Implementation and Achievement of Education to Enhance “Competency as a Registered Dietitian” in Nutrition-related Graduate School (Master’s Program)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the education provided in regards to enhancing competency as a registered dietitian (RD) in nutrition-related graduate schools compared to RD training schools. The acquisition rate of graduate students at graduation is also examined. Methods: In August 2017, self-administered questionnaires were sent to 83 graduate schools among 144 schools for RDs (137 undergraduate schools and 7 technical colleges). The department or major heads of 65 schools completed the questionnaires (valid responses: 78.3%). The questionnaire included 10 items regarding education and academic achievement status. This data was then compared to the data obtained by RD training schools. This study was performed as part of the Professional Development Project for Registered Dietitians, Fiscal Year 2017: Higher Education Project (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). Results: The findings suggest that the implementation ratio of education in graduate schools was significantly lower than those in RD training schools when evaluating for the following variables: ＂the sense of mission and role of registered dietitians＂, ＂communication ability with people in different fields＂, ＂leadership＂, ＂management ability＂, and ＂cooperativeness＂. However, it is important to note that the percentage of students who scored higher on the variables ＂logical thinking ability＂, ＂search and reading ability of materials and literature＂, and ＂leadership＂ was significantly higher in the graduate schools than in RD training schools. Conclusion: The results suggest that, in the graduate schools, acquisition rate of the items required to conduct research in ＂competency as a RD＂ compared to the RD training schools.