Program Directors’ Opinions in Regard to Didactic Program in Dietetics Graduates’ Failure to Secure Placement in Supervised Practice Programs

Abstract

This study investigated program directors’ perspectives on Didactic Program in Dietetics graduates’ inability to secure positions in Supervised Practice Programs. The sample included all 229 program directors listed in the Directory of Dietetics Programs 1997-98. Directors contacted by electronic mail or fax completed a 4-part survey instrument including 3 Likert scale sections exploring the effects of the situation and strategies suggested to lessen them. The fourth part reported current practices. Response rate was 56%. Graduates’ failure to secure Supervised Practice Program positions was found to be a significant or somewhat significant problem regardless of program size or affiliation. Strategies to increase the likelihood of Supervised Practice Program acceptance included work experience, application coaching, graduate coursework, and reapplication. We found that program directors have a high level of concern about their graduates’ futures and are frustrated by their limited ability to improve the situation. Helping graduates who do not secure Supervised Practice Program assignments identify career options is essential. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:1047-1050.