Internationally Educated
Have you been trained to be a dietitian in a country outside of Canada? Do you want to practise dietetics or use the title ‘dietitian’ or ‘nutritionist’ in Nova Scotia?
When education is completed outside of Canada, the NSRD recognizes the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO)’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process for knowledge and skill assessment. The PLAR process is designed to assess the current knowledge, skills, and competence of applicants against the national entry to practice standards for graduates of accredited Canadian programs. To be deemed eligible to initiate the PLAR process, an applicant must meet the requirements set out by CDO.
The Canadian Dietetic Practice Orientation and Assessment Tool helps internationally educated dietitians to learn about dietetic practice in Canada. It is recommended that internationally educated dietitians do this self-assessment to compare their knowledge and skills to the Canadian dietetic practice standards.
If you are moving to Nova Scotia, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) is a community organization that welcomes immigrants to Nova Scotia, and offers services to help immigrants build a future in Canada. ISANS offers micro-loans through the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund that is available for newcomers in Atlantic Canada to overcome financial barriers to upgrade their skills and obtain their license or certification. For more information about this please visit https://aiclf.ca/
The application process is below. Email the Regulator at registration@nsrd.ca if you have any questions. You can expect an email reply within five business days.
Education and Training Completed in the United States
Step 1
Submit an application for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process through the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) located here. If eligible, complete the PLAR requirements.
Step 2
Apply to NSRD after receiving confirmation that you are eligible for a temporary license with CDO. The applicant is responsible for arranging for CDO to send a letter confirming registration eligibility directly to the NSRD along with the applicant’s transcripts, practicum completion documentation and other applicable supporting documents.
To apply to NSRD, the applicant must submit an application for a conditional license. Once a conditional license has been issued, the individual may work as a candidate dietitian (RD(c)) in Nova Scotia (with applicable work permit) and use the titles ‘dietitian’ and ‘nutritionist’.
Step 3
A candidate dietitian must write the next available sitting of the Canadian Dietetics Registration Exam (CDRE). The CDRE is written two times each year, in May and November. More information about the CDRE is available here.
Education and Training Completed Outside of Canada and the United States
Step 1
Submit an application for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process through the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) located here. If eligible, complete the PLAR requirements.
Step 2
Apply to NSRD after passing the PBA. The applicant is responsible for arranging for CDO to send the results of the KCAT and PBA directly to the NSRD along with the applicant’s transcripts, practicum completion documentation and other applicable supporting documents.
To apply to NSRD, an applicant is required to submit an application for conditional licensure. Once a conditional license has been granted by the NSRD, the individual may work as a candidate dietitian (RD(c)) in Nova Scotia (with applicable work permit) and use the titles ‘dietitian’ and ‘nutritionist’.
Step 3
After successfully completing the PBA and becoming a registered dietitian candidate, a candidate dietitian must write the next available sitting of the Canadian Dietetics Registration Exam (CDRE). The CDRE is written two times each year, in May and November. More information about the CDRE is available here.
