Ohio Dietitian License Requirements (2026)
Compiled and verified against primary state-board, CDR, and ACEND sources by DietitianLicense — cite-or-deny, with no invented figures. How we source & verify →
Ohio licenses dietitians through the State Medical Board of Ohio (the former Ohio Board of Dietetics was consolidated into the Medical Board's authority in 2018). Only the title "dietitian" and the Licensed Dietitian (LD) credential are protected by statute; there is no separate "licensed nutritionist" credential. Practicing dietetics — including nutritional assessment, counseling, and medical nutrition therapy — without an LD license is prohibited under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4759.
Ohio Dietitian License Requirements
| Licensing Authority | State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) |
| Protected Title | LD |
| Education | Baccalaureate or higher degree from an institution approved by the board or a regional accreditation agency, in a program consistent with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics academic standards |
| Exam | CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians (Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)) |
| Continuing Education | 30 hours every 2 years |
| Endorsement (CDR/RD holders) | ORC §4759.06 waives Ohio's education, pre-professional experience, and exam requirements for applicants who present satisfactory evidence of current registration as a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) — functioning as an endorsement pathway for CDR/RD holders, though an Ohio license application is still required. |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $225 |
| Initial License Fee | $225 |
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $180 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or situational costs — not part of the standard initial application.
| Limited Permit (initial or renewal) | $65 |
| Duplicate license/permit | $35 |
| License verification | $50 |
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a retake. These are the resources we point candidates to for the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians.
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Mometrix · SponsoredRegistration Examination for Dietitians Secrets Study GuideA full review of the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians — domain-by-domain concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredDietitian Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency RD-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and definitions on the go.See the flashcards →Is “Nutritionist” a Protected Title in Ohio?
Ohio does not license or protect the title "nutritionist" as a separate credential. ORC §4759.02 (Unlicensed Practice) explicitly names only "dietitian" as a prohibited unlicensed title, plus a broader catch-all barring "any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, or insignia... tending to indicate that the person is practicing dietetics." There is no distinct "licensed nutritionist" license type — a single LD license covers the regulated scope of practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio require a dietitian license?
Yes. Ohio licenses dietitians through the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO). The protected title is LD.
How much does a dietitian license cost in Ohio?
The application/initial license fee is $225, with a $180 renewal fee every 2 years.
Is the title "nutritionist" protected in Ohio?
Ohio does not license or protect the title "nutritionist" as a separate credential. ORC §4759.02 (Unlicensed Practice) explicitly names only "dietitian" as a prohibited unlicensed title, plus a broader catch-all barring "any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, or insignia... tending to indicate that the person is practicing dietetics." There is no distinct "licensed nutritionist" license type — a single LD license covers the regulated scope of practice.
Can I get a Ohio dietitian license by endorsement if I'm already a CDR-registered RD?
ORC §4759.06 waives Ohio's education, pre-professional experience, and exam requirements for applicants who present satisfactory evidence of current registration as a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) — functioning as an endorsement pathway for CDR/RD holders, though an Ohio license application is still required.
Sources
Data last verified: 2026-07-22 | Source: State Medical Board of Ohio — Dietitian (LD) licensure page