Gina D’Este is a certified clinical nutritionist in California. As such, Gina D’Este focuses heavily on nutrition as it relates to health care, and helps families learn to prepare healthy meals.
Anyone who wishes to become a certified nutritionist must first take the Certified Clinical Nutritionist Examination through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board, or CNCB. Prior to taking the exam, applicants must complete the online Post Graduate Studies in Clinical Nutrition (PGSCN) program. Applicants are eligible for enrollment in this program if they possess one of the following:
1. A bachelor of science from an accredited university. Coursework for the degree must include core science classes like anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry. Core nutrition coursework is required as well. Class titles may vary, but should include nutrition and disease, nutrition assessment, nutrition counseling strategies, nutrition and aging, and herbology.
2. An advanced degree in a licensed health care field. This includes nearly all medical field degrees. RPh, PharmD, DPT, PA, LAc, and RD degrees all qualify, as do MD, DO, DC, DDS, and DPM degrees. Associate degrees in nursing are sufficient, provided the candidate has completed the core nutrition coursework.
3. Candidates are qualified to take the exam without prior completion of the PGSCN program if they hold a master's, PhD, or DSc in human nutrition.
