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Program directors' opinions in regard to Didactic Program in Dietetics graduates' failure to secure placement in
E Parham1, L Robinson, J Quinn
1Dietetics, Nutrition, and Food Systems Program, School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb 60115, USA.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|September 28, 2001
Summary
Many Didactic Program in Dietetics graduates struggle to find supervised practice program positions. Program directors suggest strategies like work experience and application coaching to improve acceptance rates for these future dietitians.
Area of Science:
- Dietetics Education
- Nutrition Professional Training
Background:
- Graduates from Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) face challenges securing positions in Supervised Practice Programs (SPPs).
- This issue impacts program directors' ability to guide graduates toward successful careers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate program directors' perspectives on DPD graduates' difficulties in obtaining SPP positions.
- To identify strategies that may enhance graduates' chances of SPP acceptance.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 229 program directors listed in the 1997-98 Directory of Dietetics Programs.
- The survey included Likert scale questions on the problem's effects and suggested solutions, along with current practices.
- A 56% response rate was achieved.
Main Results:
- Graduates' failure to secure SPP positions is a significant problem across programs of all sizes and affiliations.
- Effective strategies include gaining work experience, receiving application coaching, pursuing graduate coursework, and reapplying.
- Program directors express high concern and frustration regarding their limited influence on this situation.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the challenge of SPP placement for DPD graduates requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Supporting graduates in identifying alternative career paths is crucial when SPP placement is unsuccessful.