Instructors, Training Requirements, and Continuing Education

Nutrition and Dietetics: Instructors, Training Requirements, and Continuing Education

Requirements For Nutritionist License:

Education requirements: Each applicant for a license as a nutritionist must have one of the following:

• master’s degree or doctorate in human nutrition, nutrition education, foods and nutrition, or public health nutrition from a college or university accredited by a member of the council on post-secondary accreditation; or
• valid current evidence of membership in one of the following organizations:  American Clinical Board of Nutrition or American Society for Nutrition.

Additional requirements:

• pass an examination related to entry level nutrition practice and nutrition care services which has been approved by the board; or
• be licensed in another state which has standards for licensure not less stringent than those in New Mexico.

Documentation: Each applicant for license to practice as a nutritionist must submit the required fees and following documentation:

• completed and signed application;
• official transcript verifying degree required in Paragraph (1) of Subsection A of 16.14.3.9 NMAC, mailed directly from the college or university; or
• proof of membership in the organizations specified in Paragraph (2) of Subsection A of 16.14.3.9 NMAC;
• applicants who are currently, or have previously been, licensed in another state(s) must provide a copy of each license and a verification of license status directly to the board from the state(s) where licensed.

Requirements For Dietitian License:

• completed and signed application
• copy of CDR card
• applicants who are currently, or have previously been, licensed in another state(s) must provide a copy of each license and a verification of license status directly to the board from the state(s) where licensed.

Requirements For Nutrition Associate License:

Education requirements: Each applicant for a license as a nutrition associate must have:

• a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university accredited by a member of the council on post
• secondary accreditation; and
• completion of the academic requirements that qualify the applicant for an internship or equivalent program as approved by the commission on dietetic registration; and

Additional requirements:

• pass an examination related to entry level nutrition practice and nutrition care services which has been approved by the board; or
• be licensed in another state which has standards for licensure not less stringent than those in New Mexico.

Documentation: Each applicant for a license to practice as a nutrition associate must submit the required fees and following documentation:

• completed and signed application;
• official transcript verifying degree required in Paragraph (1) of Subsection A of 16.14.3.10 NMAC, mailed directly from the college or university; and
• American dietetic association verification statement completed by a program director which verifies eligibility for an internship or equivalent program approved by CDR; and
• applicants who are currently, or have previously been, licensed in another state(s) must provide a copy of each license and a verification of license status directly to the board from the state(s) where licensed; and
• completed employment information form documenting supervision by a New Mexico licensed dietitian or nutritionist; documentation is required for subsequent changes in employment or supervision.

Initial Licenses and License Period:

The board shall issue an initial license to an applicant who meets the requirements of the Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Act and has paid the fees required under Part 2. If the applicant fails to pay all required fees within 30 days of notification of board approval, the application shall be deemed withdrawn. The applicant shall then be required to reapply and pay all fees required under Part 2.

All licenses will be valid for one year.

• The issue date for all initial licenses will be the date payment is received following board approval of the request for licensure.
• Each renewal license shall be valid for a period of one year beginning the day after the date of expiration of the license being renewed.
• Licenses which lapse and are then reinstated will be valid for one year from the first day of the month following board approval of reinstatement.
• New licenses which are issued as the result of a change of licensing category will be valid for one year from the date of issuance of the new license.

Annual Renewal Required:

Every person licensed under the Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Act shall renew his license annually on or before the expiration date by submitting a renewal application, the renewal fee, proof of compliance with continuing education requirements, and any other documentation required by the board.

Renewal Deadline:

Failure to submit a renewal application, renewal fee, and proof of compliance with continuing education requirements within thirty (30) days of license expiration date shall result in a lapsed license. If the license is allowed to lapse the license holder shall no longer practice as a dietitian, nutritionist, or nutrition associate until the license has been reinstated in accordance with 16.14.7 NMAC.

Continuing Education Requirements:

1. Dietitians must verify current registration with CDR as set in CDR guidelines. These guidelines are available from CDR website.
2. Nutritionists and nutrition associates must provide proof of completion of at least fifteen (15) clock hours or verify current registration with CDR. Excess hours, up to a total of fifteen (15) hours, may be carried over to the next licensing period.