Date of Award

Summer 8-19-2022

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Food Science and Human Nutrition

Advisor

Mona Therrien

Second Committee Member

Jade McNamara

Third Committee Member

Kathryn Yerxa

Abstract

This study assessed the perceptions of career preparedness of recently credentialed Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) (< 5 years/post credential) and their experiences in undergraduate, supervised practice, and/or graduate programs. All participants were recruited from a randomized sample from the databank of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Participants were recently credentialed RDNs (≤5 years) from the United States (U.S). A survey was designed to evaluate the RDNs perceived ability to perform the 2017 Accreditation Standards for Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Program competencies as a working RDN. Participants were also invited to share their insights by answering open-ended questions regarding their experiences as a student in undergraduate, supervised practice, and/or graduate programs. Survey responses were analyzed overall and were grouped into six domains of practice, corresponding to the Standards of Professional Practice (SOPP) domains of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The level of education, type of undergraduate degree and type of dietetic internship were evaluated for their impact on perceived career preparedness overall and within the domains of the SOPPs. Respondents agreed that they felt prepared overall to practice as an RDN in the work setting as indicated by a mean score of 2.05 (SD=0.63). Respondents felt least prepared in the competency of “analyzing quality financial and productivity data for use in planning” M= 3.16 (SD=1.66). Conversely, respondents strongly agreed that they were able to “incorporate critical thinking in overall practice” M=1.48 (SD=.60) and “practice according to the Code of Ethics” M=1.48 (SD=.64). The domain rated strongest among respondents was Domain 2: Competence and Accountability, M=1.72 (SD = 0.56). The domain with the weakest score was Domain 6: Utilization and Management of Resources M=2.93 (SD = 1.31). There were no significant differences in perceived career preparedness overall, or by domains of practice in regard to the level of education, type of undergraduate degree, and type of dietetic internship. Knowledge gaps were identified in clinical experiences and business management. In conclusion, recently credentialed RDNs in the US who have completed ACEND® programs feel ready to practice. The type of dietetic internship, level of education, and type of undergraduate degree were not significant factors in their perceived career preparedness overall or by domain of practice. The domain of management of resources and the theme of business management were consistently the areas identified as knowledge gaps. These areas should be improved upon within dietetic programs at all levels to ensure students continue to feel prepared to work in the dynamic field of healthcare.

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