Master Butcher Certificate Program

Want to start a rewarding new career in the meat industry?
Already working in a butcher shop but want to expand your skills?
Dream of starting your own meat processing business?

The new Master Butcher Certificate Program at BMCC will help you achieve these goals and more.

Interested, Yet?

This program was designed in collaboration with meat processing experts and the input of the Northwest Meat Processors Association to equip you with the basic understanding of humane animal slaughter, carcass dressing, muscle identification, and quality butchery of the main livestock species.

This new certificate program will feature three levels, beginning with:

Level 1: Basic Butchery. The first level course begins in March 2025 and goes for 12 weeks. To accommodate working adults and those who don’t live near BMCC campus, we are offering these courses in a hybrid format. Some of the learning will take place online from the comfort of your home. Some of the learning will require you to spend a weekend at BMCC.

Levels 2: (Food Safety & Quality) and 3 (Meat Entrepreneurship & Management) will be offered during the 2025-2026 school year.

The Master Butcher Certificate Program is a non-credit community education program, meaning you do not have to be an enrolled college student. A maximum of 15 students shall be admitted and basic eligibility requirements must be met.

Basic Eligibility

Must be 18 years old at the start of the program
Received a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Currently works in the meat industry or has a strong desire to work in the industry
Has some experience being around or handling livestock

Level 1 Certificate: Basic Butchery

12 weeks long, March 10- June 2^nd, 2025

Online component:

Range Meat Academy Meat Clerk program (15-20 hours)
Range Meat Academy Meat Cutter program (40-60 hours)
Food Handlers License (depending on their state)

4 in-person weekend 2-day long workshops held at the BMCC campus in Pendleton, OR

Humane Animal Handling & Slaughter, March 22-23
Beef Butchery, April 12-13
Pork Butchery, May 3-4
Lamb/Goat Butchery, May 24-25

Must attend 3 of the 4 weekends to obtain the Level 1 certificate. Workshops #1 and #2 are required. To obtain your certificate of completion, must finish all online course work, attend at least 3 of the 4 weekend workshops, pass a written test, and break one side of beef, pork, or lamb/goat in the presence of a trainer.

Registration Fee

Registration Fee: $1,500 (please factor in travel costs to Pendleton, OR for 4 weekends as well)

Scholarships of $500-1,000 available to all who apply. Just answer the scholarship questions on the registration form to be considered.

Apply

APPLY NOW

Deadline to apply is February 10^th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed the week of Feb. 17^th and invitation to participate will be sent out by Feb. 24^th. All payments must be received by March 7^th to enroll.

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