If you’re a dietitian beginning your journey into nutrition support or preparing for the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) Exam, you may be wondering which is the best nutrition support course for dietitians. One popular option is the ASPEN Adult Nutrition Support Fundamentals Course, which has been around for a long time. But is it enough on its own to get you CNSC exam-ready?
Let’s break down how this course course compares with my CNSC Exam Study Guide and Nutrition Support Skills Course, and how you can use each to meet your unique learning needs.
ASPEN Adult Nutrition Support Fundamentals Course: A Solid Foundation
The ASPEN Nutrition Support Fundamentals Course is widely respected for its award-winning faculty. It provides beginner and intermediate-level education in adult nutrition support, covering key topics such as:
- Indications and access for enteral and parenteral nutrition
- Macronutrient calculations and monitoring
- Common clinical conditions and complications
For clinicians who are already established in nutrition support, this course is a great option. It is also be a helpful primer before diving into more focused CNSC exam prep.
However, it’s important to note that ASPEN’s course is not designed for CNSC exam preparation. While informative, it lacks the depth, targeted exam content, practice questions, flashcards, and test-taking strategy necessary to succeed on the exam, particularly for first-time test takers.
Pros:
- Excellent overview of clinical nutrition support principles
- Award-winning instructors
- Good for intermediate nutrition support knowledge
Limitations:
- Not intended for CNSC exam prep
- Limited time for questions or personalized support
- No flashcards, case studies, or practice exams
- No coverage of PN or tube feeding math
- Does not include test strategies or memory aids
- Offers only 15.5 CPE credits
- Not flexible; either attend scheduled Zoom meetings or miss out on valuable Q&A time
Students of mine have echoed this:
- “The pre-recorded webinars didn’t really address the math component of enteral and parenteral nutrition. The component was mentioned, but how to do the calculations was not demonstrated.” -Daniel
- “I think it assumes you know some nutrition support knowledge. We had some contact info for people that did the course/subjects but no follow up.” -Kirsten
- “It does not cover much enteral and parenteral math. I took an ASPEN parenteral course this past fall for more direct practice with calculations – this was very helpful.” -Nealie
While the ASPEN Nutrition Support Fundamentals Course is a valuable online nutrition support CPEU course, it is not designed for beginner dietitians, it does not teach nutrition support math, and it will need to be supplemented for CNSC exam success. I’ve heard from a few students lately that the Fundamentals Course was not what they needed. “Honestly, I used the Fundamentals Course [for CNSC exam prep] the least…I found it kind of overwhelming. And I didn’t even review it this time around. I remember that the sessions had A LOT of information packed into it but not always the information I was hoping to gain. For example, I remember finding the acid base session very confusing and not easily explained.” -Stephanie
My CNSC Exam Study Guide has a multi-modal, student-centered approach that works. It’s packed with resources that align directly with the exam blueprint from the NBNSC, including:
- 100 page study guide covering all 51 Content Domains and Task Statements on the exam
- Targeted video lectures and notes
- Step-by-step parenteral nutrition calculation training
- 12 practice exams
- 400+ Quizlet flashcards
- Time-saving test strategies and memorization hacks
- 23.5 CPEs (including 1 ethics credit)
- Completely flexible; log in and watch video lectures, complete practice exams, and do flashcards anywhere, at any time
- Guided study help with a dedicated online Community where I post weekly tips, updates, videos, audio clips, challenges, & more during a 4-month study session
This study guide is ideal for clinicians who already have a foundation in nutrition support and want to pass the CNSC confidently on their first try.
Who It’s For:
- Intermediate or advanced dietitians preparing for the CNSC
- Clinicians looking for a structured and efficient study process
- RDs who may specialize in one area and need support reviewing the full scope of nutrition support
It’s your go-to resource for nutrition support certification for RDs, and it pairs well with either ASPEN’s Nutrition Support Fundamentals Course or my Nutrition Support Skills Course, depending on your background.
The Nutrition Support Skills Course by Edge Clinical Nutrition
My Nutrition Support Skills Course is perfect for clinicians who need to learn enteral and parenteral math.
This self-paced enteral and parenteral nutrition course helps you:
- Become a pro at calculating tube feeding and PN orders (you’ll have to do this from scratch on the CNSC exam)
- Master basic and intermediate nutrition support skills
- Practice parenteral and enteral calculations with video walkthroughs
- Understand key clinical guidelines
- Learn at your own pace with downloadable references, videos, and handouts
- Have access to me, a currently-practicing clinical dietitian, for support when you need it most
It’s also approved for 23.5 CEUs, making it both practical and credential-boosting.
Who It’s For:
- RDs newer to clinical nutrition support
- Clinicians returning to clinical work or needing a refresher
- Anyone who wants more hands-on practice before tackling the CNSC exam
- Anyone who isn’t strong in math, and needs a course that teaches tube feeding and TPN math (there is a lot of math on the CNSC exam).
How to Combine Resources
Some of my most successful students use a combination of both resources:
- Start with the Nutrition Support Skills Course to reinforce core skills with a hands-on, low-pressure approach. It’s also a great option if you need an online nutrition support CPE course for 23.5 continuing education credits.
- Finish with the CNSC Exam Study Guide when you’re ready to get serious about passing the exam and becoming certified.
Get the Power Pack (course + study guide) and save 10%!
Which Nutrition Support Course Is Right for You?
The ASPEN Adult Nutrition Support Fundamentals Course can be a helpful starting point, but it likely won’t be enough on its own to pass the CNSC. With the right combination of resources, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and empowered to advance your career in clinical nutrition support.
