Often, when I share with someone that I am in school for nutrition, they assume I’ll be a Registered Dietician. To be fair, that is the more common, well-known route that most students take. In 2017, I completed my BS in Integrative Health Care & have always felt more aligned with the functional/integrative approach to health & well-being. That’s what led me to pursue my career as a Certified Nutrition Specialist.
To become a CNS…
One must complete a Master of Science in nutrition, pass a board exam, and complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical hours in a mentorship program. They are then board-certified by the Board of Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) under the American Nutrition Association (ANA). The CNS credential is the most advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners.
CNSs are whole food experts who practice nutrition therapy using an evidence-based, personalized approach to helping people optimize health, manage and prevent disease, and improve quality of life.
What is the difference between an RD & a CNS?
Depending on the state, they are largely the same. However, subtle differences in training give each designation their desired means of nutrition counseling. Both CNSs and RDs are food and nutrition experts, supporting people in their communities through the power of food lifestyle changes. As of 2024, the amount of education and means to board certification are virtually the same.
Certified Nutrition Specialist:
functional medicine path, “root” cause approach
found in private practice, integrative health centers, and community settings
personalized nutrition care plans, whole-person (stress and sleep support)
Registered Dietician:
conventional path
found in hospitals, outpatient, nursing homes, public health, and community settings
trained to support and utilize the USDA’s resources and federal nutrition guidelines
trained in parenteral nutrition
sometimes seek functional nutrition training post-graduation (the dark side (; )
Regardless of education and training type, they share a common goal, which is to guide others to better health and well-being. What matters at the end of the day is working with a healthcare professional that you trust, who connects with you, and who reminds you that you are your own most powerful healer.
[channel zucchini slippers, artist unknown]
Where I’m at now…
I have four courses left before I can take my board exam and start my mentorship. Beginning in August, I will essentially start “clinicals,” where I get the opportunity to begin nutrition counseling within an academic setting. I will be bringing on 10 “clients” for Initial Consultation appointments. If you’re interested in helping me complete this course & curious about what it looks like to work with a CNS, subscribe to my substack and reach out to me via the direct messaging system, my personal email (stevi.n.couch@gmail.com), or Instagram @sweetlike_stevia.
xo,
Stevi
Thank you for the repost love!