PROFILE OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CANADIAN-DIETETIC-ASSOCIATION IN 1994

The total CDA membership was surveyed in 1994; respondents who had bee n members for at least five years were also asked to report on their e mployment status in 1989. In 1994, over half of the respondents were 4 0 yeats of age or younger. Completion of on internship was the most us ual route for entry into practice, with other routes more likely among respondents who had been in the Association for less than five years. Over 80% of all respondents were working in 'nutrition/dietetics'. Mo re members reported being employed port-time or on contracts, or seeki ng full-time or part-time employment in 1994 than in 1989. Hospitals o r other tare institutions were the primary employers of dietitians; th e principal position reported was 'dietitian'. A wide variety of other settings and positions were also reported. Over 20% of the respondent s had at least one graduate degree and 20% ore pursuing some type of f urther education. Several areas far further education/skill developmen t were identified, particularity marketing, information technology, me dio work, quality improvement and maintenance and research skills. The se data provide the baseline against which further studies of the CDA membership tan be evaluated and trends identified. The findings will a lso assist in planning continuing education activities.