The New Jersey licensure bill for dietitians was signed into law in 2020. Once you have your CDR card as a registered dietician, you may legally practice in New Jersey. Contact Courtney Turner at [email protected] with any licensure questions.
Licensing Requirements in New Jersey
Under Statute 45:168-1, effective January 13, 2021, you must qualify as a licensed dietitian nutritionist in New Jersey to legally practice. Holding registration through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) qualifies you. You may also meet licensure requirements through educational, supervised practice, and examination requirements.
- Step 1. Complete a New Jersey Education Program in Dietetics.
The State Board of Dietitians and Nutrition requires prospective licensed dietician nutritionists to follow CDR mandates to become a registered dietitian. This includes an ACEND-approved educational degree program. A list of approved New Jersey programs is here. Educational programs for registered dieticians in New Jersey fall into these categories.
Nationwide, RDs work in ranges of settings, planning diets, and managing foodservice. New Jersey employers often list the RD as a requirement, especially medical settings like hospitals or nursing homes. However, even sales positions sometimes specify the certification.
The New Jersey Board of Dietetics and Nutrition meets monthly to write regulations for the Dietetics and Nutrition Licensing Law, which establishes dual pathways for Dietitian and Nutritionist licensure. This law limits titles commonly misused and abused. Any unlicensed individual in New Jersey will be prohibited from using professional titles like “dietitian nutritionist,” “L.D.N.,” etc.
New Jersey requires a license to practice Medical Nutrition Therapy and licenses Dietitians and Nutritionists/Certified Nutrition Specialists®. Holistic nutrition professionals may provide individualized nutrition counseling within their scope of practice, not targeting medical conditions.
To become a registered dietitian in New Jersey, you’ll need to earn your bachelor’s degree in a major such as dietetics, nutrition, or food science. You’ll also need to complete an internship while you’re finishing your studies. Then, once you graduate and complete your internship, you can take the Registered Dietitian Exam.
New Jersey is one of four states where anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of education/training. Keep current on proposed licensure.