NASM: Certified Nutrition Coaching Complete Guide
Scope of Practice
The actions, procedures, and processes that a professional is allowed to undertake in keeping with the
terms of the professional's license or credential
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
This term is used interchangeably with a Registered Dietitian (RD) and it is also a legally protected
designation
Brainpower
Read More
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
The CDR acts as the credentialing arm of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the purpose of
establishing and enforcing certification standards for registered dieticians and other licensed nutritional
professionals and issues credentials to those who successfully meet said standards. The CDR also
provides a professional code of ethics and re-certification standards.
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
A licensed healthcare professional or certified allied health professional who works with those who have
diabetes - 1000 contact hours in diabetes education is required for certification.
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
An advanced nursing degree requiring 2 more years of college beyond an RN - many then choose a
specialty or primary focus of care.
Physician Assistant (PA)
A licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a doctor or other medical
professional, typically requires a 4-year degree plus a post-graduate program.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
A pharmacist with an advanced degree who works in conjunction with a medical doctor to prepare
and/or dispense prescription drugs or compounds
Licensed
Licensing is typically provided on a state or federal level. Common prerequisites of licensing include
formal education/training, a predetermined number of supervised contact hours, and successful
completion of a standardized test. Most healthcare providers require licensure.
Certified
Certification is granted to a person who has participated in an educational course (either live or online)
and successfully completed a standardized test: written, practical, or both.
, Nutritionist
A generic term for someone who provides nutrition counseling - certification and licensing parameters
are vague.
T/F: A nutrition coach can provide clients non-medical nutrition information and behavior guidance
true
T/F: Every region requires that a Nutrition Coach work under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian.
False
Network Partner: Athletic Trainer
Approach: refer clients who have orthopedic issues or injuries who need advice on fitness and rehab;
gain athlete referrals who need assistance with weight loss and nutrition accountability
Network Partner: Psychologist
Approach: refer clients who have issues with chronic depression or anxiety; gain client referrals who
would benefit from regular nutrition guidance and accountability
Network Partner: Internal Medicine Doctor
Approach: refer clients who have sudden onset of digestive issues; gain clients referrals who need
detailed education on sound nutritional practices
Network Partner: Obstetrician
Approach: refer clients with new-onset pregnancy; gain referrals for clients who are postpartum and
would like to lose weight
Network Partner: Registered Dietitian
Approach: refer clients who want nutritional guidance for ultra-endurance events; gain client referrals or
nutrition support and accountability
Referral Scenario: Complains of acute knee pain with increased running distance
Licensed Health Professional: Athletic Trainer
Referral Scenario: Is pre-occupied, bordering on obsessed, with weight loss and daily nutritional intake
Licensed Health Professional: Psychologist
Referral Scenario: Complains of periods of constipation alternating with diarrhea
Licensed Health Professional: Internal Medicine Doctor
Referral Scenario: Has been recently diagnosed with type-2 diabetes
Licensed Health Professional: Registered Dietician
Referral Scenario: Has been lactating and recently complaining of low energy
Scope of Practice
The actions, procedures, and processes that a professional is allowed to undertake in keeping with the
terms of the professional's license or credential
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
This term is used interchangeably with a Registered Dietitian (RD) and it is also a legally protected
designation
Brainpower
Read More
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
The CDR acts as the credentialing arm of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the purpose of
establishing and enforcing certification standards for registered dieticians and other licensed nutritional
professionals and issues credentials to those who successfully meet said standards. The CDR also
provides a professional code of ethics and re-certification standards.
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
A licensed healthcare professional or certified allied health professional who works with those who have
diabetes - 1000 contact hours in diabetes education is required for certification.
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
An advanced nursing degree requiring 2 more years of college beyond an RN - many then choose a
specialty or primary focus of care.
Physician Assistant (PA)
A licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a doctor or other medical
professional, typically requires a 4-year degree plus a post-graduate program.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
A pharmacist with an advanced degree who works in conjunction with a medical doctor to prepare
and/or dispense prescription drugs or compounds
Licensed
Licensing is typically provided on a state or federal level. Common prerequisites of licensing include
formal education/training, a predetermined number of supervised contact hours, and successful
completion of a standardized test. Most healthcare providers require licensure.
Certified
Certification is granted to a person who has participated in an educational course (either live or online)
and successfully completed a standardized test: written, practical, or both.
, Nutritionist
A generic term for someone who provides nutrition counseling - certification and licensing parameters
are vague.
T/F: A nutrition coach can provide clients non-medical nutrition information and behavior guidance
true
T/F: Every region requires that a Nutrition Coach work under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian.
False
Network Partner: Athletic Trainer
Approach: refer clients who have orthopedic issues or injuries who need advice on fitness and rehab;
gain athlete referrals who need assistance with weight loss and nutrition accountability
Network Partner: Psychologist
Approach: refer clients who have issues with chronic depression or anxiety; gain client referrals who
would benefit from regular nutrition guidance and accountability
Network Partner: Internal Medicine Doctor
Approach: refer clients who have sudden onset of digestive issues; gain clients referrals who need
detailed education on sound nutritional practices
Network Partner: Obstetrician
Approach: refer clients with new-onset pregnancy; gain referrals for clients who are postpartum and
would like to lose weight
Network Partner: Registered Dietitian
Approach: refer clients who want nutritional guidance for ultra-endurance events; gain client referrals or
nutrition support and accountability
Referral Scenario: Complains of acute knee pain with increased running distance
Licensed Health Professional: Athletic Trainer
Referral Scenario: Is pre-occupied, bordering on obsessed, with weight loss and daily nutritional intake
Licensed Health Professional: Psychologist
Referral Scenario: Complains of periods of constipation alternating with diarrhea
Licensed Health Professional: Internal Medicine Doctor
Referral Scenario: Has been recently diagnosed with type-2 diabetes
Licensed Health Professional: Registered Dietician
Referral Scenario: Has been lactating and recently complaining of low energy
