A comparison of career-entry administrative competencies with skills required in practice: implications for continuing education.

Dietitians, advancing in practice, are often required to fill expanding administrative roles without the benefit of additional formal preparation. A study was conducted to compare career-entry administrative competence with competence needed for current practice. The survey instrument contained 59 generic administrative competency statements categorized under the headings of organization and administration; leadership and supervision; personnel management; space, equipment, and materials management; communications; financial management; and quality assurance of services. The questionnaire was sent to the 138 administrative dietitians practicing in Nebraska. Completed questionnaires were returned from 50 dietitians, a 35% response rate. Results of a Student t-test analysis indicated a statistically significant difference between the two competency levels for each major category of administrative skills. The data support the need for multiple continuing education opportunities for dietitians to develop skills needed for their expanding managerial responsibilities.