Students & Provisional Licensure

“Provisional” licensure is only for applicants who have completed the academic requirements and supervised practice requirements of their pathway, but have not yet passed the qualifying exam.

Provisional Licensure Categories

Legal Citation: 21 NCAC 17 .0107


Category B: Provisionally Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (PLDN)

This category is for ”future” RD’s who may also be considered “Registration Eligible.”

You are eligible if you:

  • Have completed a regionally accredited academic program that meets the competency requirements of an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics.
  • Have completed a Board approved internship or documented, supervised practice experience of not less than 1,000 hours that meets the competency requirements of an ACEND-accredited internship.
  • Have NOT yet taken or passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Registered Dietitian exam.
  • Can provide a completed Form B-2 indicating you are under the supervision of an actively licensed LDN/LN in this State.
Category B Information and Application

 

Category G: Provisionally Licensed Nutritionist (PLN)

This category is for “future” CNS’s who have completed their degree/coursework requirements and their SPE, but have NOT sat for the CNS exam yet.

You are eligible if you:

  • Have completed one (1) of the following:
    • A master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition or a master’s or doctoral degree in a field of clinical health care with required coursework in medical nutrition therapy as defined in the law.
  • Have completed a Board-approved internship  or documented, supervised practice experience in nutrition services of not less than 1,000 hours involving:
    • 200 hours of nutrition assessment
    • 200 hours of nutrition intervention, education, counseling, or management
    • 200 hours of nutrition monitoring or evaluation
  • Have NOT yet taken or passed the examination administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists or the examination administered by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.
Category G Information and Application

 

Provisional License Fees & Requirements
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  • Initial fee of $133.00.
  • Requires fingerprinted background check.
  • Requires signed Form B2 proving you are under supervision of another NC licensee.
  • A provisional license is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
  • Must pass credentialing exam within those 12 months to “upgrade” to full license for the remainder of the fee, which is $115.00.

Supervision for Provisional Licensure
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A provisionally licensed dietitian/nutritionist or a provisionally licensed nutritionist must work under the supervision of an NC-licensed LDN or LN, and acquire a signed statement of this as part of the application process. The supervisor, in conjunction with the PLDN or PLN, must be willing to take responsibility for the actions of the PLDN or PLN until the PLDN or PLN obtains his/her full “Category A” or  “Category F” license. The degree of supervision that is necessary is determined by the supervisor and the facility’s policies/protocols. In determining how much supervision is necessary, the  supervisor should consider the knowledge and skill of the  Provisional licensee  and his/her level of competence. It is the responsibility of both the PLDN/PLN and supervising LDN/LN to advise the Board if the supervisory relationship terminates or changes. Please review  Guideline C for information regarding the difference between unlicensed persons assisting the practice of dietetics/nutrition and PLDNs/PLNs.

What Can You Do as a Provisional Licensee?
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  • Provide medical nutrition therapy, under the supervision of a North Carolina Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist or Licensed Nutritionist; and
  • Call yourself a dietitian, nutritionist, or dietitian/nutritionist; and use the credentials “PLDN” or “PLN” as appropriate.