Hospital dietitians in mid-career. II. Continuing education experiences and plans.

An objective of continuing education is to assist in maintaining professional competency. This research examined continuing education experiences and plans of hospital dietitians in mid-career in three practice areas: administrative, general, and clinical dietetics. Data were collected on continuing education hours accumulated, attendance at professional dietetic meetings, time devoted to professional reading, topics of seminars attended, and plans for graduate study. Data indicated that mid-career hospital dietitians specialize in one area of dietetic practice and attempt to maintain their competence in that area through continuing education.