Professional dietetic education in the U.S. Historical notes.

Since its founding in 1917, The American Dietetic Association has been concerned with the development and improvement of educational programs for the professional dietitian. This article traces the evolution of professional dietetic educational programs from its beginning in the early cooking schools in the nineteenth century through the development of educational standards, the requirement for training beyond the bachelor's degree, and the establishment of academic requirements. The continued importance of educating the professional dietitian is evidenced by the inclusion of academic requirements as a prerequisite to membership in the Association.