Nutritionist Certification in Florida - FL

Florida Nutrition Schools, Degrees and Education

The largest part of starting a career in nutrition will be the education that you receive. You can work towards an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nutrition; however, you should keep in mind that the associate’s degree is quickly becoming insufficient for entry into this career field. Many employers are now not even looking at candidates unless they have at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.

No matter which degree option you choose, some of your course studies should include human nutrition, biology, psychology, sociology, and digestion. There will be many more classes that you are instructed to take, so this is just a brief overview of what you can expect.

CCN and CNS Certification

There are two types of certification that nutritionists can receive: the CCN, or certified clinical nutritionist, and the CNS, or the certified nutrition specialist. These titles are not created equal. The CCN is more of an entry-level certification, whereas the CNS is for nutritionists who have at least a master’s degree in nutrition.

The CCN is given by examination of the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) and the CNS is given by examination of the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS). Each certificate will arrive independently from each organization. Especially because there is no state license require, a nutritionist seeking work without one of these title can find that task to be very difficult.

You will be required to take a test for each of these certifications. For the CCN, the charge is $450, the CNS $300.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Nutritionists in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando, Florida may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including Baptist Medical Center, Florida Hospital Orlando, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Memorial Regional Hospital.