Become a Part of Something Special
Why Membership Matters
Joining the Global Association of Integrative Nutrition (GAIN) is not just about displaying your professional credentials; it’s about becoming part of a vital movement advocating for the recognition of the holistic nutrition field. As a member, you actively contribute to our efforts in establishing widespread awareness and respect for holistic nutrition, allowing practitioners to focus on what truly matters—helping individuals achieve their health goals.
In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, having a standardized title is essential to our mission of gaining recognition with clients seeking your services, the public, employers and insurance companies. It instills confidence, ensuring they know to look for our designations when seeking qualified nutrition professionals. With GAIN’s endorsement, you can rest assured that you are backed by an organization committed to upholding high educational standards and ethical practices within the industry.
Together, we can enhance recognition, boost professional credibility, and make a lasting impact in the health and wellness sector.
GAIN Professional Designations
GAIN’s professional designations establish a standardized level of expertise among holistic nutrition professionals, providing reassurance to clients, employers, and insurance companies that they are partnering with knowledgeable and reliable practitioners.
In a field that remains largely unregulated, where educational programs can vary widely and not all nutrition professionals hold formal qualifications, these designations serve as a hallmark of quality and professionalism. Beyond educational credentials, GAIN designations embody a commitment to a defined scope of practice, adherence to a rigorous code of ethics, and a dedication to lifelong learning through annual credential maintenance. By selecting a GAIN-registered professional, you can be confident in the integrity, quality, and ongoing development of the nutrition services they offer.
Our progressive title framework ensures that professionals can advance from foundational to advanced levels of expertise, reflecting their growth and commitment to the field.
Below, you will find a concise overview of GAIN’s professional titles. Each description highlights the unique attributes associated with its title, providing clarity on the professional level and specialization each represents. Explore these distinguished designations that set the standard for excellence within the holistic nutrition community.
For more details and to download the Program Review Guide for training programs, click the button below.
Registered Health & Nutrition Counselor ™ (RHNC ™)
- Minimum 1000 hours of study obtained from a GAIN recognized program
- Fundamentals of health coaching and integrative nutrition, behaviour change, healthy lifestyle modifications, meal planning essentials and environmental health.
- Nutrition 101 including macro and micronutrients, healthy diets, weight loss, healthy lifestyle modifications, and environmental health.
- Nutrition sciences, life cycle nutrition, detoxification, microbiome, support of the body systems.
Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner ™ (RHNP ™)
- Advanced standing designation
- Minimum 2000 hours of study obtained from a GAIN recognized program
- All educational requirements listed for the RHNC
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Basic Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Comparative dietary systems
- Supplementation
- Nutritional symptomology and pathophysiology
- Understanding lab results and health assessments
**Please note that “licensed” will replace “registered” in jurisdictions where “registered” is restricted in professional titles.
Which Membership Should I Choose?
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Membership Offerings
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Professional Membership
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Student Membership
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Professional Title
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Yes, RHNP or RHNC
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No
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Registration Number
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Professional level registration #
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Student level registration #
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Registry Listing
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Yes
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No
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Access to Professional Liability Insurance
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Yes
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No
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Access to Group Medical & Dental Insurance (Canadian Only)
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Yes
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Yes
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Member Perks & Discounts
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Yes
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Yes
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Exclusive Use of CAIN Receipts
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Yes
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No
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Client Ability to Claim for Services
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Yes
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No
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Access to Resources
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Yes
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Yes
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Member Support
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Yes
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Yes
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Advocacy for your Profession
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Yes
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Yes
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Invitations to Exclusive Member Events
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Yes
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Yes |
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Member Seal
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Yes
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Yes
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Professional Membership: In order to qualify for professional membership, you must have graduated from a GAIN approved training program.
Student Membership: This membership is reserved for members working towards a designation through a GAIN approved training program.
Continuing Education
As a member you are required to obtain 20 Continuing Education Credits (CEC’s) per year for the first 5 years of consecutive membership; thereafter, you will be required to complete 10 continuing education hours per year. You will have access to free workshops and paid courses throughout the year which will keep you on top of the ever-changing landscape of our industry. Continual Education ensures you are constantly in the know, giving you a competitive edge in the Holistic Nutrition marketplace. Your current dated GAIN approved seal will confirm your knowledge level and indicate to everyone that you are of elite status in the field.
We will help connect you with approved continuing education providers offering programs, courses and info sessions in a wide range of topics and specialties. Topics and materials presented are always catered to the needs and challenges of integrative health practitioners.
Note: Students who have graduated in the current year are not required have achieved their 20 CE credits for the year however we do encourage everyone to join the CE member events and CE learning sessions.
