How to Become a Registered Dietitian in Maryland 2025

Maryland offers excellent opportunities for aspiring registered dietitians who want to make a difference in public health and nutrition. Whether you’re starting your nutrition education journey or transitioning from another healthcare field, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step required to become a licensed registered dietitian in Maryland.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration reported approximately 1,940 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) practicing in Maryland based on recent employment data. The state’s growing healthcare sector, diverse population, and strong emphasis on preventive care create a robust job market for nutrition professionals. If you’re interested in a career as a registered dietitian, Maryland offers clear pathways to licensure and practice.

Important 2024 Update: Starting January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible for the RD exam. This change affects all individuals who didn’t complete their ACEND-accredited coursework before this date.

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

1. Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Maryland
2. Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Maryland
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
4. Apply for State Licensure as a Registered Dietitian in Maryland
5. Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications

Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Maryland

Your journey to becoming a registered dietitian in Maryland starts with the proper education. As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a minimum of a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program to be eligible for the RD exam. Maryland law also requires you to earn your degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Understanding registered dietitian education requirements helps you choose the right program pathway. The master’s degree requirement typically means you’ll spend 6-7 years completing your education: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, followed by 2-3 years for a master’s program that includes or is followed by supervised practice.

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.

Graduate Degree Requirement: Important Timeline

ACEND-Accredited Programs Leading to Registered Dietitian Licensure in Maryland

Maryland offers graduate-level programs that meet the new master’s degree requirement. You have two main educational pathways:

Option 1: Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP) – Graduate Level

Coordinated programs combine graduate coursework with supervised practice in one integrated program. If you complete a graduate-level CP, you’ll earn your master’s degree and complete your supervised practice hours simultaneously, making you eligible to take the CDR exam immediately upon graduation.

Maryland Graduate CP Program:

• Johns Hopkins University/Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore – Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) with Registered Dietitian Concentration (includes coordinated supervised practice)

Option 2: Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) + Graduate Degree

You can earn a bachelor’s degree from a DPD program, then complete a graduate program (master’s or doctoral) before or during your dietetic internship. Many students choose to complete their master’s degree during their dietetic internship through graduate-level internship programs.

Maryland DPD Programs (Bachelor’s Level – Must Continue to Graduate Degree):

• Morgan State University, Baltimore – Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences
• University of Maryland, College Park, College Park – Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne – Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology: Dietetics/Nutrition

Important: If you complete a bachelor’s-level DPD, you must also earn a graduate degree before taking the CDR exam. You can complete your graduate degree either before applying to a dietetic internship or by choosing a graduate-level internship that awards a master’s degree upon completion.

Typical Timeline for Becoming an RD in Maryland (2024 and Later)

Required Coursework for Maryland Registered Dietitians

Maryland law specifies that all registered dietitian coursework must include at least 24 credit hours in food systems management, dietetics, food and nutrition, or human nutrition. These 24 credits must consist of at least three credit hours from each of these areas:

• Food science – Understanding food composition, preparation, and safety
• Biochemistry/physiological chemistry or advanced human nutrition – How nutrients work in the body
• Upper-level food service systems management – Managing nutrition programs and food service operations
• Upper-level human nutrition related to disease – Medical nutrition therapy and disease prevention

Alternative Path: Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) in Maryland

Suppose you’re interested in practicing as a licensed nutritionist (not a registered dietitian) in Maryland. In that case, you can earn Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credentials from the Certification Board for Nutritional Specialists (CBNS). This pathway requires:

• Master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution in nutrition or a related field (nutritional sciences, human nutrition, dietetics, food and nutrition, community nutrition, or public health nutrition)
• Nine credit hours in nutrition courses
• Six credit hours in biochemistry
• Three credit hours in anatomy/physiology
• 12 credit hours in life or clinical sciences
• 1,000 hours of documented, supervised practice in nutrition
• Passing the CBNS Certification every five years with 75 continuing nutrition education credits

Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Maryland

Supervised practice experience is essential to becoming a registered dietitian in Maryland. You must complete 1,200 hours of supervised practice through an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship. If you completed a graduate-level Coordinated Program (CP), you’ve already fulfilled this requirement and can skip to Step 3.

Understanding how dietetic internship programs work nationally helps you prepare for the competitive application process. Under the 2024 requirements, you must hold (or be completing) a graduate degree to apply for most dietetic internships, though some internships award a master’s degree as part of the program.

Dietetic Internship Programs in Maryland

Maryland offers several high-quality dietetic internships with different areas of emphasis. Many of these programs have graduate-level options that award a master’s degree upon completion:

Note: Please check with each program directly to determine whether they offer graduate-level (master’s degree) options or require completion of a graduate degree before entry. Program requirements may have been updated to accommodate the 2024 graduate degree requirements.

What to Expect During Your Dietetic Internship

During your 1,200 supervised practice hours, you’ll gain hands-on experience in:

• Clinical nutrition – Working with patients in hospital settings, conducting nutrition assessments, and developing medical nutrition therapy plans
• Community nutrition – Designing public health programs, conducting nutrition education, and working with diverse populations
• Food service management – Managing food production systems, ensuring food safety, and overseeing nutrition services.
• Professional development – Building counseling skills, practicing evidence-based nutrition, and preparing for the CDR exam

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination

Once you complete your graduate education and supervised practice, you’re eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. This computer-based exam tests your knowledge and ability to apply nutrition principles in real-world settings.

CDR Exam Eligibility Requirements (2024 and Later)

To be eligible for the CDR exam, you must have:

• Completed a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program (or bachelor’s degree if completed before January 1, 2024)
• Completed 1,200 hours of ACEND-accredited supervised practice
• Received verification of your ACEND program completion

CDR Exam Registration Process

If you’ve completed Steps 1 and 2 and are eligible to take the CDR exam for the first time, you’ll receive an email from Pearson VUE, the testing service for CDR. You must register and test within one year of receiving your eligibility notification.

Preparation Resources:

• Review the Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide from the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Read the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates for detailed application and examination procedures

Registration Steps:

1. Register for the exam online and pay the $200 application fee via credit card
2. Received scheduling email from Pearson VUE after payment processing
3. Schedule your exam date, time, and location at a Pearson VUE test center

Maryland Pearson VUE Test Centers

You can take the CDR exam year-round at these Maryland locations:

• Columbia – 9891 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 108
• Baltimore – 3108 Lord Baltimore Drive, Suite 103
• Bethesda – 4350 East West Highway, Suite 525, Bethesda Towers

Exam Format and Content

On exam day, bring your Scheduling Confirmation email (printed) and a government-issued photo ID to the test center. The CDR exam is computer-based with these key features:

• Question format: Multiple choice questions that test both content knowledge and application skills
• Length: 125 to 145 questions (you must answer at least 125 for grading)
• Time limit: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Structure: Sequential answering (you can’t skip questions or review previous answers)

CDR Exam Content Breakdown

Scoring and Results

You’ll receive your score report immediately after completing the exam. Click the Report button on your online account homepage, and the proctor will also hand you a printed copy as you leave the test center. You must receive a scaled score of at least 25 (on a scale of 0 to 50) to pass.

If you pass, you’ll receive an email with instructions on maintaining your CDR credential. If you don’t pass or allow your eligibility to expire, contact the Commission on Dietetic Registration at  [email protected] or call (312) 899-4859 to reauthorize for another attempt.

Apply for State Licensure as a Registered Dietitian in Maryland

After passing the CDR exam, you must obtain licensure from the Maryland Board of Dietetics Practice to practice as a registered dietitian in the state. Maryland requires state licensure in addition to your national RD credential.

Maryland Licensure Application Process

You have two application options:

1. Online application: Apply through the Maryland Board of Dietetics Practice online portal
2. Paper application: Download and complete the Application for Licensure as a Dietitian-Nutritionist form (signature page must be notarized)

Application Requirements

• Initial licensure fee: $300 (payable online via Visa/MasterCard or by check/money order made payable to the Maryland Board of Dietetic Practice)
• Documentation: Proof of CDR registration, official transcripts (showing master’s degree completion), verification of supervised practice
• Mailing address (for paper applications): Maryland State Board of Dietetic Practice, 4201 Patterson Ave, Room 312, Baltimore, MD 21215-2299

Processing times vary, but you can expect to receive your Maryland license within 4 to 6 weeks of submitting a complete application.

Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications

Once you’re licensed and registered, you must maintain both your Maryland state license and your CDR registration through continuing education. Maryland also offers pathways to advanced certifications that can enhance your career opportunities.

Renewing Your Maryland Dietitian-Nutritionist License

Maryland requires license renewal every two years. You can renew online through the Board of Dietetic Practice website.

Renewal Requirements:

• Renewal fee: $250 (payable online or by mail)
• Continuing education: 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years

Maryland-Approved Continuing Education

Your 30 CPE hours must be approved by the Maryland Board of Dietetics Practice or one of these entities:

• Accredited hospitals
• Accredited colleges and universities
• Food and Drug Administration
• National Institutes of Health
• US Department of Agriculture
• American Red Cross
• American Osteopathic Association
• The Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education
• The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
• American Society for Nutrition
• The American College of Nutrition
• The Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists
• The Commission on Dietetic Registration

Acceptable CPE activities include academic coursework, seminars, lectures, journal clubs, skills development, independent learning, publications, research, case presentations, posters, exhibits, and professional leadership activities.

Maintaining Your CDR Registration

Your CDR registration operates in recertification cycles. Review the PDP Guide from the Commission on Dietetic Registration for guidance on maintaining your Professional Development Portfolio (PDP).

Five-Year CDR Requirements:

• Complete 1 continuing professional education unit (CPEU) in ethics
• Submit Step 3: Learning Plan online within 120 days of your first CPE activity
• Complete a minimum of 75 CPEUs within the five years
• Submit Step 4: Activity Log online, documenting all completed CPEUs

Advanced Certifications for Maryland Registered Dietitians

Specializing through advanced certification can enhance your expertise and career opportunities. The CDR offers Board Certification as a Specialist in these areas:

• Gerontological Nutrition
• Oncology Nutrition
• Sports Dietetics
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Renal Nutrition
• Obesity and Weight Management

Many other professional organizations offer complementary certifications that may satisfy some or all of your CDR continuing education requirements, including:

• American Association of Diabetes Education – Board Certified Advanced Diabetes Management
• National Board for Certified Counselors – National Certified Counselor
• International Board of Lactation Consultant Education – International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
• National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators – Certified Diabetes Educator
• International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals – Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitian Careers and Salary in Maryland

Maryland offers competitive compensation and diverse career opportunities for registered dietitians. According to recent employment data, Maryland employs approximately 1,940 dietitians and nutritionists, with strong demand across healthcare, research, and community settings.

Maryland Registered Dietitian Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists in Maryland earned an average annual salary of $84,080 in May 2024, compared with the national average of $74,770 for this profession.

Regional Salary Variations in Maryland

Salaries for registered dietitians vary by region within the state of Maryland. The metro areas of Baltimore and Hagerstown reported average wages of $83,730 and $75,570, respectively, in 2024. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area (which includes parts of Maryland) typically offers higher compensation due to the increased cost of living and concentration of healthcare facilities.

Career Specializations for Maryland Registered Dietitians

Maryland’s diverse healthcare landscape offers opportunities to specialize in various practice areas:

• Clinical dietetics – Working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical centers (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System)
• Public health nutrition – Developing community programs, working with state and local health departments
• Research nutrition – Contributing to nutrition research at NIH, FDA, and academic institutions
• Sports nutrition – Supporting athletes and sports teams in the Baltimore-Washington region
• Oncology nutrition – Specializing in cancer care at major cancer centers
• Pediatric nutrition – Working with children in hospital settings and community programs
• Long-term care – Serving Maryland’s growing senior population in skilled nursing facilities

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Registered Dietitian in Maryland

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

The complete process typically takes 6-7 years for those starting after the 2024 graduate degree requirement is met. You’ll spend four years earning your bachelor’s degree, followed by two to three years completing a master’s degree (either standalone or combined with your dietetic internship). After your education and internship, you’ll take the CDR exam and apply for Maryland state licensure. If you completed your bachelor’s degree before January 1, 2024, you may be eligible under the previous timeline, which was 4-5 years in duration.

Do I need a master’s degree to become a registered dietitian in the state of Maryland?

Yes. Starting January 1, 2024, the CDR requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible for the registration exam. If you completed your ACEND-accredited coursework before this date, you may still qualify with a bachelor’s degree. Maryland state law requires a bachelor’s degree minimum, but you must meet the CDR’s graduate degree requirement to become nationally registered.

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

In Maryland, both registered dietitians (RD/RDN) and nutritionists require state licensure to practice their profession. Registered dietitians complete ACEND-accredited education (now requiring a master’s degree), 1,200 hours of supervised practice, and pass the CDR exam. Licensed nutritionists typically earn Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credentials through CBNS, which requires a master’s degree, 1,000 supervised practice hours, and passing the CBNS exam. Both credentials allow you to practice nutrition counseling in Maryland, but RDs have more extensive clinical training. Learn more about how to become a nutritionist in Maryland.

How much does the CDR exam cost?

The CDR registration examination costs $200 for first-time test-takers. If you need to retake the exam, the fee is the same. You must register online and pay via credit card. This fee covers one exam attempt at any Pearson VUE test center in Maryland or nationwide.

Can I practice as a registered dietitian in Maryland with a license from another state?

Maryland requires state-specific licensure to practice as a registered dietitian, even if you’re licensed in another state. You’ll need to apply for Maryland licensure through the Maryland Board of Dietetics Practice. The process is typically streamlined for RDs who are already licensed elsewhere, as you can transfer your CDR registration. Contact the Maryland Board directly for specific reciprocity requirements.

What if I earned my bachelor’s degree before 2024? Do I need to pursue a master’s degree?

If you completed your ACEND-accredited DPD or CP coursework before January 1, 2024, you’re eligible to take the CDR exam with a bachelor’s degree. You don’t need to return for a master’s degree. The graduate degree requirement only applies to individuals who completed their ACEND coursework on or after January 1, 2024. However, Maryland state law still requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for licensure.

What career opportunities are available for registered dietitians in the state of Maryland?

Maryland offers a diverse range of career paths for registered dietitians. Major employers include Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Maryland Medical System, the NIH, the FDA, state and local health departments, schools, long-term care facilities, and private practice settings. You can specialize in clinical nutrition, public health, research, sports nutrition, oncology, pediatrics, or food service management. Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C., also provides opportunities in federal agencies and policy work.

How do I maintain my registered dietitian license in the state of Maryland?

You must renew your Maryland license every two years by completing 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) and paying a $250 renewal fee. You’ll also maintain your CDR registration on a five-year cycle, requiring 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs), including one ethics credit. Both the Maryland Board and CDR accept similar continuing education activities from approved providers.

Key Takeaways: Becoming a Registered Dietitian in Maryland

• Graduate degree requirement (2024): Complete a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program if you’re finishing your coursework on or after January 1, 2024. Those who completed coursework before this date may still be eligible, provided they hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Timeline expectation: Plan for 6-7 years total – 4 years for bachelor’s degree, plus 2-3 years for master’s degree and supervised practice. Earlier completers under the bachelor’s pathway spent 4-5 years.
• Supervised practice requirement: Complete 1,200 hours of supervised practice through an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship, unless you attended a graduate-level CP that includes this training.
• National certification: Pass the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians (125-145 questions, 180 minutes, minimum scaled score of 25/50) at a Maryland Pearson VUE test center.
• Maryland licensure: Apply for state licensure through the Maryland Board of Dietetic Practice with a $300 initial fee, providing proof of graduate education, supervised practice, and CDR registration.
• Continuing education commitment: Maintain your credentials through 30 CPE hours every two years for Maryland licensure and 75 CPEUs every five years for CDR registration.
• Career Outlook: Maryland registered dietitians earn an average annual salary of 8 84,080 with opportunities ranging from clinical settings to research, public health, and specialized practice areas.

Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Career in Maryland?

You now have a comprehensive roadmap for becoming a registered dietitian in Maryland, meeting the 2024 graduate degree requirements. The journey requires dedication and additional education time, but the reward is a fulfilling career helping people improve their health through nutrition. Maryland’s robust healthcare system, renowned research institutions, and diverse communities provide excellent opportunities for nutrition professionals at every career stage.

Take your first step today by researching ACEND-accredited graduate programs in Maryland and connecting with current students or practicing dietitians in your area. The Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics can provide additional guidance and networking opportunities as you begin this rewarding career path.

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 and nutritionists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed October 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