Perceived needs of Canadian dietitians for continuing education in management

The purpose of this research was to assess the perceived needs of Canadian dietitians for continuing education in management both currently and as they plan for advancement, career change and development. A self-assessment questionnaire was mailed in January 1985 to 1000 members of the Canadian Dietetic Association (CDA) selected by a systematic randomized technique. Analysis of 450 anonymous questionnaires from employed CDA members showed that 77% were employed full-time and 23% part time. The analysis indicated a profession with a young membership of an eight-year mean and a six-year median in full time practice. A ranked ordering of the types of positions to which dietitians aspired was chief administrative dietitian, consultant, positions in other administration, and then private practice. Personnel and financial management were very important areas for current positions and were expected to be even more so in future. Respondents cited salient factors regarding continuing education programs and prioritized their need for several management topics. These topics were further analyzed according to the present positions of the respondents. This research supports the need for high quality continuing education programs in management for practising dietitians.