Butcher School: List of Schools with Programs for Becoming a Butcher

Published Nov 10, 2009

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Every year Americans consume more than 200 pounds of meat and poultry per capita, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A certificate program in meat merchandising will prepare you for entry-level employment cutting and processing meat at a butcher shop, grocery store or warehouse, while an associate's degree curriculum covers all aspects of the meat processing industry, from farm to store shelf.

Butcher Certificate and Degree Program Details

Certificate in Meat Cutting

A certificate program in meat merchandising prepares individuals for entry-level employment in various phases of the meat processing and merchandising process. Students learn the skills needed to become professional butchers, including inspecting beef, lamb, pork, poultry and seafood, as well as the proper use of hand tools and power equipment for such tasks as slaughtering, chilling, aging and cutting. Other topics in the curriculum include food safety and sanitation, marketing and customer service. In addition to butcher or meat cutter, career opportunities include meat packer, slaughterer or deli counterperson.

Associate of Applied Science in Meat Processing and Food Safety

An associate's degree program in meat processing and food safety covers all aspects of the meat processing chain, from inspecting livestock to sausage-making. Students must complete general education requirements at the associate's degree level, as well as business-related courses such as bookkeeping and public speaking. However, most of the curriculum involves hands-on training in areas such as livestock processing, food safety and sanitation, carcass evaluation and specialty meat products. Graduates go on to find such job opportunities as meat cutters at large-scale meat and poultry producers, butchers at retail stores and government food inspectors.

Public and Private Non-Profit Schools with Butcher Certificate and Degree Programs

School NameInstitution TypeEnrollmentMailing AddressPhone Number
Hinds Community College2-year, Public10,151501 E. Main St., Raymond, MS 39154(601) 857-5261
Eastern Oklahoma State College2-year, Public1,9151301 W. Main St., Wilburton, OK 74578-4999(918) 465-2361
Maricopa Skill Center<2-year, Public5761245 E. Buckeye, Phoenix, AZ 85034-4101(602) 238-4300
Bridgerland Applied Technology College2-year, Public5511301 N. 600 West, Logan, UT 84321(435) 753-6780
Western Technology Center<2-year, Public469621 Sooner Dr., Burns Flat, OK 73624-1469(580) 562-3181

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