Dietetic specialization: opinions of directors of departments of dietetics.
The need for specialists in dietetic practice was studied by surveying a stratified, random sample of 750 directors of departments of dietetics from nonfederal, general medical-surgical hospitals with more than 75 beds. The response rate was 72%. The majority of respondents were directors who considered themselves generalists. Five demographic variables used in data analysis were hospital size, education level, registration status, years of experience, and perception of practice as generalist or specialist. Student's t-test and analysis of variance were the principal methods of statistical analysis. Results indicated that respondents supported dietetic specialization; however, they emphasized the value of undergraduate generalist preparation as enhancing job performance and preventing fragmentation of the profession. Respondents indicated that specialization should follow professional work experience and additional education. Respondents stressed that The American Dietetic Association should be responsible for determining the process of dietetic specialization. Education level was the variable most likely to affect response. Respondents with education beyond the baccalaureate level were more likely than those with only a bachelor's degree to agree that specialization should occur after professional experience and at the graduate level.
Sandrick
J G
JG
Seton Hill College, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601.
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002568:Certification; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004046:Dietetics; D004500:Education, Graduate; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States