Professional Licensure, Registration, or Certification

The MHS in Functional and Integrative Nutrition program is designed as a pathway to meet the educational requirements for certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) via the American Nutrition Association's Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). The BCNS reviews each candidate individually to determine eligibility. The required examination and additional supervisory practice necessary to complete certification will be up to the individual to pursue after graduation if they are interested.

Our MHS program also includes the needed components to become a certified health coach. The Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching Curriculum is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the Health and Wellness Coach Certifying Examination to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). State-regulated requirements for professional licensure or certification as a health coach vary.

Students should contact the appropriate board for eligibility requirements, and their State Department of Health to determine which of these certifications may be recognized for practice in their state, as well as any other licensing, registration, or certification requirements, as they are subject to change.

Requirements for licensure or certification in addition to academic prerequisites may include professional examinations, background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting requirements, etc.

Students who plan to pursue licensures or certifications should be aware that requirements for professional licensures can vary drastically by state, and these requirements are subject to change at any time.

While a program may originally meet the educational requirements for licensure, changes in requirements or laws could impact the program’s ability to meet new educational requirements. Students should always check with their state licensure board to confirm licensure requirements.

The University makes no guarantees that an individual student will satisfy the licensure, registration or certification requirements of any particular state or other jurisdiction. It is the responsibility of an individual student to confirm the regulatory requirements that may apply in any jurisdiction in which that student intends to practice.

Receipt of a certificate or degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University does not guarantee a license or certification to practice. States vary in the specific courses of study required and/or state-based testing for certification or licensing. Students are responsible for confirming with the appropriate board(s) to determine the specific requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice and/or seek employment.