to apply your learning to a real-world scenario, solidifying your skills and expertise.

 

Coming Soon

 

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.