Aspiring dietitians study: A pre‐enrolment study of students motivations, awareness and expectations relating to careers in nutrition and dietetics

Abstract

AbstractObjective: To qualitatively explore the attitudes, expectations and career plans of aspiring dietetic students.Design: Qualitative study involving open‐ended semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews.Subjects: Sixty‐three student applicants to the Griffith University Master of Nutrition and Dietetics Program over the 2002–2003 period.Main outcome measures: Attitudinal data about the motivations, competency expectations and career plans of Nutrition and Dietetic program applicants.Analysis: Qualitative content analysis.Results: Student applicants had a mix of health science and exercise science undergraduate training backgrounds, were in their early to mid‐20s and were recent graduates. The most common motivations for becoming a dietitian was a long‐term primary interest in nutrition, health and helping people inspired by previous experience with other dietitians, family or personal illnesses and significant others such as mothers and teachers. Approximately 30% of applicants reported being motivated by personal experiences (self or friends) with obesity or eating disorders. High‐level communication and organisational skills and nutrition knowledge were the common competency expectations of dietitians among potential students. Most reported working clinically, running a private practice (particularly in sports nutrition) or in mixed practice settings with autonomy and practice diversity as long‐term career aspirations. There was a generally low level of specific awareness of public health nutrition or food service management practice opportunities in the profession.Conclusions: There appears to be a need to further market the diversity of practice in the profession to senior school‐age and undergraduate students so that applicants are more informed of the realities of career opportunities.