Registration
NOTE: registration and licensure with the NSRD is required before an individual can engage in the practice of dietetics or use to the titles ‘dietitian’ and ‘nutritionist’ in Nova Scotia.
Effective April 1, 2026, dietitians licensed in other jurisdictions, within Canada or internationally, who provide dietetic services to Nova Scotia residents, whether virtually or in person, must be licensed with the NSRD
To practise as a dietitian or nutritionist in Nova Scotia, you must be licensed with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD).
The requirements for registration include:
- A degree from an accredited dietetics education program.
- Completion of an accredited dietetic practicum.
- Successful completion of the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE), where required.
Applicants who have completed their degree and practicum within the previous three years may be eligible for a conditional licence, which allows them to practise as a Candidate Registered Dietitian before completing the CDRE requirement.
Additional requirements apply, and the process may differ depending on your circumstances. Select a section below to learn more about applying for registration, maintaining your licence, fees and registration policies.
Getting Registered
Conditional Licence
Learn about the requirements for a conditional licence, which allows eligible applicants to practise as a Candidate Registered Dietitian before completing the CDRE requirement.
Re-licensure
Find out how to apply to regain a licence after it has been surrendered or has otherwise ended.
Out-of-province applicants
Find information about applying if you are currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction.
Internationally educated applicants
Learn about the registration process if you completed your dietetic education outside Canada.
Maintaining Registration
Renewal
Find information about annual licence renewal, deadlines and requirements.
Leave or surrender your licence
Learn what to do if you plan to stop practising or no longer wish to hold a licence.
Verification of registration
If you are applying for registration with another regulatory body, you may need to provide verification of your registration with NSRD. Submit a request through the Registrant Portal. NSRD will complete the Verification of Registration Form and send it directly to the regulatory body. A fee applies.
Fees
Review application, licensing, renewal and other registration-related fees.
Registration Policies
Read the policies that govern registration and licensing with NSRD.
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:
- Assess program compliance with national standards.
- Encourage programs to strive for quality improvement.
In Canada, Accreditation Canada’s EQual program accredits dietetic education programs. NSRD recognizes accredited programs as part of its registration requirements.
The following dietetic education programs are offered in Nova Scotia:
- Acadia University
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics option) - Mount Saint Vincent University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics) - Mount Saint Vincent University
Internship Education Program - St. Francis Xavier University
Human Nutrition Program - Nova Scotia Health
Dietetic Internship
