Maine is the second state in the
country that has passed a universal free school meals program (behind California, the first). This bill was signed into law in August 2021. As reported by the Maine Department of Education, 38 percent of the state’s school-aged children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. However, Maine’s new law expands the free meals, making them available to all children, regardless of economic status.
Registered dietitians in Maine were likely very happy to hear that this bill had been signed into law. Among their many job responsibilities, registered dietitians educate and counsel parents and children on the most nutritious diets. Anything that can help to improve the nutrition of Maine’s children is a step towards improving the health of Maine’s future adults.
Registered dietitians in Maine must become licensed by the state before they are eligible to work. Keep reading to figure out how you can become a registered, licensed dietitian in Maine.
What Schooling Do I Need to Become a Registered Dietitian in Maine?
Maine follows the regulations of the American Dietetic Association regarding mandating schooling for would-be dietitians. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) says that you must receive an education from a course of study that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Currently, the requirement for becoming a registered dietitian is a bachelor’s degree. However, by January 1, 2024, that requirement will change to a master’s degree. Take a look at these ACEND-accredited programs in Maine (link to Registered Dietitian Schools list – Maine section). Various types of programs exist in the state, including:
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)– Only one DPD currently exists in Maine, and it is coursework only. It results in a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition- Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration.
If you elect to take a DPD, you must next take a Dietetic Internship (DI) which is a supervised practice experience lasting at least 1000 hours. One DI currently exists in Maine (August 2022), but you may choose an accredited DI in any state.
Graduate Program (GP)- There is currently one GP in Maine, integrating coursework with a supervised experience lasting at least 1000 hours. The one in Maine results in a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition, Dietetics Focus.
What Examination Must I Pass to Become a Registered Dietitian in Maine?
When your schooling is finished, you must take, and pass, the Registration Examination for Dietitians, sponsored by the CDR. Someone at your school will provide you with the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates, which goes into great detail on the examination process.
Pearson VUE test centers will administer the exam, as well as register you to take it. Registration is done online, where you will also pay the fee of $200. As of August 2022, the examination is being given in-person at Pearson VUE test centers in Bangor and Westbrook. However, pending changes in virus status, this is subject to change.
Upon finishing the CDR exam, your score will be displayed to you on screen. If you pass, your CDR registration card will arrive by mail in a couple of weeks.
What Other Qualifications Must I Meet to Become a Registered Dietitian in Maine?
Per Maine statutes, there are other qualifications, in addition to schooling, experience, and examination that you must meet in order to become a Maine licensed dietitian. They are:
- You must show competency and trustworthiness
- You must apply for licensure online via the state’s licensing portal
Follow the directions online when filling out the application. You will be asked to upload or mail supplemental documentation. You will pay the licensure fee of $150 online. If you have any questions regarding the licensure process, contact the Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice at (207) 624-8420 or Kristina.M.Halvorsen@maine.gov.
A dietetic license in Maine renews yearly on December 31. This may also be done online. You will pay a renewal fee of $150 and submit 15 credit hours of continuing education that you have accomplished during your licensure period. Don’t forget to maintain your CDR registration as well. It must be maintained by August 31 of each year, by paying a maintenance fee of $70 per year/$350 for a five-year cycle. You must complete 75 credits of continuing education during your five-year cycle. All of this may also be accomplished online.
What Salary Will I Make as a Registered Dietitian in Maine?
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that in May 2021, dietitians and nutritionists working in Maine (numbering 240 total) made an annual median wage of $60,850. Registered, licensed dietitians in the Bangor area earned an annual median wage of $60,040. Dietetic professionals working in the Portland/South Portland area made $60,850 per year. Dietitians employed in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area brought home an average yearly salary of $60,570.
What Jobs are Available for Registered Dietitians in Maine?
Many well-paying jobs are available in Maine for licensed, registered dietitians. For example, these jobs were posted as of August 2022:
- Registered Dietitian – Nutrition that Works, LLC, Turner, ME
- Salary: $58,500 to $74,100 each year
- Must have minimum of BS in nutrition or related field
- Must have CDR RD credential
- Must have Maine RD licensure
- One year of clinical experience preferred
- ServSafe certification preferred
- Clinical Dietitian- Northern Light Health, Bangor, ME
- Salary: $61,000 to $77,200 each year
- Must have minimum of BS in nutrition or related field
- Must have CDR RD credential
- Must have Maine RD licensure
- Nutrition Care Manager I – Flik Independent School Dining, Waterville, ME
- Salary: $65,000 to $75,000 each year
- Must have minimum of BS in nutrition or related field
- CDR RD credential preferred
- Maine RD licensure preferred
- Clinical Dietitian – St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, Lewiston, ME
- Salary: $50,000 to $58,000 each year
- Must have minimum of BS in nutrition or related field
- Must have CDR RD credential
- Must have Maine RD licensure
- Diabetes Educator Dietitian – Northern Light Health, Bangor, ME
- Salary: $39,000 to $49,400 each year
- Must have minimum of BS in nutrition or related field
- Must have CDR RD credential
- Must have Maine RD licensure