Registration
To practice as a dietitian or nutritionist in Nova Scotia, an individual is required to be licensed with the Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists (NSCDN). Current license categories in Nova Scotia are candidate dietitian and active practice license dietitians. Only those who are licensed with the NSCDN can practice using the titles registered dietitian (RD) or nutritionist in Nova Scotia. If you are applying from another Canadian province, please visit the ‘Applying from Out of Province‘ section of the NSCDN website. If you are applying as a candidate dietitian, please visit the ‘Candidate License‘ section of the NSCDN website.
NSCDN registration requirements include:
- A degree in dietetics from an accredited university,
- A 35-40 week accredited dietetic practicum, and
- Pass of the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)*, if applicable.
*Candidate dietitians must pass the CDRE within three years of the practicum completion. A candidate dietitian may practice dietetics in Nova Scotia.
Once all application requirements are received, processing will be finalized within one week.
In Canada, the accredited university degree and practicum are based on entry to practice standards, the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice.
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is an ongoing process of assessing health care organizations against standards of excellence to identify what is being done well and what needs to be improved. Health education accreditation is a quality improvement process that supports health education programs in ensuring that graduates are ready to deliver quality care at entry to practice. In the context of dietetic education, accreditation has two primary purposes, to:
- Assess program compliance with national standards, and
- Encourage programs to strive for quality improvement.
Accreditation Canada, under the EQual program, accredits the dietetic education programs in Canada. Existing Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice accreditation awards will continue to be recognized by Canadian dietetic regulatory bodies as approved programs for the purposes of registration until February 15, 2024.
Existing PDEP accreditation awards will be recognized, for the purpose of program approval and registration eligibility, until February 15, 2024. Programs who have not transitioned to the new accreditation service provider beyond this date will be considered non approved and graduates from these programs will be assessed through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process. More information regarding this process is detailed in the policy, Eligibility for Registration without an Accredited Degree or Practicum, found in the NSCDN Registration Policies.
The NSCDN recognizes accredited programs across Canada. Below are Nova Scotia dietetic education programs.
- Acadia University
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics option) - Acadia University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics) - Mount Saint Vincent University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics) - Mount Saint Vincent University
Internship Education Program - St. Francis Xavier University
Human Nutrition Program - St. Francis Xavier University
Integrated Dietetic Internship - Nova Scotia Health Authority
Dietetic Internship
To apply to NSCDN, complete the online application form. Email registration@nscdn.ca if you have any questions or to schedule a virtual or telephone appointment. You can expect a reply within three business days.
Payment may be made online via credit card or e-transfer. Documents may be uploaded through the registration portal. Original documents in sealed envelopes may also be mailed to NSCDN. Fees may be paid by cheque.
Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists
202-1597 Bedford Hwy
Bedford, NS B4A 1E7
Fees
- Application fee: $130
- Application fee for those who do not meet the active practice requirement: $280
- Reinstatement fee for those who meet the active practice requirement: $40
- Active practice license for the 2024/25 fiscal year: $600 ($300 after September 30).
- Non-sufficient funds charge: $40
