Gain credibility with doctors and healthcare practitioners. The CNS credential carries weight and power.
Get licensed in a number of states. You can’t call yourself a nutritionist in some states until you get your CNS and get licensed in the state. We guide folks in state by state laws with our legal forms and onboarding course.
Bill insurance or generate superbills for medical nutrition therapy. In states where CNS’s can get licensed you can participate with insurance companies and/or help your clients get insurance reimbursement.
Become a member of a community of like minded nutrition professionals. The Personal Nutrition Summit, CNS Connect, and other community gatherings provide us opportunities to get to know other nutrition professionals. We have more power in numbers.
More letters behind your name :). Let’s be honest. Letters look good and we like them (this is a fun one, kind of a joke really)
You can serve on a state licensing board. Rebecca and Kate are both serving on the Board of Dietetic Practice in the State of Maryland.
Accountability to evidence-base and ethics. CEU requirements keep you current in evidence. While we all complain about CEU’s, they are a good way to ensure that we are staying current in our field and not slacking on research and lit reviews.
Your annual dues/membership dues fund legislative action for nutritionists nationwide. Over the last 10 years the state licensing laws have changed a LOT. We owe a big thanks to the ANA and the BCNS for all their advocacy work.
You gain the support of a large organization with resources. The ANA and the BCNS advocate for CNS’s in a lot of different ways
Last and not least, you can help people make meaningful change in their life through your clinical work. The CNS credential represents the hard work you have done, passing the CNS exam, getting your 1,000 hours complete and growing as a professional. That process and journey prepares you for the real work you do with clients and patients.