Top 5 Culinary Schools ~ USA & Canada

Ever wonder how chefs create those delectable menus in some of the most sought-after restaurants? If you've ever asked the waiter for a recipe while dining in your favorite eatery, maybe you have what it takes to become a chef yourself! Here are the top 5 culinary schools to help you get on track towards a new career.

5. Liaison College ~ Ontario, Canada
Founded in 1996, Liaison College of Culinary Arts is the largest trainer of cooks and chefs in Ontario, Canada. They offer Cook Basic Diploma, Cook Advanced Diploma, Hospitality Administration, Red Seal Preparation, and Personal Chef Diploma programs. The Basic Cook Diploma program lasts for 15 weeks and provides hands-on and in-class theory training in classic culinary techniques. Classes are held Monday through Friday, in the morning or afternoon. Weekend and evening classes may also be available. And since all of the instructors are Master Chefs, the knowledge gained in these courses is second-to-none. Liaison College is a proud member of the Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks, the Canadian Chef Educators Association, the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Women in Food Industry Management (WFIM.) and Cuisine Canada. The college also offers Career Action Plan Services (CAPS) to guide their graduates into launching their careers. The lifetime benefits of CAPS include career counseling and job search techniques, resume preparation assistance, interview preparation and techniques, job directory and job placement assistance, course refresher privileges, course fee discounts, and membership in the Alumni Association. For more information regarding classes and cost, visit their website at www.liaisoncollege.com.

4. Sullivan University ~ Louisville, KY
With seven different programs offered, ranging from a Professional Baker Diploma (9 months) to Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management (36 months,) Sullivan University offers a head start in the fast-paced, competitive world of culinary arts. Sullivan's Graduate Employment Services will match their graduates with the right career for their abilities. They boast a 99% placement rate and offer financial assistance, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Company reimbursement plans are also accepted. Students have described their instructors as mentors, coaches, even friends. The small class size seems to be a big hit, ensuring more one-on-one training for those who need it. The programs include 5 bake shops, a bakery, cafeteria and a catering service, over 40 classrooms, 7 computer labs, 13 Food Production Kitchens, a demonstration lab, gourmet dining room, garden, student lounge and library, and a 3-month program at L'Ecole, a fine dining restaurant open to the public. Apartment-style housing is also included. Sullivan has several Culinary Certified Teachers, and their credentials include the American Culinary Federation, American Dietetic Association, and eleven others. For more information, visit their website at www.culinary-careers.org/sullivan-university.html.

3. Johnson & Wales University ~ Providence, RI; North Miami, FL; Denver, CO; Charlotte, NC
J&W is more than just a cooking school. Their hands-on approach in real-life kitchens make it different than the rest. They pride themselves on their professional educators and administrators, who offer feedback regularly as their students practice their techniques. J&W provides extensive culinary career education with a full university experience. Majors include two-year Associate Degrees in Baking & Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts, while the 4-year Bachelor's Degree includes those and culinary nutrition, food marketing, food service entrepreneurship, and food service management. Last year, J&W was awarded more than $60 million in institutional aid. Students can apply for scholarships, grants and loans if cost is an issue. There are many payment plans to choose from, and applying is easy! For more information, visit their website at http://culinary.jwu.edu/.

2. Texas Culinary Academy ~ Austin, TX
Everything is bigger in Texas? Indeed. At TCA's Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, students will learn everything from basic cooking skills, to butchering, to purchasing and cost control. They offer Le Cordon Bleu degree and certificate programs, and pride themselves on an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect. Students can choose between a Culinary Arts program, which teaches classic cooking techniques, food preparation, nutrition and sanitation, and the Patisserie & Baking program, which will prepare graduates for entry-level positions as pastry chefs in prominent restaurants or catering services. Both programs encourage student creativity and individuality while cultivating their own personal style. Anyone interested in culinary arts can apply, from the high school graduate to a working cook looking to further his education or delve into a more refined career. And although the school does not offer on-campus housing, they do assist in locating convenient housing in the Austin area. Financial aid and career placement assistance is available as well. For more information, visit their website at www.tca.edu.

1. The Culinary Institute of America ~ Hyde Park, NY
Described as "A rare, well-done education," the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) offers a multi-faceted education, from basic techniques to management theories to international cuisines to interpersonal skills. Students will spend more than 1,300 hours in the kitchen, preparing them for an 18-week externship in more than 1,600 CIA-approved establishments to fine-tune their culinary skills. The Associate's Degree programs are 21 months long, excluding a paid externship between their freshman and sophomore years. The Bachelor's Degree programs are 38 months long, including the paid externship between freshman and sophomore year as well as a food and wine seminar in California after the junior year. The student-to-instructor ratio is 18:1, which is ideal during the baking and hands-on cooking courses. And because the training is so involved, classes are offered on a full-time schedule. There are a wide variety of scholarships (need- and merit-based) available, such as the Cream of the Crop and Alumni Referral. Prospective students are encouraged to apply. Approximately 92% of CIA students receive financial aid, so don't assume you won't be eligible! Founded in 1946, CIA was proud to celebrate their 60th anniversary in May 2006, a stellar accomplishment for such a prestigious culinary college. For more information, visit their website at www.ciachef.edu.

Whether you're a working chef, just starting out, or looking for a career change, there are many culinary schools to help you along the way. A career in culinary arts can open doors you never thought possible ~ head chef at an exclusive restaurant, wedding cake designer, personal chef to the stars. And with the financial aid and scholarships available, the dream may be within your reach. The demand for professionally trained chefs has grown considerably in the last few years, and as it continues to grow, a skilled chef will be one of the top ten occupations.

Do you have what it takes? It's time to find out.