Marion Technical College offers a 600-hour Baking and Pastry Arts program at its extension campus in Ocala. It lists weekday daytime classes and publishes separate 2026–27 estimates for Florida residents and nonresidents.
The program is a focused technical route for students who can attend full-time during the day. Its admissions page provides more detail than many program listings, including information session and transcript requirements.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Marion Technical College |
| Location | Ocala, Florida; extension campus |
| Credential | Baking and Pastry Arts career certificate |
| Length | 600 clock hours |
| Schedule | Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3:10 p.m. |
| 2026–27 resident estimate | $3,531.88 |
| 2026–27 nonresident estimate | $8,793.88 |
Curriculum and Training
The college’s program page describes hands-on preparation, presentation, and service of baked goods and desserts. It also names food safety, leadership, communication, and workplace practices.
The page highlights basic pastry skills, health and safety, and teamwork but does not show a complete course-by-course outline. Ask the department for the 600-hour master plan, any occupational completion points, and the specific products students make.
Schedule and Campus
Marion lists daytime classes Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. The Baking and Pastry Arts program is at the extension campus, 1614 East Fort King Street in Ocala, while the main administrative campus has a different address.
Students should confirm the next start date and the number of weeks required to reach 600 hours. The schedule may be difficult to combine with a standard weekday job, so ask about attendance rules before enrolling.
Tuition and Program Costs
Marion publishes a 2026–27 estimated total of $3,531.88 for Florida residents and $8,793.88 for nonresidents. The school warns that cost can vary with start date and schedule and that fees may change.
Review the school’s linked full cost sheet to see the latest breakdown for books, uniforms, lab materials, and testing. Ask admissions for a personal estimate if you may qualify for residency, financial aid, or another funding source.
Admissions and Basic Skills
Applicants age 16 or older may apply and must participate in an information session. The school recommends a standard high school diploma or GED and asks for a high school transcript. General college admissions procedures also apply.
A Basic Skills Exam may be required by the sixth week of class. Marion says the exam does not determine initial acceptance. Submit official high school, GED, or college transcripts before the start date so the school can review possible exemptions.
Career Planning
This certificate may prepare students for bakery, restaurant, hotel, resort, and other foodservice work. The school lists examples of employers and a broad wage range, but that range spans jobs with different experience levels. It should not be treated as an expected starting salary for graduates.
Students interested in continuing to an associate degree should ask whether Marion’s credits or training hours articulate to a Florida college and obtain written transfer terms.
Questions to Ask Marion Tech
- When is the next daytime cohort and how long does it run?
- What does the $3,531.88 resident estimate include?
- Are any uniforms, tools, or certification fees extra?
- Do my transcripts exempt me from basic skills testing?
- Is there an articulation agreement for this program?
Related Programs
Program details and prices can change. Confirm current requirements and costs with the school before applying.