A certified nutrition specialist (CNS) has the highest credential a nutritionist can get.
As a CNS, you'll practice real health care by treating the whole person and creating personalized nutrition plans for individuals.
CNS credentials are issued by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS), part of the American Nutrition Association (ANA).
Becoming a Certified Nutrition Specialist
Keep reading if you want to know more about what goes into becoming a CNS and how you can get started down this career path.
Background and Skills
Certified nutrition specialists are passionate about people's health and wellbeing and want to assist people in living better lives.
Because of the scientific nature of a CNS's work, they have to be observant and have great attention to detail.
You'll also need an analytical mind to accurately assess a client's condition and design a nutrition plan for them.
A CNS also needs to have great communication skills so they can talk both to clients and to other healthcare professionals.
Job Duties
CNSs primarily work with individual clients to help them meet their health goals with individualized nutrition plans.
On any given workday, a CNS might:
- meet with new or existing clients
- design and implement personalized meal and food plans
- monitor client progress and provide feedback on client progress
- educate clients and family members on nutrition
- consult with other healthcare professionals about the nutritional needs of clients
Some CNSs are also actively involved in research, education, and scholarship in the nutrition field.
Work Environment
Most CNSs work in clinics and hospitals, although a good many are in private practice in their own offices.
A CNS might also work for the government, nonprofit organizations, school systems, or other institutions.
Some CNSs rotate between several different facilities. They usually work full-time but may have pretty flexible hours.
Some evening and weekend work might be necessary so a CNS can adequately meet their client's needs.
Specializations
Beyond the CNS credential, there are numerous other board certifications that can enhance your standing as a nutrition professional.
Some of these certifications are:
- Certified Nutrition Coach
- Certified Clinical Nutritionist
- Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
CNSs who choose to pursue additional certifications might also choose more advanced education.
Many CNSs who work in government and community food service programs have additional education in social work or social services.
Registered Dietitian or CNS
A lot of people may be confused about the difference between a registered dietitian (RD) and a CNS.
The reality is that their work does overlap in a lot of ways. A CNS is more likely to work on a broad scale than to work directly with individuals.
The CNS credential certifies nutritionists to work in academia and research as well as for community-wide initiatives.
A registered dietitian, on the other hand, works almost solely with individual clients who have medically restricted diets.
If you're interested in becoming a certified nutrition specialist, we've included a step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor's Degree
You could get a bachelor's degree in nutrition, but many CNSs get their bachelor's degree in a related discipline, such as biology.
Your bachelor's degree program of study will likely reflect your specific interests within the field of nutrition.
For example, if you wanted to work with high-performance athletes, you might pursue a bachelor's degree in kinesthesiology.
Be sure to take as many nutrition and science courses as you can. These will prepare you well for the certification exam.
Step 2: Pursue State Licensure
Some states require nutrition practitioners to be licensed after they've graduated with a bachelor's degree.
In other states, you don't actually need a license until after you've become a CNS.
Your undergraduate advisor will have more information on the type of licensure required by the state where you want to work.
If licensure is required, it usually involves passing a written exam as well as a criminal background check.
Step 3: Earn Your Master's Degree
Many CNSs have a master's degree in nutrition. But a specific nutrition degree isn't required to get certification.
As long as you have a master's or doctorate in a related field and have taken qualifying nutrition courses, you're eligible.
Some CNSs have been to medical school and chose later on in their career to focus on nutrition.
To satisfy the education requirement for certification, you must have completed classes in the following areas:
- nutrition
- biochemistry
- physiology or anatomy
- chemistry
- organic chemistry
- botany
Step 4: Complete 1,000 Hours of Supervised Practice
The CNS credential requires at least 1,000 hours of practice before you're eligible to sit for the certification exam.
While your work must be supervised, it can be from virtually any type of facility or institution.
This amount of supervised work typically takes at least a year or two to complete. This includes lots of hands-on training and feedback.
Supervised practice might also include some classroom activities or additional education beyond practical training.
Step 4: Apply for Certification
Once you've finished at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice and have at least a master's degree, you're eligible for certification.
Before you earn certification, you must take and pass the certification exam offered by BCNS.
The examinations are held twice a year, in April and October, at hundreds of testing centers across the country.
Along with your exam application, you must submit your transcripts, resume, and two letters of recommendation.
Learn About Becoming a Certified Nutrition Specialist Today
Earn a master's degree to become eligible for the CNS credential, the most advanced nutrition credential available.
