What is a Dietician?
Becoming a dietitian starts with a Bachelor's degree in science or more specialized nutrition courses. Beginning in January 2024, however, a master’s degree will be required to become a dietician. After completing education requirements, dieticians go through an internship program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics that is 900-1200 hours followed by an exam. Upon passing, you would be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dieticians.
To become a nutritionist, there are multiple pathways you can choose. One option is to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), which requires obtaining an advanced degree (graduate or doctorate) in nutrition from an accredited university, completing a supervised internship of 1,000 hours, and passing a challenging exam administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. Another pathway is to become a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), which has similar requirements to the CNS.
However, it's important to note that the term "nutritionist" can have different meanings in different states. In several states, including Utah, the term is not regulated, which means that anyone, such as a personal trainer or gym owner, can call themselves a nutritionist without proper qualifications. While there are well-intentioned individuals who provide valuable nutrition counseling, they may lack the comprehensive understanding of physiology and the human body, particularly when it comes to using food as medicine.
Why I Chose the CNS Pathway
I have chosen to follow the CNS pathway and am currently in my supervised clinical mentorship for several reasons. While both the dietitian and nutritionist fields prioritize evidence-based nutrition over following trends, the integration of clinical and functional nutrition particularly resonated with me because of its mind-body approach, which aligns with the principles of functional medicine. Nutrition and psychology have been enduring passions of mine, and I consistently immerse myself in reading and studying anything related to these subjects.While I completed some basic certification courses and even subscribed to peer-reviewed journals to stay updated with the latest data, none of it compared to the depth of knowledge I gained from my master's program. Pursuing an advanced nutrition degree made me realize how much I still had to learn, especially regarding the intricate workings of our body systems and the complexity of human physiology. It also shed light on the vast gaps in our understanding of the impact of certain constituents of food on the body, some of which have not even been named yet.
Another significant takeaway from my education is the recognition that each individual has unique nutritional needs. To find the best approach for each client, I now begin by listening to their "story." Understanding who they are and their goals allows me to identify how I can empower them to achieve their desired state of well-being. It is clear to me that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nutrition. If you want to learn more about the functional medicine process, you can read about it here. Don't hesitate to schedule a free introductory call to discover how I can help you feel your best!