Mount Saint Vincent University Department (MSVU) of Applied Human Nutrition (AHN) collaborates with the Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists (NSCDN) to evaluate and bridge eligible internationally educated dietitian candidates to become licensed to practice dietetics in Canada.

For more information, interested candidates should refer to the NSCDN webpage on international applications.

Summary of steps:

Optional Step: Orientation and Self-Assessment (OSAT) – (dietitianselfassessment.ca)

Complete the Canadian Dietetic Practice Orientation and Self-Assessment Tool to compare your knowledge and skills to the Canadian dietetic practice standards.

Step 1: Credential Evaluation – World Education Services (wes.org)

Obtain a Course-by-Course International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) through World Education Services (WES) and have the results sent directly to College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO).

Step 2: Application Page – PLAR Application Instructions – (collegeofdietitians.org)

Apply to complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process through CDO, which is comprised of the Knowledge and Competency Assessment Tool (KCAT) and the Performance Based Assessment (PBA).

Step 3: Complete the KCAT – KCAT (Demonstrating Academic Currency)

If upgrading or bridging course work is required, it can be completed at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) via the Internationally Educated Dietitians (IED) Bridging Process, or another approved educational institution. Candidates registering with MSVU must meet university language requirements.

MSVU Bridging Process

The IED bridging process is multi-step. All successful applicants must first enroll in ten 0.5 credit university courses as recommended by the AHN-IED team. Upon successful completion of coursework (minimum B- grade) the candidate may apply for dietetic internship. Not all IED candidates who have completed the ten 0.5 credits will secure a practicum experience in their bridging process.

To be considered for the practicum experience, the following components will be required and evaluated:

  • university language requirement is IELTS 6.5 (Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam language requirement is IELTS 7.0)
  • 10 courses required (5 credits) with a minimum grade of B-
  • faculty feedback
  • interview
  • external reference
  • written challenge
  • engagement and professional activities
  • academic transcripts

Candidates successfully completing all required bridging/upgrading requirements will be considered for practicum placement. Prior to practicum placement candidates will complete a pre-practicum evaluation to confirm readiness for placement. All candidates register for and follow the MSVU internship program although specific requirements may be modified to meet the individual needs of the candidate. Candidates are placed in approved practicum settings and supervised by a MSVU faculty advisor.

MSVU offers two university credit courses (NUTR 4460 & 4461) specifically designed to introduce candidates to the cultural context of dietetics in Canada. Candidates will examine cultural differences and similarities, meet Canadian dietitians, and gain important skills which will assist them in integrating into and understanding Canadian dietetic practice. These courses are available via distance.

Step 4:

Successfully complete the Performance Based Assessment (PBA) within 3 years of passing MSVU IED Bridging Process.

Step 5:

Apply for temporary registration with NSCDN and write the Canadian Dietetics Registration Examination (CDRE) within 3 years of passing PBA.

Learn more:

For an overview of the development of our process – Sustainable Dietetics Bridging Program