Licensing Path
There is no active interstate compact route for dietitian licensing in Pennsylvania. Plan on endorsement through Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
- Endorsement fee
- $95
- Processing time
- 4 to 8 Weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Not listed
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
From the board
Endorsement Steps
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Step 1
Fulfill Education & Experience Standards
Complete a Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited institution with a major in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management, and complete a minimum of 900 hours of continuous supervised preprofessional experience.
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Step 2
Pass Written Examination
Pass a Board-approved examination, such as the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) examination.
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Step 3
Take the Child Abuse Recognition Course
Pennsylvania law mandates that all health-related licensees complete 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting before applying for an initial license.
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Step 4
Submit the Online Application
Create an account on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), complete the LDN application, upload your child abuse training certificate, and pay the non-refundable $95 fee.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $95
- Processing time
- 4 to 8 Weeks
- Renewal fee
- $71
- Renewal cycle
- Biennial (Every 2 years)
- Application
- $95
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $95
License Types
Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN): The standard credential for practicing dietetics or serving as a nutritionist in Pennsylvania. Administered through the State Board of Nursing.
Required Documents
- Official College Transcripts: Must be sent directly from your degree-granting university to the State Board of Nursing.
- Examination Verification: Verification of a passing score on the CDR or BCNS exam, sent directly from the testing agency.
- Child Abuse CE Certificate: A certificate proving completion of the mandatory 3-hour Pennsylvania child abuse recognition and reporting course.
Board Contact
- Board
- Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
- Department
- Pennsylvania Department of State
- Phone
- (717) 783-7142
- ST-NURSE@pa.gov
- Board site
- https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing
- Compact source
- https://dietitianscompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $71. Renewal cycle: Biennial (Every 2 years).
Pennsylvania Dietitian Licensing FAQ
How much does it cost to get an LDN license in Pennsylvania?
The initial application fee for a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist in Pennsylvania is $95. After issuance, it costs $71 to renew the license biennially.
Which Pennsylvania board issues the dietitian license?
Unlike many states with dedicated dietetics boards, Pennsylvania regulates Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists under the State Board of Nursing within the broader Department of State.
What are the continuing education requirements for Pennsylvania dietitians?
To renew biennially, you must complete 30 hours of continuing professional education. Of those 30 hours, 2 hours must strictly be a Board-approved course in child abuse recognition and reporting.
Does Pennsylvania have reciprocity for dietitians?
No interstate compact currently covers dietitian practice in Pennsylvania. To work in Pennsylvania, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to Pennsylvania?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 8 Weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in Pennsylvania while my endorsement application is processing?
Most applicants need to wait for full approval before starting work because the state does not clearly offer a temporary or provisional credential.