With the qualification from MNU being a Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Nutrition Science, & the course content being specific to working with clients on health, body composition & performance related goals, the scope of practice of an MNU Certified Nutritionist (& related insurance) is actually equal or greater than that of an AfN Registered Nutritionist.
However, if you want to become fully registered with the AfN, you must complete a 3-year AfN accredited University degree and practice for a minimum of 3 years post-qualification then submit a portfolio of evidence. We typically recommend individuals pursue this avenue instead of doing MNU if they want to work in animal nutrition, food & food product industry or public health policy.
We have many AfN Nutritionists complete MNU to benefit from the unique curriculum, applied knowledge and business support they can gain; however, MNU is not directly affiliated with the AfN, which has its own voluntary register. Although the benefit of this register lies strongly for jobs in the food industry since the protected title of Registered Nutritionist was withdrawn in 2018 (.gov website).
It is important to note that no non-degree course that is affiliated with the AfN qualifies you with the AfN specifically. Please see below the statement from the AfN:
read more“Completion of an AfN Certified Course does not make an individual eligible for registration as either an Associate or Registered Nutritionist, nor does it qualify the individual as a Certified Diet Advisor, Nutrition Advisor, Weight Specialist, Nutrition Assistant or any other such title”
Therefore these short courses by external providers are simply ‘CPD’ courses for those who have already done an AfN degree; these are generally targetted towards newly qualified ‘Associate Nutritionists’ who the AfN states “should be undertaking CPD with a view to upgrading to Registered Nutritionist status within 3-5 years.
Finally, please note, that due to the limited resources of the AfN, many courses advertise themselves as being ‘AfN Certified courses’ despite their registration having lapsed for several years. If you are an Associate or Registered Nutritionist with the AfN, make sure you check the AfN website directly.