About which program?
Professional Chef Program
Here are some answers to some of our most common questions about our Professional Program.
How long is the program?
The classroom portion of the program is 680 hours which is about 6 months. Students have an additional six months to complete a self paced 160 hour externship and 60 hours of assisting. The evening and weekend program is nine months of classroom with an additional 6 months to complete externship and assisting.
What are the hours of the program?
Class schedules for the Winter and Summer start dates are Monday – Thursday 8am -12pm and 1pm-4pm. Friday 9am-12pm.
Class schedules for the Spring and Fall start dates are Monday – Thursday 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm. Friday 9am-12pm.
Do you have resources for helping a student find an externship?
Yes! We have a full time student services coordinator that will assist you in finding an externship of your choice.
What are the assisting hours?
After you complete the classroom segment of the program, you will have the opportunity to assist for future programs, public classes, and school sponsored events. This is a great way to reinforce concepts and skills that you learned in your class time. Sometimes it is even fun!
Do you offer financing or Federal Financial Aid?
We offer three payment plans and scholarships are available. We do not participate in FAFSA. See our Tuition Schedule to find out more.
Do you accept the GI Bill?
We are now approved for use of veterans benefits.
Do you provide housing?
There is no campus housing provided by the school. However, we do have in-house support that will guide you in the right direction. We also have resources that we can we refer you to.
Do you accept international students?
Yes! We accept international students. We are SEVP/SEVIS certified and provide accepted and qualified students an I-20 to obtain an M1 Visa.
Do you have scholarships available?
Yes, we offer many scholarships for qualified candidates.
Do you have a patisserie program?
No, but we do offer an excellent health supportive baking and pastry course as part of the professional curriculum. For those who would like to only attend the baking course, you may do so through an Immersion Course.
I see that you use dairy and eggs. I am a strict vegan, do I have to handle the products?
No, you do not need to handle or eat anything that you have an allergy, intolerance, or aversion towards. We do not require that you handle or eat eggs and dairy. We do require that you sit in on the classes and actively look for ways to learn and create alternatives. Our expectation is that students understand and embrace the realities of employment and the specific skills required of working culinary professionals.
Do I choose which cuisine I want to take?
To complete and become certified through the Professional Chef Training Program, you will study each of the five Healing Cuisines. Additionally, the professional certification includes coursework in Health Supportive Baking, The Science of Plant-based Nutrition, Current Issues in Food, and Business Practices.
Is your program accredited? Do you get a certificate or a diploma upon completion of the program?
The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Colleges. You will receive a chef certificate upon completion.
Immersion Courses
Here are some answers to some of our most common questions about our Immersion Courses.
How long are Immersion Courses?
The courses range from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the subject matter. Please reference the course page for specifics or Contact Us.
What are the hours of Immersion Courses?
Class schedules are either Monday – Thursday 8am -12pm and 1pm-4pm or 9am-12pm and 1pm -5pm, then Friday 9am-12pm. Please reference the course page for specifics or Contact Us.
What will I learn in this program?
The topics learned depends on the course selected. This immersive style of hands-on instruction allows individuals to take their culinary journey, personally and professionally, to the next level. Please reference the course page for specifics or Contact Us.
Who should apply for the program?
The ideal candidates for this program are students who have a strong desire to learn, a passion for food, and commitment to wellness.
Are there any prerequisites for Immersion Courses?
A ServSafe Certification (food handling license) is required, and Natural Epicurean can assist students with acquiring this certification. Previous professional culinary experience is not required.
Do I need any special tools or kitchen equipment?
As part of the course, we will provide you with a Natural Epicurean Chef’s Knife Kit and a set with a Natural Epicurean Chef’s Coat and pants. You’ll need to pick up a pair of non-slick chef shoes, and we can help point you in the right direction for that.
How much do Immersion Courses cost?
Immersion Courses cost between $2500 and $5000 depending on the course selected. Please reference the course page for specifics or Contact Us.
Do you provide housing?
There is no campus housing provided by the school. If you are one of the many coming in from outside Austin, we have housing resources to which we can refer you.
Will I get credit towards the Professional Program?
Yes, each Immersion Course participant studies with the students currently in the Professional Chef Training Program. If the Immersion Course participant enrolls in the Professional Program within a year of attending, the cost and time spent studying that course module is credited towards the hours and tuition.
Public Classes
Here are some answers to some of our most common questions about our Public Classes.
Where are the classes held?
Classes offered in Austin Texas are held at our Professional Culinary Academy located at 1700 S. Lamar Blvd. Suite 316, Austin, TX 78704.
How many people are in each class?
Because we are a boutique school with limited seating, our classes are limited to a maximum of 14 participants.
Do I need to have any prior cooking knowledge?
Absolutely not! All you need is an eagerness to learn. Our classes are led in a collaborative environment with recipes and tasks that can be adapted to any skill level.
Do I need to bring anything?
We’ll provide you with everything you need: knives, aprons, recipes, etc. We only ask that you wear pants and close-toed shoes and refrain from wearing jewelry.
What are the age restrictions?
We kindly ask that all guests under 16 years old are accompanied by an adult.
What is the cancellation policy on classes?
Classes are non-refundable. Cancellations received 7 days prior to class date are eligible for a class transfer credit. We reserves the right to cancel any program at anytime with a full refund issued. Please contact the school if you have any questions.
