Ohio

Getting Your Dietitian License in Ohio

Here's what you need to know.

Last updated 2026-02-25 · Sources verified

Licensing Path

Ohio has enacted the Dietitian Compact, but compact privileges are not issuing yet. For now, out-of-state applicants still use endorsement.

Endorsement fee
$228
Processing time
~2 Weeks
Fingerprinting
Required
Temporary license
Available
Compact
Dietitian Compact enacted, not active yet
Board
State Medical Board of Ohio

Endorsement Steps

  1. Step 1

    Satisfy Education & Supervised Practice

    Earn a degree (Master's level required by CDR as of 2024) from an ACEND-accredited program, and complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of monitored dietetic experience such as a Dietetic Internship (DI).

  2. Step 2

    Pass the Registration Examination

    Score a passing grade on the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national Registration Examination for Dietitians.

  3. Step 3

    Submit Background Checks

    Complete fingerprinting for state (BCI) and federal (FBI) criminal records checks. Background check results must be routed directly to the Medical Board.

  4. Step 4

    Apply via eLicense Ohio

    Create an account in the comprehensive eLicense portal to submit the full application, documentation, and non-refundable $228.50 fee.

Quick Facts

Total fee
$228.50
Processing time
~2 Weeks
Renewal fee
$183.50
Renewal cycle
Biennial (Every 2 years)
Application
$225
Background check
$0 (included in application)
Jurisprudence exam
$0
Total estimated cost
$228.50

License Types

Licensed Dietitian: Standard independent credential regulated by the State Medical Board of Ohio for the practice of dietetics.

Limited Permit: A permit for individuals who have met academic and pre-professional requirements and are awaiting examination. Costs $68.50 including transaction fees.

Required Documents

Board Contact

Board
State Medical Board of Ohio
Department
State Medical Board of Ohio
Phone
(614) 466-3934
Email
license@med.ohio.gov
Board site
https://med.ohio.gov/publications/dietitian
Compact source
https://dietitianscompact.org/

Source: Primary board website

Renewal

Renewal fee is $183.50. Renewal cycle: Biennial (Every 2 years).

Ohio Dietitian Licensing FAQ

How much does the Ohio Licensed Dietitian application cost?

The initial license costs $228.50 ($225 base fee plus a $3.50 transaction fee levied by the eLicense system).

Which Ohio agency regulates dietitians?

Unlike many states with specialized dietetics boards, dietitians in Ohio are licensed and regulated by the State Medical Board of Ohio.

What continuing education is required in Ohio?

You must maintain the CDR's requirement of 75 hours per five-year cycle. Additionally, Ohio dictates that 1 hour of CE during every two-year state renewal cycle must specifically cover ethics, laws, and rules governing practice in Ohio.

Does Ohio have reciprocity for dietitians?

Ohio has enacted the Dietitian Compact, but compact privileges are not yet issuing. For now, dietitians still apply by endorsement through the state board.

How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to Ohio?

Most endorsement applications take ~2 Weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.

Can I start working in Ohio while my endorsement application is processing?

A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.