Making sense of titles for nutritionists

Bonnie - there are very important statements in this piece, especially that Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) professionals usually have the highest amount of nutrition education. If you were wondering, I am a CNS and not an RD (by choice), as well as licensed.

by Julie Deardorff
Chicago Tribune

Certified nutrition specialist versus registered dietitian

The problem: In some states, virtually anyone can declare themselves a nutritionist regardless of education or training. The terms nutritionist and registered dietitian are often incorrectly used interchangeably.

A certified nutrition specialist (CNS) is … a nutrition practitioner or a person who uses nutrition therapy to address health needs, according to clinical nutritionist and CNS Corinne Bush. CNSs have an advanced degree (master's level or above) in nutrition or a related field from an accredited university. CNSs must pass the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS) examination on science-based nutrition therapy.

A registered dietitian (RD) is … a nutritionist who has been credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). RDs must have at least an undergraduate degree — usually in nutrition — and often work in community education or food service management settings, including nursing homes or hospitals. Most RDs go on to get advanced degrees, and some work in private practice, according to the ADA. They must also complete continuing education requirements to maintain registration.

Insurance: Reimbursement varies widely depending on state regulations and specific plan restrictions for both CNSs and RDs. Medicare covers some services. Costs can vary widely for both, Bush said.

Be careful: Only CNSs and RDs are named in licensing laws. The ADA has long pushed for nutrition licensure laws in all 50 states. The CBNS opposes this push, as it would effectively "outlaw many extremely well-qualified nutrition professionals, just when the public needs them most," said Bush, CBNS' legislative chairwoman. The ADA says licensure laws are not intended to limit practice to a particular profession or provider; instead they "ensure that consumers can rely upon the competency of licensed practitioners."

Always look at credentials and remember that a CNS usually, but not always, has the most advanced science-based training.