The 12‐month Australian and New Zealand dietetic graduate outcomes survey: A follow up, cross‐sectional study

AIM: To determine employment outcomes of new graduate dietitians in Australia and New Zealand, 12 months post-degree completion. METHODS: At 12 months post-degree completion, an online, cross-sectional survey was distributed to Australian and New Zealand 2020 dietetic graduates. Distribution took place through university educators and closed, industry-specific platforms. Quantitative results were analysed descriptively, with frequencies reported; qualitative open text responses underwent summative content analysis. RESULTS: Of 631 eligible graduates, 183 completed the survey (29% response rate). Participants were most commonly 21-25 years old (n = 116; 63%), female (n = 166; 91%), and had studied in Australia (n = 173; 95%). By 12 months, 85% were employed in a role that required their degree, and 75% (n = 137) gained dietetic employment within 9 months of degree completion. Private practice was the most common employment setting (32%; n = 58), followed by hospital (28%; n = 51). Sixty-two percent of participants (n = 100) worked in their desired setting. Twenty-six percent of participants (n = 48) reported earning less than $50 000 per year and 85% (n = 156) reported earning less than $80 000. DISCUSSION: Employment rates for dietetic graduates at 12 months post degree are similar to the national average. However, hours worked and income rates for dietetic graduates are below the national average, with one-quarter earning minimum wage. Given one-third of graduates worked in private practice, ongoing advocacy for increased government rebates for primary care dietetic services is necessary to ensure they can earn reasonable wages. Strategies to support graduates to navigate an extended job seeking process are also needed.