CERTIFIED NUTRITION SPECIALIST

"Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food" ~ Hippocrates

How is the Certified Nutrition Specialist's approach different?

The Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential represents the pinnacle of personalized nutrition practice. CNS practitioners focus on addressing the root causes of health conditions by combining science-based nutrition therapy with a holistic approach tailored to the unique needs of individuals and communities.

Our approach to nutrition is one which seeks to build a healthy, loving relationship to food. Our on-staff Nutritionst can assess nutritional needs and tailor nutrition therapy and counseling to meet each patient’s individual goals and concerns, while working alongside Naturopathic Doctors to allow the body to heal through the transformative power of food and proactive healthcare. This relationship provides each patients a care team, right out the gate.

objectives

What sets a Certified Nutrition Specialist apart from other types of Nutritionists

Personalized Care Model: The CNS integrates advanced assessment tools, including functional lab testing, nutrigenomics, and comprehensive health history reviews, to develop individualized nutrition plans.
Root-Cause Focus: CNS professionals emphasize uncovering underlying health imbalances to optimize overall wellness rather than simply addressing symptoms.
Integrative Collaboration: CNS practitioners collaborate with healthcare teams, using evidence-based nutrition strategies to complement medical care.

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goals

Core Strengths of a CNS Practice

Holistic Approach: Incorporates the mind-body connection, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences into nutrition care.

Advanced Tools: Utilizes cutting-edge science, such as microbiome analysis and functional diagnostics, to guide interventions.

Tailored Interventions: Recommends specific dietary changes, nutraceuticals, and lifestyle modifications based on individual needs.

4 YearsThe length of time to complete a didactic program of dietetics (DPD), resulting in a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition

1200 HoursThe minimum number of practice hours in food system management, community nutrition, and clinical nutrition

75 HoursThe amount of continuing education that must be obtained every 5 years to stay up to date on current knowledge

Course of Study

Macronutrient Utilization
Micronutrient Utilization
Nutrition Over the Lifecycle
Maternal and Infant Nutrition
Counseling Techniques
Motivational Interviewing
Advanced Metabolism
Food Systems Management
Community and Population Nutrition
Cultural Aspects of Nutrition
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Organic chemistry

Additional Certifications Specific to Registered Dietitian-Nutritionists

Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)
Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)
Certified Specialist in Oncology (CSO)
Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM)
Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian (CEDRD)

Credentialing

Registered Dietitian-Nutritionists (RDNs) are held to the highest standards in our education of clinical nutrition.

RDNs must complete a 4-year didactic program of dietetics (DPD) resulting in a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
RDNs must complete a yearlong Dietetic Internship consisting of a minimum 1200 practice hours in food system management, community nutrition, and clinical nutrition
As of 2024, all RDNs will be required to complete a Master of Science before being able to apply for a Dietetic Internship
RDNs must pass the Registered Dietitian Exam by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
Each state has different regulations to obtain state licensure, which must be maintained every year
RDNs must complete 75 hours of continued education every 5 years (15 hours per year)