To become a dietitian in Maine, you need a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field, complete ACEND-accredited supervised practice, and pass the CDR exam for state licensure. Maine requires all dietitians to be licensed through the Board of Dietetic Practice, with average annual salaries in the high $60,000s.
Maine’s growing focus on health and wellness has created strong demand for qualified nutrition professionals. From Portland’s thriving health food scene to Bangor’s research institutions studying the nutritional benefits of wild blueberries, opportunities abound for dietitians throughout the Pine Tree State. Whether you’re interested in clinical nutrition, community health, or private practice, understanding Maine’s specific licensing requirements is your first step toward a rewarding career in nutrition.
Maine licenses dietitians (and dietetic technicians). Many states regulate the field, but regulations are subject to frequent changes—check your state’s board for the most up-to-date information. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of becoming a licensed dietitian in Maine, from education requirements to career opportunities. Learn more about becoming a registered dietitian in Maine if you’re interested in the highest level of nutrition credentials.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Maine
- Gain Required Supervised Practice Experience
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam
- Apply for the Maine Dietitian or Dietetic Technician License
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Maine
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Maine
Maine requires specific educational qualifications depending on which license type you pursue. The state offers four distinct licensing pathways, each with its own unique requirements. Maine licensure requirements are established by statute, rule, and the board. CDR/ACEND rules, however, affect exam eligibility, not state law.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Dietitian License Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Major in Human Nutrition, Dietetics, or Food System Management
- Coursework must be ACEND-accredited (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Effective Jan 1, 2024, new RD/RDN exam candidates must hold a graduate degree (any field) in addition to ACEND requirements
Dietetic Technician License Requirements
- Associate’s degree from an accredited college
- Concentration in human nutrition or dietetics
- Completion of an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Technician Program
- Leads to the NDTR (Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered) credential
Core Coursework Requirements
Whether pursuing a dietitian or dietetic technician license in Maine, you’ll complete coursework in:
| Science Foundations | Nutrition Core | Professional Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry & Biochemistry | Introductory & Advanced Nutrition | Nutrition Counseling |
| Biology & Microbiology | Medical Nutrition Therapy | Food Service Management |
| Anatomy & Physiology | Human Metabolism | Ethics in Healthcare |
| Statistics | Food Science & Safety | Medical Terminology |
Gain Required Supervised Practice Experience
Maine mandates substantial supervised practice before licensure. This hands-on experience ensures you can apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Experience Requirements by License Type
- Dietitian License: Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice/experiential learning program (competency-based; hours vary by program). Maine law also recognizes at least 6 months of full-time relevant experience toward licensure
- Dietetic Technician: Program-embedded supervised practice/experience as defined by ACEND; Maine statute requires at least 2 months of approved work experience for license eligibility
- Temporary Licenses: Available for those who’ve met all requirements except the exam (valid for one year, may be renewed once)
Most dietetic internships in Maine and surrounding New England states last 6-12 months and may include rotations in:
- Clinical nutrition at Maine Medical Center or Eastern Maine Medical Center
- Community nutrition through Maine’s WIC program
- Food service management in healthcare facilities
- Public health nutrition with Maine CDC
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam
The CDR administers the national registration examination for dietitians and dietetic technicians. This computer-based exam tests your knowledge across all nutrition practice areas.
Exam Details
- Format: Computer-based, computer adaptive testing (CAT) at Pearson VUE
- Questions: Variable length 125–145 for RDN; 110–130 for NDTR (includes unscored pretest items)
- Time: 3.5 hours appointment (≈ 3 hours for the exam + tutorial/survey)
- Fee: $250 (RDN) and $160 (NDTR)
Maine accepts the CDR exam for licensure and doesn’t require additional state-specific examinations. Once you pass, you’ll receive your registration number, which is necessary for the state license application.
Apply for the Maine Dietitian or Dietetic Technician License
After meeting education and exam requirements, submit your application to the Maine Board of Licensing and Dietetic Practice. The board reviews applications monthly and issues licenses to qualified candidates.
Application Requirements
- Completed application with $150 license fee + $21 criminal history records check
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Verification of dietetic internship completion
- CDR exam results and registration number
- Signed code of ethics agreement
- Background check (if requested)
- Renewal: Annual (fixed Dec 31) with 15 hours CE for LD (10 for LDT)
License Types Issued by Maine
| License Type | Term | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Dietitian License | Annual (Dec 31) | Education + experience + CDR exam + fees |
| Temporary Dietitian License | 1 year (may be renewed once) | All except exam + fees |
| Dietetic Technician | Annual (Dec 31) | Program + experience + NDTR exam + fees |
| Temporary Dietetic Technician | 1 year (may be renewed once) | All except exam + fees |
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
Licensed dietitians in Maine work in a variety of settings, ranging from Portland’s innovative healthcare systems to rural community health centers. The state’s emphasis on local food systems and sustainable agriculture creates unique opportunities for growth and development.
Primary Employers in Maine
- Healthcare Facilities: Maine Medical Center, Northern Light Health, MaineGeneral Health
- Educational Institutions: University of Maine System, Colby College, Bowdoin College
- Government Agencies: Maine CDC, WIC Program, Area Agencies on Aging
- Private Practice: Wellness centers, integrative health clinics, telehealth platforms
- Food Industry: Hannaford, Shaw’s, local food cooperatives
- Senior Care: Maine’s extensive network of assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
Specialization Opportunities
Consider pursuing specialized certifications to enhance your career prospects:
- Sports Nutrition: Work with Maine’s outdoor athletes and recreation programs
- Pediatric Nutrition: Support childhood wellness initiatives statewide
- Gerontological Nutrition: Serve Maine’s aging population (the highest median age in the US)
- Sustainable Food Systems: Connect nutrition to Maine’s farm-to-table movement
- Eating Disorders: Provide specialized counseling and treatment
Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
Maine requires ongoing professional development to maintain your dietitian license (LD). Staying current with nutrition science ensures you provide the best care to your clients.
Continuing Education Requirements
- CDR Registration: 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every 5 years
- Maine State License: Annual renewal with state CE hours (15 for LD; 10 for LDT) per board rules
- Ethics Training: Required ethics CPEUs as part of CDR maintenance
Professional development opportunities in Maine include conferences through the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, online webinars, university courses, and self-study programs.
Maine Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
According to the BLS OEWS (May 2024), dietitians & nutritionists in Maine earn an average of about $60,000. This reflects competitive compensation compared to the state’s overall median income.
Salary Ranges by Experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $48,920 | $23.52 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,450 | $31.95 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $89,730 | $43.14 |
The job outlook for dietitians in Maine remains stable, with opportunities concentrated in Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston-Auburn metropolitan areas. Rural areas offer additional opportunities through telehealth and traveling nutrition services.
Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Maine
Health coaching represents an alternative career path that doesn’t require state licensure in Maine. While health coaches cannot provide medical nutrition therapy or call themselves nutritionists or dietitians, they can offer general wellness guidance and support for behavior change.
Unlicensed practitioners must not use protected Maine titles (‘dietitian,’ ‘dietetic technician’) or practice medical nutrition therapy; they must comply with the Right to Practice Complementary & Alternative Health Care Act disclosures.
Health Coach Certification Options
- National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC): Gold standard certification requiring an approved training program
- American Council on Exercise (ACE): NCCA-accredited health coach certification
- International Coach Federation (ICF): Offers credentials from associate to master level
- National Wellness Institute: Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) credential
Health coaches in Maine often work in corporate wellness programs, insurance companies, and private practice. Average salaries range from $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and setting. Compare nutritionist requirements across all states to understand the unique regulations in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice as a nutritionist in Maine without a license?
You may offer general nutrition/wellness services without a state license under Maine’s Complementary & Alternative Health Care Act if you follow required disclosures and do not use protected titles (‘dietitian’ or ‘dietetic technician’) or practice dietetics/medical nutrition therapy. Using those titles or practicing dietetics without a license is a violation of the law.
How long does it take to become a licensed dietitian in Maine?
The typical timeline is 4-5 years, consisting of a 4-year bachelor’s degree, followed by 6-12 months for the dietetic internship. Add 2-3 months for exam preparation and licensing. Plan on 5–6 years total if you’ll need a graduate degree for RDN eligibility (effective 1/1/2024).
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian in Maine?
Maine licenses dietitians and dietetic technicians. ‘Nutritionist’ isn’t a protected title in Maine; some unlicensed ‘nutritionists’ may practice within the Complementary & Alternative Health Care Act limits. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a national credential that, when paired with licensure in Maine, allows for full practice in dietetics.
Can I complete my nutrition education online while living in Maine?
Yes, several ACEND-accredited online programs accept students from the state of Maine. However, the required dietetic internship must include hands-on, supervised practice, typically completed in person at approved sites within Maine or nearby states.
Does Maine have reciprocity with other states for nutrition licenses?
Maine considers licenses from other states through endorsement. If you hold a current license in another state with equivalent requirements, you may qualify for licensure by endorsement, streamlining the process.
What if I have a nutrition degree but haven’t completed an internship?
You’ll need to complete an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship before qualifying for licensure in Maine. Consider applying to internship programs through DICAS (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service) during the annual match process.
Key Takeaways
- Maine requires licensure for all dietitians and dietetic technicians through the Board of Licensing and Dietetic Practice.e
- Education requirements include an ACEND-accredited bachelor’s degree (master’s required for new RDNs after 2024)
- Complete ACEND-accredited supervised practice through a dietetic internship.ip
- Pass the CDR national registration examination
- Average salary in the high-$60Ks annually with a stable job outlook
- Continuing education is required to maintain licensure
- Health coaching offers an alternative path without licensure requirements
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in Maine?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed dietitian in Maine. Browse ACEND-accredited nutrition programs that accept Maine residents and start your journey toward a rewarding career helping others achieve better health through nutrition.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.
