Graduates of internships and coordinated undergraduate programs--do differences exist?

Two principal routes have existed for several years for gaining credentials for dietetic practice, the dietetic internship and the coordinated program. However, comparative evaluations of the effectiveness of these programs in preparing entry-level practitioners have been limited. In this study, adequacy of educational preparation and performance of dietetic internship and coordinated program graduates was assessed at entry level and after one year of practice, using graduates' self-ratings and supervisors' evaluations. The majority of graduates who were employed in dietetic practice held clinical positions in hospitals or university medical centers. Educational preparation and level of performance of all graduates were considered to be adequate, indicating that both types of programs are preparing knowledgeable and competent entry-level practitioners. Although differences on competency measures were not reflected at entry level, intern graduates scored significantly higher than graduates of coordinated programs on administrative and clinical competencies after one year of practice. Also, at entry level and after one year, those completing internships were rated higher on two performance style measures: initiative/self-assurance and dependability. In general, supervisors' ratings tended to be higher than graduates' self-ratings.