Nutritionist vs a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

The assumption is that a nutritionist is someone who is well-trained in nutrition and has the authority to practice nutrition counseling and give nutrition advice. However, in several states, including Michigan anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

“A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) 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.” A CNS is focused on functional medicine and root-cause approaches to optimal wellness. Although some of the science classes are similar, the integrative approach for a CNS is completely different from what is covered in an undergraduate nutrition degree for the RD. A CNS is trained to use appropriate supplementation based on peer review research.

It is important to note that a Registered Dietitian (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. Registered Dietitians are important players in the conventional medicine world. They learn about federal nutrition guidelines and have a wide variety of positions, working in hospitals, large corporations, school systems, and on college campuses. They are trained not to use supplementation.