What’s Certified Nutrition Therapist (CNS)?
There are two board-certified nutritionist designations that require an advanced degree in nutrition (M.S. or B.S.), 1000-to-1200 supervised clinical hours, and the passing of a rigorous board exam: a Registered Dietician (RD) and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).
CNS approved curriculums (approved by the Board for Certified Nutrition Specialists) are rich in the science and biochemistry of nutrition and focus on personalized clinical nutrition and functional medicine—preventative and root cause health care. RD approved curriculums (approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration) are also bioscience-heavy and prepare RDs to work in conventional institutional medical settings such as hospitals, nursing care, rehabilitation facilities, and schools. RDs are typically more qualified with in-patient nutrition care following graduation and internships, whereas CNSs specialize in personalized outpatient one-on-one clinical practice or group nutrition education. Both CNSs and RDs are qualified to practice Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in most states, and may contract to be in-network with private insurance companies as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
The American Nutrition Association breaks down some key differences between CNS and RDN like this:
"Certified Nutritional Specialist (CNS®): a Certified Nutrition Specialist is a highly qualified nutritional professional with an advanced degree (graduate or doctorate) from a fully accredited university in nutrition plus 1,000 hours of a supervised internship and must pass the rigorous exam administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. It is the most widely recognized nutrition certification by federal and state governments. It is the only non-dietetics credential and examination widely named in state nutrition licensure laws."
"Registered Dietitian (RD): an RD is a food and dietary professional, usually with a 4-year bachelor's degree and 900-1200 hours in a dietetic internship through an accredited program and passing a dietetics registration exam. Dietitians focus on calories (energy), quality of food in regard to freshness, sanitation and freedom from spoilage and contamination, meal planning, evaluation of standard measurements of foods, specific diets for certain conditions, and eating patterns based primarily on food groups, such as the food pyramid, and other guidelines based on daily food intake strictly outlined by health organizations [10]. Dietitians often work in health institutions as clinical dietitians, management dietitians, but can also work as community or consultant dietitians."
