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Best clinical nutritionist certifications
The best certifications for a clinical nutritionist are Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).
Clinical nutritionist certifications demonstrate your competency as a clinical nutritionist to employers. However, not all clinical nutritionist certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best clinical nutritionist certifications. Obtaining a clinical nutritionist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
5 best certifications for clinical nutritionists
| Rank | Clinical nutritionist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | BCNS |
| 2 | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) | CDR |
| 3 | Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) | NCBDE |
| 4 | Certified Nutrition Coach (FNS) | NASM |
| 5 | Nutrition Consultant Certification | AFPA |
5 best clinical nutritionist certifications
1. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Nutrition Specialist professionals are on the front lines battling the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease, and the BCNS supports these efforts and certifies nutrition professionals who maintain the highest standard of nutrition competence.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
RDs are food and nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration's (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential. RDs work in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
The Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators ("Examination") is designed and intended solely for health care professionals who have defined roles as diabetes educators, not for those who may perform some diabetes related functions as part of or in the course of other usual and customary duties.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Certified Nutrition Coach (FNS)
Fight the obesity epidemic with the power of food! NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialists: -Teach clients how to interpret labels, select appropriate portion sizes, and eat healthy -Boost their reputation, career, and client base as the go-to expert on nutrition and diet -Educate clients about nutrition's critical role in weight loss and management -Illustrate how energy balance, caloric needs, activity, metabolism, and food choices impact fitness goals -Provide clients with valuable handout materials, product discounts, menu planners, and online resources -Invest in their client's lives and futures . . . as well as their own!
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Nutrition Consultant Certification
The AFPA Master Nutrition Certification program is the most comprehensive nutrition course available. Completing this course will set you apart from others with your personal level of educational development, expertise, professionalism and commitment to the nutrition, health and wellness industry. When you have completed all 4 nutrition certification programs, you will receive the AFPA Nutrition Consultant - Master Level Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a clinical nutritionist?
The best clinical nutritionist certification is Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). The Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is awarded by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this clinical nutritionist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for clinical nutritionists?
The most in-demand clinical nutritionist certification is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based on all active job postings. Having this clinical nutritionist certification will give you access to more clinical nutritionist jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of clinical nutritionist certifications include: Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).
Online courses for clinical nutritionists to earn certifications
1. National Academy of Sports Medicine Nutrition Essentials
NASM's Nutrition Coaching Essentials enables you to provide evidence-based guidance to those seeking to improve body composition, athletic performance, and health. By successfully completing this program, you will have the knowledge and abilities to leverage nutrition education to increase your client's success, reduce turnover, and maximize adherence. Held to the highest standard of research-based theory and practice, the Nutrition Essentials program teaches you how to provide nutritional...
2. Child Nutrition and Cooking
Eating patterns that begin in childhood affect health and well-being across the lifespan. The culture of eating has changed significantly in recent decades, especially in parts of the world where processed foods dominate our dietary intake. This course examines contemporary child nutrition and the impact of the individual decisions made by each family. The health risks associated with obesity in childhood are also discussed. Participants will learn what constitutes a healthy diet for children...
3. Nutrition Certification: The Correct Dieting & Meal PLaning
Master Nutrition/ Dieting for healthy Weight Loss & Building Muscles (Adapt with COVID-19)...
4. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Nutrition
Learn the Fundamentals of Nutrition Science...
5. Fully Accredited Certification in Nutrition & Diet Planning
Learn how to make fitness diet & meal plans Become a Professional Nutrition Coach with International Certification...
6. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Sports Nutrition
Learn About The Fundamentals Of Sport Nutrition Science And How To Fuel Your Athlete Client...
7. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Yogic Nutrition
Understand the fundamentals of Yogic Nutrition Science & Learn How to Create Yogic Diets...
8. Vegan Nutrition: Build Your Plant Based Diet & Meal Plan
Learn How To Set Up A Vegan Diet For Weight Loss, Building Muscle, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning & Vegan Bodybuilding...
9. Vegan Nutrition Health Coach Certification
Become a Vegan Nutrition Certified Health Coach, Learn Vegan Cooking, Embrace a Holistic Approach to Food...
10. Nutrition Certification: Advanced Diet & Meal Planning
Advanced Diet And Nutrition Coach Strategies Dieting Certificate For Meal Plans, Fat Loss, Health & Sports Nutrition...
11. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
12. Nutrition Certification Diploma: Diet Planning & Meal Prep
Become A Nutrition Expert: Create Muscle Growth & Fat Loss Meal Plan Dieting Certificate For Health & Sports Nutrition...
13. Sports Nutrition for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
Learn all about sports nutrition with 7 hours of online video content and start training SMARTER instead of HARDER...
14. Fully Accredited Professional Nutritionist Diploma Course
Complete Nutrition For All - Exploring All Elements of Nutrition. Healthy Eating & Nutrition for all ages!...
15. Weight Loss And Nutrition: Lose Fat & Get Your Dream Body
Learn The Truth About Dieting For Weight Loss, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Weight Loss Motivation...
16. Superfoods, Herbalism, Nutrition Basics and Your Health
Eat For Success. Discover Nutrition Basics For Optimal Performance and Weight Loss...
17. Nutrition Masterclass: Build Your Perfect Diet & Meal Plan
Learn The Truth About Nutrition, Dieting For Weight Loss, Building Muscle, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning, Fat Loss...
18. Nutrition for Inflammation - The Anti-inflammatory Diet
Heal Your Body Using Food as Medicine...
19. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Diet Planning
Learn how to Create Your Clients(or your)perfect diet and nutrition plan based on their goals, preferences and lifestyle...
20. Intermittent Fasting Diet: Full Nutrition Certification
Intermittent Fasting 101 How To Use Intermittent Fasting For Health, Meal Plan & Maximal Weight Loss (For Men & Women)...