The popularity of shows like Kitchen Nightmares, Top Chef, and Hell’s Kitchen has driven people back into the kitchen and has made culinary school one of the coolest and most popular education choices in decades.

It’s not all risotto and fine glazes, however. Students are challenges to learn everything from the absolute basics, including ingredient choices, preparation, presentation, and simple kitchen skills, through to full out menu design planning, health and safety, management and financial skills.

Not everyone can become Chef Ramsay, but there is definitely some great career potential out there. Schools like Keystone Technical Institute offer Associate degrees for Culinary Arts Specialists.