When starting a culinary arts career in Nashville, Tennessee, it is essential to select the best training program. This is necessary not only to facilitate immediate career opportunities but also to ensure long-lasting success in any chosen specialty area.
The very best training programs also equip candidates with the skills they need to survive in both a technical environment and the business side of the profession. For this reason, we have provided a comprehensive list below exploring the best and most prominent culinary arts programs in and around Nashville, Tennessee.
We also briefly discuss the general requirements necessary to enter the profession in the first place.
How to Become a Chef in Nashville
Having a high school diploma or a GED is considered the first step to becoming a chef, as it is sometimes required to secure admission into a training program. The main part of the journey, however, is to receive training, either by attending a formal institution (earning a certificate or an associate’s degree) or by receiving training “on the job.”
The most common approach is to combine formal education with on-the-job training through an internship.
Ultimately, after completing their training, chefs in Nashville can enhance their careers by pursuing certification. The American Culinary Federation is the prominent authority in this regard, and it has several top-quality credentials for candidates to consider.
Top Culinary Arts Schools in Nashville, Tennessee
All the entries below offer amazing training arrangements for future chefs in Nashville.
Nashville State Community College
Nashville, TN Campus + Online
Nashville State Community College boasts the Randy Raymond School of Culinary Arts, where candidates can prepare for careers as chefs or in other industry positions. The school offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate, depending on the duration of their training.
Tuition
$4,726 per YearContact
(615) 916-5872
CulinaryArts@nscc.edu
Nossi College of Art Design
Nashville, TN Campus Only
At Nossi College of Art and Design, prospective chefs in Nashville can complete an associate degree program in six semesters (approximately 24 months) and launch their careers on a strong foundation. Accepted applicants also receive extensive preparation for possible certification examinations.
Tuition
$40,200 per ProgramContact
(615) 514-2787
ChefRussell@nossi.edu
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN Campus Only
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers a culinary certificate program that can be completed in 8 weeks and includes 200 hours of instruction. The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation recognizes the program.
Tuition
$6,249 per ProgramContact
(865) 974-0150
professionaled@utk.edu
Walters State Community College
Sevierville, TN Campus Only
Walters State Community College is home to the Maples Institute for Culinary Arts, located at the school's Walters State Sevier County campus. The institute boasts a modern kitchen, a bakery, a demonstration kitchen, and a dining room.
Tuition
$185 - $726 per CreditContact
(865) 774-5800
senatorscentral@ws.edu
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Memphis, TN Campus Only
Southwest Tennessee Community College's Culinary Institute, situated in the Fulton Building on the Macon Cove Campus, features a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a modern kitchen, classrooms, and catering services.
Tuition
$5,041 - $17,911 per YearContact
(901) 333-4096
sleake@southwest.tn.edu
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN Campus Only
Graduates of the culinary arts program at the University of Memphis, particularly those from the Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute, are typically experts in a range of culinary techniques.
Tuition
$447 - $646 per CreditContact
(901) 678-5055
KWCI@memphis.edu
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: