The Health Professions Act defines competence as “the combined knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgement required to provide professional services”. Professional competence involves the interaction and integration of knowledge, critical thinking, judgement, attitudes, skills, values and beliefs.

The Program

The Continuing Competence Program of the College of Dietitians of Alberta focuses on maintaining professional competence and enhancing the provision of professional services with respect to the Standards of Practice and Essential Competencies for Dietetic Practice (2007) established by the College of Dietitians of Alberta in consultation with the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies and dietitians across Canada. The Continuing Competence Program has been designed to help members reflect on competence as it relates to their specific area of practice and work environment. The Continuing Competence Program of the College is made up of three related parts:

Part 1 – Practice Profile
The Practice profile allows members to define their current practice focus/area of expertise and identify the trends, challenges and developments affecting their practice.

Part 2 – Self Assessment
The self assessment is designed to help members identify learning needs by assessing their practice and competence in relation to the Standards of Practice and Essential Competencies for Dietetic Practice (2007).

Part 3 – Competence Plan
The competence plan requires members to formulate competence goals and identify the resources and activities needed to achieve the identified goals. Members also indicate how their practice has been affected or enhanced through completion of their Competence Plans.

The College regularly reviews the members' competence program documentation to ensure the program is effective in assisting members to maintain competence.