Nutrition Professional Pathways
Nutrition
ACHS’s holistic nutrition programs are aligned with professional practice standards. Professional credentialing for graduates may vary based on the program completed. More information regarding state licensing is provided online here.
Following is more information about industry exams and registration in holistic nutrition. This information is provided for reference only. Please contact the professional organizations directly for the latest information.
Want to learn more about professional pathways? Contact the ACHS Director of Alumni and Career Services Felicia Royce or email us at [email protected].
American Nutrition Association - Board Certification for Nutrition Specialists
The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) has determined ACHS’s Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program fully fulfills the current degree and course requirements of the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) credential. Graduates of other programs may be eligible and can request a curriculum review for consideration.
The BCNS was established in 1993 and administers this advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners. The CNS® credential is a comprehensive nutrition credential covering eight domains of practice from principles of nutrition and nutritional biochemistry to public health and practice management.
CNS® Exam – Certified Nutrition Specialist
Exam Eligibility Requirements:
Individuals wishing to sit the Certified Nutrition Specialist® exam can view current eligibility standards online here. information from the Board online visit https://www.theana.org/certify/ to review the current eligibility standards. To be eligible to sit the CNS exam, candidates must:
In addition to completion of a qualifying educational program, graduates must:
“Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®” must provide documentation of the following qualifying criteria in addition to submitting required application materials:
- Meet the educational requirements by completing a qualifying educational program or its equivalent as determined by the Board.
- Submit a completed application including two letters of recommendation, current CV, and official College transcripts.
National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
NANP is a professional organization dedicated to furthering the cause, education, and standards of the holistic nutrition industry. ACHS offers programs that meet the NANP Educational Standards for holistic nutrition and dietary supplement educational programs. Following are opportunities for credentialing with NANP using your ACHS education and experience:
NANP Exam – Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®
Exam Eligibility Requirements:
This information is provided for reference and was retrieved from https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility in August 2024. Please contact NANP directly for the latest requirements.
Individuals wishing to become “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®” must provide documentation of the following qualifying criteria in addition to submitting required application materials:
- Meet the NANP’s educational standards. This means successful completion of studies in holistic nutrition from a NANP approved holistic nutrition program (ACHS’s approved programs are listed below).
- Professional membership in the NANP.
- Provide documentation of 500 hours (includes a minimum of 250 direct contact hours and up to 250 indirect contact hours) of professional experience in holistic nutrition.
Following are ACHS’s approved programs as of January 2024:
- Diploma in Holistic Health Practice
- Associate of Applied Science in Integrative Health Sciences
- Associate of Applied Science in Health & Wellness
- Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition
- Master of Science in Health and Wellness
- Master of Science in Integrative Health Sciences
Exception for New Graduates*
NANP defers the 500-hour practical experience required to be eligible for the board exam for candidates who are graduates of NANP-approved programs when they sit the exam within 12 months of graduation.
New graduates may apply to sit for the exam without providing documentation of 500 Contact Hours. The candidate will be allowed two (2) years from the date of their exam to provide this documentation. Upon passing the exam and until such time that the documentation requirement is satisfied, the candidate may use the title “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (Candidate)” or “BCHN® (Candidate).”
NANP - Certified Nutrition Professional
The NANP also offers the following additional level of certification titled, “Certified Nutrition Professional” or “CNP”.
To qualify, the following criteria must be met:
- All requirements of Board Certification; AND
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in nutrition or a nutrition-related field of study from a NANP approved holistic nutrition program, OR a college or university regionally or nationally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; AND
- 1,200 Supervised Practice Hours*
*Supervisor credential requirements apply.
New graduate and veteran practitioner exceptions are also available. Please visit this page for more information.
NANP Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements
View NANP continuing education requirements for all credential levels online here.
Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB)
Important note: Some states may have specific requirements for the use of the title “Nutritionist”. Learn more about scope of practice and Title Protection online at https://nanp.org/legislative-affairs/.
ACHS graduates of the following programs meet the core education requirements for the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) exam through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB). Visit www.cncb.org for eligibility requirements.
- Doctor of Science in Integrative Health
- Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition
- Master of Science in Health and Wellness
Graduates of the following programs meet the core education requirements to enter the CNCB’s PostGraduate Studies in Clinical Nutrition (PGSCN) online program in order to qualify to sit for the CCN exam:
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