title: University students' reservations about dietetics as a career choice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dietetics students' reservations about their career choice were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  In several dietetics programs in various provinces, an in-class or online survey was administered to students in the early or late stages of their education (n=397). Data were coded and analyzed, using descriptive statistics. Chi-square testing for independence was used to establish significant relationships.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-three percent (n=149) of those responding to the research question (n=344) indicated they had reservations about a dietetics career, primarily because of internship, salary, and employment concerns. Students enrolled in a coordinated internship/degree program experienced no reservations about internship. Students experienced fewer career reservations when they had made their career decision before grade 12, were influenced by a dietitian, or were in the later stages of their education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings have implications for dietetics recruitment, retention, research, and education. An understanding of sources of reservations about career choice will allow policy-makers, researchers, and educators to address issues to ensure that potential professionals are well informed about career components and that educational programs meet students' needs.
authors: Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.
authors: Daphne
authors: D
authors: Lordly
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D003625:Data Collection; D004046:Dietetics / Q000191:economics* / Q000193:education*; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities