Pennsylvania Dietitian License
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$119
Processing Time
4 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO by IDEMIA
Temp License
Not available
N/A
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board of Nursing.
- Verification of Supervised Practice — Documentation confirming completion of at least 900 hours of supervised experience.
- Verification of Examination — Official proof of passing the CDR or BCNS examination.
- Child Abuse Training Certificate — Verification of 3 hours of approved training (submitted electronically by the provider). Training Provider
- Criminal History Record Check — FBI fingerprint-based background check results via IdentoGO. IdentoGO
How to Apply
-
Complete Educational Requirements ▾Earn a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management.
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Complete Supervised Practice ▾Complete at least 900 hours of planned, continuous supervised practice experience under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian or a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist.
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Pass the Professional Examination ▾Successfully pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or the Certification Examination for Nutrition Specialists administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS).
Visit CDR Website -
Complete Mandatory Child Abuse Training ▾Complete 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting. The provider must submit the results electronically to the Board.
Approved Training Portal -
Register and Apply via PALS ▾Create an account on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and submit the online application for a Dietitian-Nutritionist license.
PALS Portal -
Complete FBI Background Check ▾Register with IdentoGO for a fingerprint-based FBI background check using the specific service code provided within your PALS application.
IdentoGO Registration -
Submit Supporting Documentation ▾Arrange for official transcripts and verification of exam passage to be sent directly to the State Board of Nursing.
Total Fee
$119
Processing Time
4 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pennsylvania does not currently participate in interstate licensure compacts for nutritionists. Out-of-state applicants must apply via endorsement through the PALS system and provide verification of their active, good-standing license from their home state, along with proof of passing a Board-approved exam.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure you hold an active, valid license in another state with substantially equivalent requirements.
-
Meet Act 41 Requirements ▾Demonstrate at least 3,600 hours of practice in the five years preceding the application if applying via Act 41 portability.
Act 41 Information -
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply through the PALS portal and select the 'Licensure by Endorsement' option.
Apply via PALS -
Provide Background Checks ▾Submit a criminal history record check from every state where you have lived or worked in the past 10 years.
Total Fee
$71
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (Every 2 years)
Compact
No
Board
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Pennsylvania Dietitian licenses renew Biennial (Every 2 years). Contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $95 |
| Endorsement application | $95 |
| Fingerprint check | $24.95 |
| Temporary permit | N/A |
| Renewal | 71.0 |
Slow Downs
Unapproved Child Abuse Training
▾
Completing training from a provider not approved by the PA Department of Human Services will result in rejection.
Incorrect Fingerprint Service Code
▾
Using the wrong service code for IdentoGO prevents the Board from receiving your background check results.
Transcript Delivery Issues
▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school; student-uploaded copies are not accepted.
Missing Supervised Practice Verification
▾
Failure to provide the specific Board-required form for supervised practice hours can stall the application.
Questions
What is the initial application fee for an LDN license?
▾
The initial application fee is $95.00, which is non-refundable.
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists must complete 30 hours of approved CE every two years, including at least 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting training.
Is the LDN license mandatory to practice in Pennsylvania?
▾
Licensure is required to use the title 'Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist' or the abbreviation 'LDN'. While nutrition practice itself is not strictly limited, most clinical roles require the credential.
When does the LDN license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on September 30 of even-numbered years.
Which board oversees Dietitian-Nutritionist licensing?
▾
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing regulates the licensure of dietitian-nutritionists.