How to Become an RD
- Ontario Dietitians are Regulated – What that means
- Application Requirements
- Dietitian — A Protected Title in Ontario
- General Certificate of Registration
- Temporary Certificate of Registration
- Application Fees
- Dietetic Technicians
Ontario Dietitians are Regulated – What that means
Public protection and client-centred care are basic principles of the regulated health care system in Canada . The Regulated Health Professions Act and the Dietetic Act set out the responsibilities, powers and procedures for the College of Dietitians of Ontario to regulate the profession of dietetics to ensure that dietitians meet legal and professional standards for safe, ethical and quality health care. Public protection and quality dietetic care are the only reasons for regulating dietitians.
What does regulation mean for applicants to the College of Dietitians of Ontario ?
- Regulated professionals must meet high academic and practice standards
High standards for academic and practical training must be achieved in order to practice as a Dietitian in the province of Ontario. The high standards for dietitians include an accredited 4-year undergraduate degree in foods and nutrition or equivalent degree with appropriate courses in science, humanities, human nutrition and food service management, an accredited dietetic internship or equivalent supervised practical training; and, passing the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination. - As a professional, you are accountable for the quality of your practice
In Ontario , Registered Dietitians work with a high degree of autonomy and are accountable to the College of Dietitians of Ontario for safe, competent and ethical practice. Each dietitian must participate in quality assurance and practice assessment programs to ensure continuing competency. - The Public has recourse for concerns and complaints about your practice
When anyone has a concern regarding a dietitian, they can easily contact the College of Dietitians of Ontario. The College has the legal obligation and power to investigate reports or complaints and to take action.
Application Requirements in Ontario
All applicants must meet the high Canadian standards for academic and practical training in order to practice as a Dietitian in Ontario. The requirements for becoming a dietitian in Ontario are:
- Academic Preparation from an accredited Canadian university program in foods & nutrition or equivalent
- Practical Training in an accredited practical program in Canada or equivalent
- Language Proficiency in English or French
- Record of Ethical and Competent Practice
- Good Character and Good Conduct
- Current Dietetic Knowledge and Competence
- Eligible to Work in Canada
- Knowledge and practical experience related to the Canadian health care system
- Pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (Registration Exam)
Using the professional title Dietitian, Registered Dietitian or any abbreviation in Ontario is prohibited under the Dietetics Act (1991) unless a person is a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Applicants cannot use the dietitian title until they have received written confirmation that they are registered to practice in Ontario. Any person who contravenes the law is guilty of an offence and on conviction may be liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 for a first offence and not more than $50,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
An applicant who has met all 9 requirements for registration will receive a General Certificate of Registration with the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
An applicant who has not yet written the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination and has met the first eight requirements listed above may be eligible to receive a Temporary Certificate of Registration if the following conditions are met:
- The applicant has not previously held a Temporary Certificate of Registration;
- The applicant has not previously failed the registration exam;
- The applicant has applied to write the next available Registration Exam or has written the examination and is waiting for the results.
An individual holding a Temporary Certificate of Registration may practise using the title "Registered Dietitian" but may not supervise another dietitian.
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Application Fees Canadian Funds (The first $100 is non-refundable) |
Examination Fee |
Annual Registration Fee |
| $100 $200 - If academic courses need to be assessed to determine equivalency to accredited programs. $250 - If practicum/work experience needs to be assessed to determine equivalency to accredited internship programs. $350 - If both academic and practicum/work experience needs to be assessed for equivalency to accredited programs. | $400 | $500 |
The College of Dietitians of Ontario does not regulate or register Dietetic Technicians.
In many work settings, dietetic technicians or dietetic assistants work under the supervision of a dietitian, and are involved in education, screening, assessment, planning and monitoring of nutrition care for clients at low to moderate risk. They may also assist in menu planning and in the supervision foodservice operations.
In Canada, there are no standards for academic training and qualifications for dietetic technicians. Qualifications vary according to the position; however, many organizations require either a 4-year undergraduate degree in human nutrition, or a Community College diploma in foodservices management or the dietetic technician program, along with membership in the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM).
Conestoga College offers the only diploma program with a clinical focus for dietetic technicians.
For more information consult these sites: Programs for foodservices managers
- George Brown College
- Kemptville College
- Canadore College (North Bay)
- Centennial College (Scarborough)
- Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM)
