Culinary Arts

Program Statement

The Culinary Arts program provides students with the opportunity to develop the practical skills and the theoretical knowledge needed to work in the food service/hospitality fields in a variety of entry level and advanced positions in food preparation or the front of the house.

Program Information

This program offers students the opportunity to develop strong communications, organizational, and critical thinking skills, as well as practical preparation for entry into the growing food service industry.

• Applicants must attend a New Student Information Session
• Prior to being considered for admission, students must complete the College Placement Exams (or be exempt).
• All courses are taught by experienced chef instructors and/or food service industry professionals.

Successful completion of this program requires participants to be able to demonstrate practical cooking skills required to work successfully in a professional kitchen.

High School Articulation Credit

Students graduating from area high schools and vocational/technical centers who participate in the College Tech-Prep program, maintain a grade of “B” or better and have the recommendation of their Culinary Arts instructor can obtain credit for certain introductory level culinary courses depending upon the articulation agreements between their school and Bristol Community College. 

Additional Costs

Students are responsible for the costs of their uniforms, kitchen and bakeshop tools, and texts.

Essential Functions

• Standing for long periods of time (4 to 10 hours) during a normally protracted class and work day.
• Working in a kitchen environment where the temperature can exceed ambient temperature.
• Lifting and moving heavy weight (such as wait-trays, small equipment, and institutional size supplies - 25-50 lbs.)
• Sufficient communication skills to allow for successful interaction between the students and the public.
• Sufficient mobility and motor coordination to complete assigned tasks in the kitchen and dining room in a safe, efficient manner according to acceptable industry standards.
• Ability to learn and apply the body of knowledge necessary to meet the program curriculum and successfully enter the food service profession.

Special Requirements 

To successfully complete the program, students should have their own transportation and should limit outside work commitments. Students must be available to work at required Culinary Arts functions.

After Bristol

Graduates can work in the kitchens, dining rooms, or bakeshops of a wide variety of establishments, from small local restaurants to large international organizations and can also transfer for further study to four-year colleges, including Johnson and Wales University.  Speak to the Department Chair for more information.