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 Licnese' section of the NSCDN website. 

NSCDN registration requirements include:

  1. A four year bachelor’s degree (dietetics) from an accredited university,
  2. A 35-40 week accredited dietetic practicum, and
  3. Pass of the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)*, if applicable.

*Candidate dieititans must pass the CDRE within three years of the practicum completion. A canadiate 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.

To apply to NSCDN, complete the online application form.  Email rThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or to schedule an in-person or telephone appointment.  You can expect a reply within two to three business days.  Click HERE to read registration policies.

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
301 - 380 Bedford Highway
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M 2L4

Fees

  1. Application fee: $130
  2. Application fee for those who do not meet the active practice requirement: $280
  3. Reinstatement fee for those who meet the active practice requirement: $40
  4. Active practice license for the 2024/25 fiscal year: $600 ($300 after September 30).
  5. Non-sufficient funds charge: $40