The Nutrition Supervised Practice Experience (NSPE) provides up to 1000 hours of remote CNS-Approved Supervision for practice experience in the field of nutrition for graduates of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health and the Post-Masters Certificate in Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health.
This experience is specifically designed to prepare MUIH nutrition alumni pursuing the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) credential. The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists℠ (BCNS℠) requires 1000 hours of documented supervised nutrition practice experience, along with the successful completion of the CNS examination to attain the CNS credential. According to the BCNS℠, the objective of the CNS credential is to demonstrate that the individual has the advanced knowledge and clinical experience suited for the practice of science-based clinical nutrition. Participation in the Nutrition Supervised Practice Experience does not guarantee certification as a CNS® practitioner.
The Nutrition Supervised Practice Experience (NSPE) is closed for registration for an April-2025 start. The next offering will start September 8, 2025 with registration opening 1-2 months prior. Please return to this page for updates.
The Nutrition Supervised Practice Experience (NSPE) is specifically designed to prepare MUIH nutrition alumni pursuing the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) credential. The NSPE provides up to 1000 hours of synchronous remote CNS-Approved Supervision for practice experience in the field of nutrition for graduates of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health.
The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists℠ (BCNS℠) requires 1000 hours of documented supervised nutrition practice experience, along with the successful completion of the CNS examination to attain the CNS credential. Participation in the Nutrition Supervised Practice Experience does not guarantee certification as a CNS® practitioner.
Interns enrolled in the program will join MUIH’s Natural Care Center (NCC) team of practitioners offering telehealth appointments during designated shifts to self-recruited clients while under the supervision of experienced clinic faculty. Candidates will receive support in clinical skills and practice management as they build their nutrition practice working under the license of CNS-Approved Supervisors and utilizing the NCC’s telehealth technology platforms.
This experience includes:
Clinic shifts will take place on Thursday evenings and/or Saturday mornings depending on enrollment.
Due to supervisory availability, interns can only recruit clients located in the following states:
Interns will recruit clients for telehealth appointments within the Natural Care Center. Client fees are $70 for a New Client Initial Consultation and $50 for Follow-Up Consultations. Appointment fees are paid online to the Natural Care Center.
Completion of all 1,000 hours required by the Board for Certification of Nutrition SpecialistsSM (BCNSSM) is not guaranteed. Hours completed during the program will be verified by the supervisor. Completion of hours does not guarantee a favorable recommendation for certification. Recommendations are based on the candidate’s performance, competencies, and professionalism exhibited throughout the program.
Open to MUIH nutrition program alumni only who have successfully completed the Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health with Maryland University of Integrative Health. MUIH PMC and DCN students/alumni may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
$1,200 with a $300 deposit at registration
+Program is not eligible for federal financial aid. Payments must be made in full by the program end date. Outstanding payments may delay the verification of the supervised practice experience hours to the BCNSSM. Students with outstanding payments may not be permitted to re-enroll.
*This program is not eligible for the MUIH Community Benefit Program.
A full refund is available if a withdrawal is requested before the start date. If a withdrawal is requested within the first 15 days of the program, 75% will be refunded. There are no refunds after 15 days.
Elizabeth Owens, MS, CNS, LDN
Director of Experiential Programs
Nutrition & Integrative Health
For more information on MUIH’s other credit-bearing nutrition academic programs, visit the Nutrition website.
For more information about MUIH’s other PCE offerings, explore the PCE Catalog.