Health Care Cook at Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-01

Program overview

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Program overview

The Health Care Cook program is a vital training course designed to equip students with the necessary skills to prepare nutritious meals tailored to the dietary needs of patients and residents in various healthcare settings. This program emphasizes the importance of food safety, sanitation, and culinary skills specific to healthcare environments. Students will learn to create menus, prepare meals, and work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams to ensure that meals are both delicious and meet specific nutritional requirements. With the growing demand for skilled health care cooks, this program offers an exciting career path for those passionate about cooking and making a positive impact on people's lives.

Program structure

The Health Care Cook program is an intensive 34-week certificate program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Moose Jaw and Prince Albert campuses. The program structure includes:

Hands-on cooking skills combined with theoretical knowledge.
Experience in food safety and sanitation practices.
Training in nutrition and specialized diets.
Menu development and recipe standardization.
Cultural competency and kitchen operations.

Students will also engage in a work experience component, which is essential for graduation. This program does not offer part-time delivery options, but students can take preparatory courses before acceptance to help reduce their course load once enrolled.

Featured Experiences

The Health Care Cook program includes several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Hands-on cooking practice in real healthcare settings.
Collaboration with health care teams to understand patient needs.
Focus on food modification for therapeutic menus.
Development of cultural competency to cater to diverse populations.
Opportunity to learn about kitchen operations and professionalism in healthcare.

Career Options

Graduates of the Health Care Cook program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in the healthcare sector, including:

Hospital Cook: Prepares meals for patients in hospitals, ensuring dietary restrictions are met.
Dietary Cook: Specializes in creating meals that adhere to specific dietary guidelines for health conditions.
Institutional Cook: Works in long-term care facilities, providing nutritious meals for residents.
Head Cook: Oversees kitchen operations and manages meal preparation in healthcare settings.
Food Service Manager: Responsible for managing food service operations in healthcare institutions, ensuring quality and compliance with health regulations.

These roles not only offer the chance to work in a dynamic environment but also allow individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Saskatchewan Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-08-01

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Health Care Cook program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic has specific academic requirements for admission. Here are the key points:

Minimum Academic Qualification: Applicants must have completed Grade 12.
International Students:
- International students must ensure they have the required documentation to study in Canada.
- A co-op work permit is necessary for participation in the work experience component of the program.
Criminal Record Check: Admitted students are required to provide evidence of a Canadian Criminal Record Check before entering the work experience component. The cost of this check is the student's responsibility.
Alternative Admission: Applicants lacking the necessary academic qualifications may still be considered for admission if they can demonstrate probable success through an alternative admission assessment.
ACCUPLACER© Scores:
- Arithmetic: 250
- Reading: 237
Post-secondary Credits: Some applicants may meet the admission requirements using 15 approved post-secondary credits.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction and examination at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. If your first or primary language is not English, and/or your country is not exempt, you will need to provide evidence of having the English language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing necessary to be successful in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic program to which you are applying.

Saskatchewan students graduating from Fransaskois and French Immersion high school programs are not required to meet further English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.

For the Health Care Cook program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic Module: An overall band score of 7.0 with a 7.0 or higher in Speaking.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-based (iBt): A minimum overall score of 90 with minimum sub-scores of 20 in Reading and Writing, 26 in Speaking, and 22 in Listening.
Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST): A minimum score of 4.5 in each of Listening, Reading, and Writing and a score of 5.0 or higher in Speaking.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) and CAEL CE: A minimum score of 70 with a minimum sub-score of 70 in all components.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!