Summary

Pennsylvania licenses dietitians and nutritionists as licensed dietitian-nutritionists. Only licensed individuals may use the titles "licensed dietitian-nutritionist" or "LDN." However, there is is no licensure requirement for providing nutrition care. Click on the state statute and rules for more information.

Click the buttons below to read the state statute and rules, or to navigate to the state regulatory entity's website.

Practice Act/Statute Rules & Regulations Regulatory Body

Qualification Requirements for State Licensure or State Certification:

• Academic: A bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution with a Board-approved program including a major course of study in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics or food systems management, or an equivalent program approved by either the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) or the American College of Nutrition (ACN).
• Experience: Successful completion of a planned continuous pre-professional experience in dietetic practice of at least 900 hours under the supervision of a registered dietitian, a dietitian-nutritionist licensed under this act or an individual with a doctoral degree with a major course of study in human nutrition, food and nutrition, nutrition education, dietetics or food systems management as approved by the Board.
• Examination: The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) or the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam of the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS)

Disclaimer: This is a preliminary interpretation of language of state statutes and regulations, and cannot substitute for legal counsel.