Application Fee: $95 | Format: Online

This guide will walk you through applying for your Pennsylvania Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN) license on your own. The process takes a few steps, but we'll break it down so it's easy to follow.

Pennsylvania uses the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) for online applications. Here's what makes this process smooth:

✅ Do BEFORE you submit your application:

• Complete FBI fingerprinting and get your receipt (you'll upload this)

✅ Do ANYTIME (before or after submitting):

• Complete the 3-hour Child Abuse CEU course

• Request official transcripts from your university

• Request CDR verification

💡Key Timing Note: You can submit your application as soon as you complete fingerprinting, even if your CEU course and transcripts aren't done yet. The board will wait for all documents before issuing your license.

You'll need to upload your fingerprint receipt when you submit your application, so complete this step first.

1. Visit IdentoGO to schedule fingerprinting

2. Use service code 1KGF29 when booking (this ensures results go to PA board)

3. Find a location near you and book your appointment

Don't have an IdentoGO location nearby? You can get fingerprinted at your local police station using hard cards, then process them through IdentoGO's website (fees apply) and mail them in.

• Bring acceptable ID documents to your appointment (driver's license, passport, etc.).

• After fingerprinting, you'll get a confirmation receipt. Save this file - you'll upload it to your application.

Now you're ready to create your account in Pennsylvania's licensing system.

1. Go to Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)

2. Click "Create an account"

3. Fill in your information:

   • Social Security Number

   • Email address

   • User ID

   • Password (create a strong, secure password)

   • Security questions (choose questions and answers you'll remember)

4. Check the boxes to agree to terms

5. Click "Register"

• Check your email for a verification link from PALS. Click the link and confirm your email address. You're now ready to apply!

1. Go to PALS Login

2. Enter your User ID and password

3. Click "Apply for New License"

• Board/Commission: State Board of Nursing

• License Type: Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN)

• Obtained By: Licensure

• Click "Next"

The application has several sections. Take your time and fill each one out carefully.

Applicant Information

• Review the information that was pulled from your account. Update anything that's missing or incorrect.

Dietitian Education

Enter information about your dietetics degree:

• School name

• Degree earned

• Graduation date

• Only include dietetics-related education

Professional Information

• Select "Commission on Dietetic Registration" as your certification type

• Enter your CDR number (from your CDR card)

• List any other state RD licenses you currently hold or have held

Legal Questions

Answer all questions honestly. If you need to provide explanations, give clear details.

Verification Statement

Enter your full legal name to verify the information you've provided.

Upload Your Fingerprint Receipt

• Click the upload button

• Select your FBI fingerprint receipt from IdentoGO

• Make sure to click "Upload" so it saves to your application

1. Click "Continue" when you've completed all sections

2. Review everything carefully - make sure all information is accurate

3. Click "Add to Cart"

4. Check both acknowledgment boxes

5. Click "Proceed to Payment"

6. Enter billing information

7. Complete the security verification (CAPTCHA)

8. Click "Submit"

Save your confirmation number. You'll receive an email confirmation as well.

Good news - you can do these steps before or after submitting your application. The board will wait for all documents before issuing your license.

1. Choose an approved training from the Act 31 approved list

2. Complete the 3-hour course (many are available online)

3. The training provider automatically reports your completion to PALS

Recommended option: Online Pennsylvania Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting from PA Accelerated CE ($24.99)

ℹ️ Note: You don't upload this certificate yourself. The course provider reports completion directly to the licensing board.

Contact your university's registrar office and request official transcripts be sent to:

State Board of Nursing

P.O. Box 2649

Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

Request CDR Verification

Contact the Commission on Dietetic Registration and request Pennsylvania-specific verification be sent to the State Board of Nursing. This verifies:

• You passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians

• Your current certification status

Use this checklist to stay organized:

• Completed FBI fingerprinting

• Saved fingerprint receipt

• Created PALS account

• Submitted online application

• Paid $95 application fee

• Completed 3-hour Child Abuse CEU

• Requested transcripts sent to board

• Requested CDR verification

After you submit your application, the board will:

1. Review your application

2. Wait to receive all required documents:

   • FBI fingerprint results

   • Child Abuse CEU confirmation (from provider)

   • Official transcripts

   • CDR verification

3. Process your application once everything is received

4. Issue your license

Check your status: Log into your PALS account anytime to see where your application stands.

Processing time: Varies depending on how quickly all documents arrive and board review time.

When can I submit my application?

As soon as you complete fingerprinting and have your receipt. You don't need to wait for the CEU course or transcripts.

How do I know if my CEU course completion was reported?

You can check your PALS account status to see what documents the board has received.

What if my name changed?

Include documentation of your legal name change with your application.

Can someone help me if I get stuck?

Yes! Contact the board directly (info below) or reach out to Nourish for support.

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

📞 Phone: 1-833-DOS-BPOA

📧 Email: ST-NURSE@pa.gov

📍 Mail: State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

• Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)

• Act 31 Approved Child Abuse Trainings

• IdentoGO Fingerprinting

• Acceptable ID Documents

You've got this! Follow these steps and you'll have your Pennsylvania license in no time. If you have questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out for help.