Program Overview:

This experience is specifically designed to prepare MUIH graduates of the Nutrition program to pursue board certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). 

It 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. 

The experience is offered in two formats: Placement Sites and Self-Directed Mentorship

Program Format:

Option 1: Placement Sites

MUIH has partnerships with clinics, hospitals, senior living centers, and integrative centers for placement of MUIH graduates. Graduates will interview at the placement site(s) of their choice and the site will determine which candidate is the best fit for the position. Placement sites will provide approximately 20 hours a week.

This format includes:

·             Access to the Natural Care Center in Laurel, Maryland to provide nutrition counseling for self-recruited clients.

·             Professional Liability Insurance through MUIH.

·             Maryland-licensed supervisor to oversee clinical care.

Option 2: Self-Directed Mentorship

Graduates will work independently to find their own opportunities of interest and in their local area. Mentorship is offered for educational purposes and as a second opinion on clinical care only. Graduates who choose this option are encouraged to purchase professional liability insurance and to check licensing requirements for their state, if applicable.

Additional Details:

Both options include a CNS-Approved Supervisor and all paperwork required by the BCNS with approval signatures which will be submitted upon completion (refer to CNS Supervised Practice Experience Supervisor’s Report (Fillable PDF Form)

The CNS-Approved Supervisor will monitor the candidate’s progress using the “CNS Supervised Practice Experience Tracking Tool” (refer to https://nutritionspecialists.org/become-cns/forms-helpful-documents).

Completion of all 1,000 hours needed is not guaranteed. Hours completed during the course will be verified by the Supervisor through several evaluations, including but not limited to the Tracking Tool, mentoring calls, preceptor evaluations, and an ePortfolio.

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 course.

Throughout the experience, each graduate will participate in mentoring sessions with a CNS-Approved Supervisor to achieve an optimum learning experience while ensuring the desired practice experience hours are reached. Graduates will also participate in monthly online web conferences with the CNS-Approved Supervisor and peers. These discussions focus around participants’ questions and concerns, case studies, clinical research and practice management to deepen their competencies as entry-level nutritionists.

Link to Program Page:  http://www.muih.edu/academics/continuing-education/nutrition-practice-experience

Program Dates:

Practice experience start dates: January 1, April 1*, July 1, and October 1*

*3 Month Self-Directed Mentorship option only

*Program Tuition:

6-month placement site: $1200

6-month self-directed mentorship: $1000

USE PROMO CODE: SELFDIRECT6

3-month self-directed mentorship: $600

USE PROMO CODE: SELFDIRECT3

*Program is not eligible for federal financial aid. Payment plans may be requested. 

Requirements: Open to MUIH nutrition program alumni only who have successfully completed the Masters of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health or Post-Master's Certificate in Nutrition & Integrative Health with Maryland University of Integrative Health.  By enrolling in this program, you agree to grant the Program Coordinator to verify my degree with the Registrar’s Office at MUIH.

Refund Policy:

For both 6-month practice experiences (placement sites and self-directed): if withdraw is requested in the first 30 days, 75% refunded; no refund after 30 days.

For the 3-month practice experience (self-directed): if withdraw is requested in the first 15 days, 75% refunded; no refund after 15 days.

Instructor Bio:

Elizabeth Owens joined Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2014 and is the Manager of Experiential Programs for the Nutrition & Integrative Health Department. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist practitioner and Licensed Dietician-Nutritionist in Maryland and Washington, DC. She holds a master's degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from New York Chiropractic College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Elizabeth completed the post-graduate nutrition internship at MUIH and is excited to share her knowledge and experience in nutrition with current students and alumni. Prior to joining MUIH, Elizabeth worked in health and wellness positions at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA and at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC. She is a certified Pilates instructor, personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Elizabeth is a member of the Institute for Functional Medicine, American Nutrition Association and American College of Nutrition. She has a private practice in Virginia where she shares her love for whole foods and fitness with individual clients and the community.

Program Contact:

Elizabeth Owens, MS, CNS, LDN

Manager of Experiential Programs

Nutrition & Integrative Health

7750 Montpelier Road | Laurel, MD 20723

410-888-9048 ext. 6675 | eowens@muih.edu