Montclair State Dietetics Organization - Internship - Portfolio

Dietetics Portfolio

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) revised the continuing education activity options and redesigned the recertification process for registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs). There is a 5-step process which involves self reflection, needs assessment, plan development, activities log, and evaluation.

The Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) helps to enhance Continuing Professional Education (CPE) activities. The portfolio is supposed to encourage more than information transfer during CPE activities. It focuses to identify knowledge and skills needed for professional competence, use appropriate educational methods, and develop individualized strategies to implement what was learned by applying it to professional practice.

It is also used to promote lifelong learning while providing tools to achieve learning goals. The tools enable analysis of circumstances and requirements within professional, create and carry out individualized continuing education program, and evaluate the success of using CPE in professional life.

The portfolio encourages individual professionals to take responsibility for continuing competence.

As future dietetic professionals, we should be familiar with current and future requirements to maintain the profession. Creating a portfolio for professional growth and development is necessary to remain competitive. First and foremost, keep the portfolio organized and neat. The contents of the portfolio should highlight your achievements and skills, yet be easy to follow.

Contents to include in the portfolio include academic as well as extracurricular activities such as projects, research reports, and letters of recognition. Any additional items that you feel may enhance and reflect your academic and professional experience should be included.

CDR has created a guide, Professional Development Portfolio Guide to provide some information about the portfolio. It is also available through the CDR Website. Additional information about the portfolio is available on the CDR Professional Development Website, (www.cdrnet.org)