Top 10 Clinical Dietitian Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for clinical dietitians because they demonstrate a level of expertise and commitment to the profession. Certifications such as those offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) or the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) provide evidence that a dietitian has met rigorous standards for knowledge, skills, and experience. Employers often look for candidates who have earned these certifications when hiring, as it is a sign of professionalism and dedication to providing high-quality nutrition services. Additionally, many states require clinical dietitians to be certified in order to practice; thus, having these credentials can open more doors when searching for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Clinical Dietitians and explains how they can help to advance a clinical dietitian's career.

What are Clinical Dietitian Certifications?

Clinical dietitian certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in nutrition and dietetics. It is awarded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, which is part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited dietetic education program, pass an exam, and continue to meet recertification requirements.

Having clinical dietitian certification can help individuals advance their career in the field of nutrition and dietetics. It demonstrates a commitment to the profession, as well as a level of expertise that employers look for when hiring professionals in this field. Certified clinical dietitians have access to more job opportunities than non-certified individuals. They may also be eligible for higher salaries or other benefits such as health insurance or tuition reimbursement. Additionally, certified clinical dietitians are better equipped to handle complex cases involving nutrition-related issues since they have more specialized knowledge than non-certified professionals. Furthermore, having this certification can also provide a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment since it shows that individuals have put in the time and effort to become qualified experts in their chosen field.

Pro Tip: Clinical dietitian certification requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nutrition, plus at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice and passing the national registration exam. Additionally, some states may require additional certifications such as the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). Knowing what is required in your state can help you plan your career path and ensure that you meet all necessary requirements.

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Top 10 Clinical Dietitian Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Dietitians today.

1. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)

Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) is a credential offered by the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in nutrition support.

The CNSC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as nutrition assessment, nutrition support therapy, enteral and parenteral nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and pharmacology. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CNSC exam, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must possess either a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or an associate’s degree in nursing with at least one year of clinical experience in nutrition support. In addition, applicants must have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education related to nutrition support within the past three years.

The cost for taking the CNSC exam is $450 USD for members of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) or $550 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 USD that must be paid when submitting an application for the exam.

2. Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSPN)

Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSPN) is a credential offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved advanced knowledge and expertise in pediatric nutrition. The CSPN credential is intended for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs), who work with children from birth through adolescence.

The CSPN credential requires a minimum of 900 hours of supervised practice experience in pediatric nutrition over the past five years, as well as successful completion of an approved continuing education program. To apply for the CSPN credential, applicants must submit an application form, proof of current RDN or NDTR registration, proof of supervised practice experience, and payment of a fee.

The application process typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete. The fee for the CSPN credential is $200 for CDR members and $250 for non-members. Once approved, the CSPN credential is valid for five years before renewal is required.

3. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional who has specialized knowledge and experience in the field of diabetes management. CDEs are certified by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). They provide comprehensive diabetes education, counseling, and support to people with diabetes, as well as their families.

To become a CDE, one must meet certain criteria such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher in a health-related field, completing at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice in diabetes care and education within the past three years, passing an exam administered by NCBDE, and maintaining continuing education credits.

The process of becoming a CDE typically takes 6-12 months. The first step is to complete an application online through NCBDE. Once your application is approved you can register for the exam. After passing the exam you will be awarded your certification which is valid for five years.

The cost of becoming a CDE varies depending on the individual's circumstances but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes fees for application processing, registration for the exam, and other related costs.

4. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a nutrition professional who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential of registered dietitian nutritionist. RDNs are food and nutrition experts who have completed at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from an accredited college or university; completed an accredited, supervised practice program; passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; and maintained continuing education requirements to keep their registration current.

It typically takes four years to get a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing your degree, you must complete an accredited, supervised practice program which may take anywhere from 6-12 months. Once you have completed the required coursework and training, you will need to pass the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

The cost of becoming an RDN varies depending on your educational institution and other factors such as living expenses. Generally speaking tuition fees for undergraduate courses range from $5,000 - $30,000 per year. The cost of completing an accredited supervised practice program can range from $2,500 - $4,500 depending on where you go for training. Additionally there is also a fee associated with taking the national exam which ranges from $200 - $300 depending on when you register for it.

Overall becoming an RDN is not cheap but it can be worth it if you are passionate about helping people achieve their health goals through proper nutrition!

5. Certified Sports Nutritionist (CSN)

A Certified Sports Nutritionist (CSN) is a professional with specialized knowledge in the field of sports nutrition. They are certified by an accredited organization to provide evidence-based nutrition advice and services to athletes, coaches, and other health care professionals. The CSN credential is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the area of sports nutrition.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Sports Nutritionist depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exam. To get certified as a CSN, you must complete an approved course or program from an accredited institution and pass the certification exam administered by the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). The cost of becoming a CSN will vary depending on your chosen program, but it can range from $500-$1000 USD.

6. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is a professional designation that indicates an individual has met the highest standards of education and training in nutrition science. The CNS credential is granted by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS), which is recognized as the premier certification organization for nutrition professionals.

To become a Certified Nutrition Specialist, individuals must have a minimum of a master’s degree in nutrition or a related field, plus 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience in nutrition counseling or consulting. Additionally, they must pass an exam administered by the CBNS and complete continuing education requirements every five years to maintain their certification.

The process to become a CNS typically takes two to three years depending on the individual’s educational background and experience level. To get started, individuals should contact the CBNS for information about eligibility requirements, exam preparation materials, and application forms.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already enrolled in an accredited program. If you are enrolled in an accredited program, there is no fee to apply for certification; however, if you are not enrolled in an accredited program, there is a $295 fee to apply for certification. In addition to this fee, there is also a $550 fee for taking the exam and a $90 annual renewal fee after initial certification.

7. Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)

Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) is a certification that recognizes the advanced knowledge and expertise of Registered Dietitians or Nutritionists who specialize in oncology nutrition. To become certified, practitioners must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics, plus at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience in oncology nutrition within the past five years. The certification exam is offered twice per year and consists of multiple-choice questions related to oncology nutrition.

The cost for the CSO certification is $395 for members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and $495 for nonmembers. The application process can take up to 6 weeks from submission to approval. Once approved, applicants can register for an upcoming exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CSO certification and be listed as a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

8. Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)

Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) is a certification offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). It is a specialized credential that recognizes dietitians and nutritionists who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and expertise in renal nutrition.

In order to become certified, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete an application process. To be eligible, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, have completed at least 900 hours of supervised practice experience in renal nutrition counseling, and have passed the CDR examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

The application process includes submitting proof of education and supervised practice experience, completing the online application form, paying the application fee ($200 USD), and passing the CSR exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical nutrition therapy for kidney disease patients, nutritional assessment of kidney disease patients, dietary management of dialysis patients, and nutrition support for transplant recipients.

The cost to take the CSR exam is $400 USD. Once certified, there are annual renewal fees ($50 USD) and continuing education requirements that must be met in order to maintain certification status.

9. Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)

Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) is a certification for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered who have specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of nutrition as it relates to aging. This certification is offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which is the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

In order to become a CSG, an individual must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics from an accredited college or university; complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience in gerontological nutrition over a minimum period of two years; pass an examination administered by CDR; and meet continuing professional education requirements.

The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, dietary modifications for older adults, food safety and sanitation, nutrient needs of older adults, meal planning and service delivery systems. The exam fee is $300 USD.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing 75 continuing professional education credits every five years. The cost of recertification varies depending on the type of activities completed for credit.

10. Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)

A Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) is a professional who specializes in the field of nutrition and dietetics. They are trained to assess nutritional needs, create individualized nutrition programs, and provide counseling services to help individuals achieve optimal health.

To become a CCN, you must complete an accredited program in nutrition or dietetics and pass the certification exam administered by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB). The CNCB requires applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition or dietetics, or comparable coursework in these areas. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience and have passed an approved board examination.

The certification process typically takes around two years to complete. Once certified, CCNs must complete continuing education requirements every three years to maintain their certification.

The cost of becoming a CCN varies depending on the program chosen and other factors such as living expenses during training and examination fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 for tuition alone.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Dietitian Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. A clinical dietitian certificate can be a valuable asset for those who are looking to pursue a career in nutrition or dietetics. A clinical dietitian certificate can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an effective practitioner in the field, as well as open up opportunities for further education and advancement.

For those who are already working in a related field, such as nursing or food service management, a clinical dietitian certificate may not be necessary. However, if you’re looking for a more specialized role within the nutrition or dietetics field, then it could prove beneficial to obtain certification. This could include roles such as diabetes educator, sports nutritionist, public health nutritionist, or research dietitian. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with advanced qualifications when hiring for certain positions.

No matter what your situation is, it’s important to consider the potential benefits of obtaining a clinical dietitian certificate before deciding whether it’s right for you. For some people, it could provide an invaluable opportunity to advance their career and equip them with the skills they need to be successful in their chosen profession.

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FAQs About Clinical Dietitian Certifications

1. What is a Clinical Dietitian Certification?

Answer: A Clinical Dietitian Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in nutrition and dietetics. It requires the successful completion of an accredited program and passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination.

2. What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Certified Clinical Dietitian (CCD)?

Answer: The main difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Certified Clinical Dietitian (CCD) is that RD’s are qualified to provide nutrition counseling, while CCD’s are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy for specific medical conditions.

3. How do I become certified as a Clinical Dietitian?

Answer: To become certified as a Clinical Dietitian, you must complete an accredited program in Nutrition or Dietetics, pass the CDR examination, and meet any additional requirements set forth by your state or other certifying organization.

4. How long does it take to obtain certification?

Answer: It typically takes 1-2 years of post-secondary education and an internship/practicum experience to obtain certification as a Clinical Dietitian. The length of time may vary depending on the program chosen and individual circumstances.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

Answer: Prerequisites for becoming certified may vary, but typically include completing an accredited program in Nutrition or Dietetics, passing the CDR exam, meeting any additional requirements set forth by your state or other certifying organization, and obtaining supervised practice hours from an approved mentor or preceptor.