What is a Certified Nutritionist?
Training and Licensing
I completed my nutritional educational requirements at the American Health Science University and the National Institute of Nutritional Education’s Professional Certification Program and received the designation Certified Nutritionist.
The Certified Nutritionist designation is awarded to those professionals who have completed a two year college level, six course, proctored examination program which includes studies in the areas of: Public Health and Wellness, Anatomy and Physiology, Normal Nutrition, Contemporary Clinical Nutrition, Alternative Therapies, Assessory Nutrients, Practice Management and Case Studies.
After completion of the Certified Nutritionist Program, all graduates are required to apply for and keep up with a Private CN License each year. Every year continuing education requirements must be met.
A CN license is a private license and is differentiated from a state license. The CN license is a private license giving permission to utilize the CN designation and is used throughout the United States and abroad.
The license concept was originally established in 1995 to help the public find professionals in nutrition counseling who are keeping their research and educational standards current as opposed to those individuals who had received a CN designation and had done nothing to further their research and education.
As a professional, it is imperative to be able to offer the value of continuing professional education to better serve my clients, customers and the general public. Nutrition is an ever changing science and research is constantly uncovering new information.
Roles and Technical Expertise
Individuals who have earned the CN designation - a federal servicemark - have the technical expertise to effectively analyze client needs and develop comprehensive nutrition and lifestyle plans.
As a professional practitioner trained to provide individual and group nutritional education and counseling services, a certified nutritionist may:
- Evaluate food selection, preparation and intake.
- Assess client to determine nutritional imbalance or systemic weaknesses.
- Counsel clients and provide educational material to assist them in understanding the nature of the imbalance or area of weakness, defining goals, and developing realistic nutrition action plans.
- Work with clients to design targeted nutritional and lifestyle programs that may include the use of specific foods, menu planning, environmental controls, food preparation techniques, dietary supplements, herbs, and/or lifestyle modifications that will support the achievement of their health goals.
- Guide clients in implementing programs, provide education about various aspects of the program, and offer ongoing assessment and program modifications to create optimal effectiveness in achieving a client’s health goals.
- Consult and work integratively with other health care professionals to determine nutritional and lifestyle needs of clients.
- Offer referrals to other health care professionals as deemed appropriate.
- Act as a community educator, developing curriculum and preparing manuals, visual aids, course outlines and other materials used in teaching.
- Plan and prepare grant proposals to request program funding.
- Promote health discussions in schools, industry, and community agencies.
- Prepare and disseminate educational and informational materials.
- Engage in research and write research reports.
