Date Approved

10-11-2017

Embargo Period

10-11-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

EdD Educational Leadership (Doctor of Education)

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Crabill, Kathleen

Committee Member 1

Walpole, MaryBeth

Committee Member 2

Reid-Hector, Janet

Keywords

Dietetics Education, Preceptors

Subject(s)

Dietetics--Students; Dietitians--Training of

Disciplines

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition

Abstract

The majority of the research conducted on the preceptor model has focused on Allied Health professions other than dietetics. This phenomenological study sought to understand the preceptor experience in dietetics education as revealed by the individuals who had the experience. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the preceptor experience from the perspective of dietetic education graduates in order to understand the impact of the preceptor experience component of the educational process on the professional growth of dietetics education graduates. The August 2016 ACEND Update reveals no significant progress in the match rate for applicants into supervised practice experiences (Appendix A). The match rate has decreased from 52% in 2011 to 49% in 2015. Efforts have resulted in the number of available openings for supervised practice in dietetic internships increasing by 15.6% since 2004, but the number of applicants has skyrocketed by a disproportional 112.5% since 2001 (Gulotta, 2016). The preceptor shortage in dietetics is a significant concern for preparing future dietetics professionals. Through narrative inquiry, six key themes emerged that highlighted the unparalleled experience provided by the preceptor model in dietetics education.

Download

Share

COinS