Advanced Practitioner (AdvAPD)
An Advanced Practitioner (AdvAPD) is a proactive leader who integrates high-level nutrition and dietetic skills to generate new knowledge to influence the health of the community.
Advanced Practitioner Competency Standards
The professional recognition program uses a competency-based assessment process. The program is evidence-based, with applicants required to meet established criteria in the form of the competency standards. These have been structured under five broad areas or units and include:
| Area of Competency/Unit | Competency Standard |
| Leadership and Influence | Demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking to influence outcomes |
| Professional Competence | Exerts influence and is recognised and respected in their field |
| Research and Evaluation | Leads and fosters research and incorporates research into everyday practice |
| Education, Supervision and Mentoring | Demonstrates effective education, supervision and mentoring |
| Strategic and Reflective | Approach to practice applies strategic and reflective approaches to deliver efficient and effective services |
For each competency standard, elements and performance criteria have been developed (see below example in Table 1). Elements refer to the building blocks of the competency and describe the actual tasks. Each competency standard comprises three to five elements. Each element requires evidence, which is defined by performance criteria.
Table 1. Example of a competency standard
| Element | Performance Criteria (Advanced Practitioner) | Suggestions for Evidence Guide |
| Is a leader in the field of dietetics and nutrition and champions change | Accepts leadership roles in organisations and committees to promote dietetics and nutrition | Leadership positions and working parties |
| Uses leadership style to inspire and motivate others to promote dietetics and nutrition | Description of leadership style and development - opportunities sought through APD goal setting and outcomes achieved | |
| Recognises and manages change taking into account educational, cultural and political considerations | Example of significant contribution to change process |
