How to Become a Registered Dietitian in Maine (2025 Guide)

Ready to launch a rewarding career helping Maine residents achieve their health goals through personalized nutrition guidance? Becoming a registered dietitian in Maine offers excellent opportunities to work in hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, and private practice across the Pine Tree State. According to national credentialing data, approximately 500 registered dietitians are licensed in Maine; however, this figure may vary slightly depending on the reporting method and timing. With growing demand for nutrition expertise, now is an excellent time to pursue this fulfilling healthcare profession.

Maine requires dietitians to hold both state licensure (LD) and national registration (RD) to practice. The Maine Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice oversees state credentials, while the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) manages the national RD credential. This dual requirement ensures Maine’s dietitians meet rigorous educational and professional standards to protect both practitioners and the clients they serve.

This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of becoming a licensed, registered dietitian in Maine, from selecting the right education program to maintaining your credentials throughout your career.

Follow the step-by-step process or choose the situation that best describes you:

1. Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Maine
2. Complete a Dietetic Internship (DI) in Maine
3. Pass the CDR Registration Examination
4. Apply for Licensure as a Dietitian in Maine
5. Maintain Your Licensing and Registration

Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Maine

The Maine Board of Dietetic Practice Licensing follows the educational standards established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and its Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an ACEND-accredited program that includes specific coursework required by both Maine and the CDR.

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.

ACEND-Accredited Educational Pathways in Maine

Maine offers two types of ACEND-accredited programs leading to RD eligibility:

Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP) – These comprehensive programs combine required coursework with the supervised practice hours (dietetic internship) in a single degree program. This streamlined approach can save time and simplify your path to becoming an RD.

Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) – These programs provide the required coursework but don’t include the supervised practice component. After completing a DPD, you’ll need to separately apply for and complete a dietetic internship.

ACEND-Accredited Programs in Maine

University of Maine, Orono
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition
Concentration in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD)

Required Coursework for Maine Licensure

Regardless of your major course of study, Maine requires all registered dietitian applicants to complete coursework in these specific areas:

• Management theory
• Nutrition
• Food composition
• Economics
• Communication skills
• Psychology or sociology
• Microbiology
• Human physiology
• Inorganic chemistry
• Organic chemistry

Alternative Path: Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)

If you’re interested in entering the nutrition field more quickly, consider becoming a Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR). Maine follows the national DTR credentialing process, which includes 450 hours of supervised practice and passing the DTR exam, but does not require an additional two-month work period. You can pursue this credential through an associate degree program or a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition.

Southern Maine Community College, South Portland
Associate of Science in Dietetic Technology

Online and Hybrid Program Options

While Maine has limited in-state ACEND programs, many students complete their education through accredited online and hybrid programs. These programs offer flexibility while meeting all ACEND and Maine requirements:

Complete a Dietetic Internship (DI) in Maine

After completing your ACEND-accredited degree, you’ll need supervised practical experience to apply for licensure in Maine. The state requires completion of a supervised practice program accredited by ACEND, which typically involves 1,000–1,200 hours and is often completed within 6–12 months.

Maine accepts ACEND-accredited dietetic internships completed anywhere in the United States, so you’re not limited to programs within the state.

Dietetic Internship Program in Maine

University of Maine, Orono
Dietetic Internship – Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)

• Duration: 21 months, full-time
• Results in a Master of Science or Ph.D. in Food Science and Human Nutrition
• Emphasis on Nutrition Services and Professional Advocacy
• Combines advanced degree completion with supervised practice hours

What to Expect During Your Dietetic Internship

Dietetic internships typically involve rotations in various settings, including:

• Clinical nutrition in hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Community nutrition programs and public health departments
• Food service management in schools, healthcare, or corporate settings
• Research and specialized practice areas

The supervised practice experience allows you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while developing professional competencies required for independent practice.

Pass the CDR Registration Examination

After completing your ACEND-accredited education and dietetic internship, you’re eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

This comprehensive computer-based exam tests your knowledge across all domains of dietetics practice, including:

• Principles of dietetics
• Nutrition care for individuals and groups
• Management of food and nutrition programs and services
• Food science and nutrient composition

CDR Exam Preparation

The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering the core competencies established by ACEND. To prepare effectively:

• Review the CDR exam content outline and study guides
• Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with question formats
• Join study groups with other dietetic interns
• Consider commercial exam prep courses if needed

Once you pass the CDR exam, you earn the RD (Registered Dietitian) credential. You can then add the RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) designation, as these credentials are used interchangeably.

Important: Passing the CDR exam alone doesn’t authorize you to practice in Maine. You must also obtain your Maine Licensed Dietitian (LD) credentials through the state board.

Apply for Licensure as a Dietitian in Maine

Even after passing the CDR exam and earning your RD credential, you cannot legally practice as a dietitian in Maine until you receive your state Licensed Dietitian (LD) credentials from the Maine Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice.

Maine Licensure Application Requirements

To apply for your Maine dietitian license, submit the following to the Maine Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice:

• Application for Licensure (complete all sections)
• Licensing fee: $150 (check or money order payable to Maine State Treasurer)
• Criminal history records check fee: $21 (check or money order payable to Maine State Treasurer)
• Copy of your CDR card showing you’ve passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians

If you prefer to pay fees by credit card, indicate this on your application form. Sign your application and keep a copy for your records.

Application Submission

Mail your complete application packet to:

Maine Dept of Professional and Financial Regulation
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0035

After the board reviews and approves your application, your license will be mailed to you. You can then use the LD (Licensed Dietitian) credentials and legally practice as a dietitian in Maine.

Note for Dietetic Technicians: If you’re applying for licensure as a Dietetic Technician in Maine, use the same application and pay the same fees.

Maintain Your Licensing and Registration

Once you earn your credentials, you’ll need to maintain both your Maine state license and your national CDR registration through ongoing continuing education and periodic renewal.

Maine Dietitian License Renewal

Your Maine Licensed Dietitian credential must be renewed annually by December 31. The renewal process requires:

• Renewal fee: $150
• Completion of 15 hours of continuing education (CE) that meets Maine Board requirements
• Online renewal through the Maine licensing portal

Dietetic Technicians also renew annually but need only 10 hours of CE each year.

Maine Continuing Education Requirements

Maine has specific requirements for how you earn your annual CE credits:

• At least 4 credits each year must be obtained from “Category 1” programs
• Category 1 programs must be at least 4 hours long
• Programs must include at least 15 participants
• Programs must include a written evaluation of program quality

Submit your CE documentation to the Maine Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice by September 1 each year.

CDR Registration Renewal

Your national RD registration through the Commission on Dietetic Registration must be renewed every five years. During each five-year period, you must complete 75 hours of continuing professional education (CPE).

The CDR offers an extensive database of approved CPE activities. Review the CDR CPE database and Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) Guide to find approved activities and track your CPE units.

Many CPE activities approved by the CDR also count toward Maine’s state CE requirements, allowing you to fulfill both obligations simultaneously.

Specialty Certifications to Enhance Your Career

Many Maine dietitians pursue specialty certifications to advance their careers and meet CE/CPE requirements. These specialized credentials demonstrate advanced expertise in specific areas of practice.

CDR Specialty Certifications:

• Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Obesity & Weight Management

Other Professional Certifications:

• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
• Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
• Certified Personal Trainer (through NCSF or similar organizations)

Maine Dietitian Salary and Career Outlook

According to national credentialing data, approximately 500 registered dietitians are licensed in Maine; however, this figure may vary slightly depending on the reporting method and timing. This nutrition professional community serves the state’s population of approximately 1.3 million residents across diverse healthcare, community, and private practice settings.

Maine Dietitian Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists in Maine earned an average annual salary of $67,810 as of May 2024. This compares to the national average of $74,770 for the profession.

Where Maine Dietitians Work

Registered dietitians in Maine find opportunities across diverse settings:

• Hospitals and healthcare systems – Providing clinical nutrition therapy and medical nutrition services
• Long-term care facilities – Managing nutrition services for elderly residents
• Schools and universities – Overseeing food service programs and nutrition education
• Community health centers – Offering nutrition counseling and public health programs
• Private practice – Providing individual and group nutrition counseling
• Corporate wellness – Developing workplace health and nutrition programs
• Research institutions – Conducting nutrition research and program evaluation

Career Growth Opportunities

Maine’s aging population and increased focus on preventive healthcare create a growing demand for nutrition services. Dietitians with specialized expertise in areas like gerontological nutrition, diabetes management, and oncology nutrition are particularly well-positioned for career advancement.

If you’re interested in exploring a related career path with different requirements, learn more about how to become a nutritionist in Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Maine?

The complete process typically takes 4 to 5 years. This includes earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, completing 1,000–1,200 hours of supervised practice (typically 6–12 months), passing the CDR exam, and obtaining Maine licensure. Some students complete the process more quickly through coordinated programs that combine coursework with supervised practice.

What is the salary for registered dietitians in Maine?

As of May 2024, registered dietitians in Maine earned an average annual salary of $67,810, compared to the national average of $74,770. Early career professionals earned approximately $56,780, while experienced dietitians with specialized certifications earned around $92,000 or more.

Do I need to be licensed to work as a dietitian in Maine?

Yes, Maine requires dietitians to hold both state licensure (LD) through the Maine Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice and national registration (RD) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. You cannot legally practice as a dietitian in Maine with just the RD credential alone.

Can I complete my dietetic internship in another state?

Yes, Maine accepts ACEND-accredited dietetic internships completed anywhere in the United States. You’re not limited to completing your supervised practice hours in Maine, as long as the program meets ACEND’s standards for 1,000–1,200 hours of supervised practice.

How much does it cost to get licensed in Maine?

Maine licensure costs a total of $171, including a $150 application fee and a $21 criminal background check fee. This is separate from your ACEND-accredited education costs, dietetic internship expenses, and the CDR exam fee. Annual license renewal costs $150 plus any continuing education expenses.

How often do I need to renew my Maine dietitian license?

Maine dietitian licenses must be renewed annually by December 31. You’ll need to pay a $150 renewal fee and provide proof of completing 15 hours of continuing education that meets Maine Board requirements. At least 4 of these hours must be from approved Category 1 programs.

What’s the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist in Maine?

Registered dietitians must complete ACEND-accredited education, supervised practice hours, pass the CDR exam, and obtain state licensure. Nutritionists in Maine may have different educational backgrounds and certification requirements. The RD credential indicates completion of rigorous, standardized training in medical nutrition therapy and clinical practice.

Does Maine accept dietitian licenses from other states?

Maine evaluates licensure applications individually. If you hold an active dietitian license from another state and meet Maine’s education and examination requirements, you may be eligible for licensure. Contact the Maine Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice to discuss reciprocity and endorsement options for your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

• Maine requires both state licensure (LD) and national registration (RD) to practice as a dietitian
• Complete an ACEND-accredited bachelor’s degree with required coursework in nutrition, chemistry, physiology, and related sciences
• Finish a supervised practice program with 1,000–1,200 hours, typically completed within 6–12 months
• Pass the CDR Registration Examination to earn your national RD credential
• Apply for Maine licensure through the state Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice ($171 total fees)
• Renew your Maine license annually by December 31 with 15 hours of continuing education ($150 renewal fee)
• Maintain CDR registration every 5 years with 75 hours of continuing professional education
• Maine RDs earn an average of $67,810 annually, with experienced professionals earning $92,000 or more
• The University of Maine, Orono offers the state’s ACEND-accredited programs for both education and dietetic internships
• Consider specialty certifications in areas like oncology, sports dietetics, or pediatric nutrition to enhance career opportunities

Start Your Maine Dietitian Journey Today

Ready to make a difference in Maine communities through evidence-based nutrition care? The path to becoming a registered dietitian requires dedication and rigorous training, but it leads to a rewarding healthcare career with diverse opportunities across clinical, community, and private practice settings.

Whether you’re drawn to clinical nutrition in Maine’s hospitals, community health programs serving rural populations, or private practice helping individuals achieve their wellness goals, your RD credentials open doors throughout the state’s nutrition and dietetics field.

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.

2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians, nutritionists, and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritional Epidemiologist with over 18 years of experience in evidence-based nutrition. Holding a PhD from the University of Copenhagen, she specializes in dietary interventions for metabolic health and sustainable eating. Dr. Voss has published in leading journals like The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and contributed to global wellness programs

See Full Bio