Purpose: This study determined dietetics trainees' and program coordinators' perceptions about trainees' preparedness to practice, based on Dietitians of Canada's 145 competency statements. Depth and breadth of learning opportunity were also determined with definitions of these two concepts based on Elliott's view of professional education and practice.Methods: Research questions were: 1. How prepared were trainees for practice 2. What were the depth and breadth of learning opportunity in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation 3. How many learning opportunities were there in professional practice and communication 4. Did responses vary between integrated programs and internships or between trainees and program coordinatorsResults: Of 313 trainees, 168 54%olg:fre responded and 23 72%olg:fre of 32 coordinators responded. Preparedness was rated as well prepared or better for 25 56%olg:fre of the 45 main competencies. For every competency, preparedness ratings were higher in integrated programs than in internships. Learning opportunities were rated as sufficient in depth and breaddi or number for 88 61%olg:fre of die 145 competency statements. Low ratings for preparedness were accompanied by low ratings for depdi and/or breadthor number of learning opportunities.Conclusions: The notion of depth and breadth is useful as a framework to assess learning opportunities for developing entry-level competence.
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