CADE is the acronym for the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education -- ADA's accrediting agency for educational programs to become a RD or DTR.

Accreditation is necessary because dietetics is a unique profession of such complexity and benefit to the health of the population that it requires a defined educational process based on national standards. CADE is responsible for setting the national standards for what dietetics students are taught, and for evaluating, recognizing, and publishing a list of education programs that meet these standards.

CADE accreditation is important to students because:

The CADE educational standards are developed and accepted by practicing dietetics and nutrition professionals nationwide.
It means that the programs will provide the knowledge, skills and/or competencies you need for entry into the dietetics profession.
Only graduates from an accredited academic program (DPD) are able to apply for accredited dietetic internships (DI) leading to the RD examination.
Only graduates from an accredited DI or Coordinated Program are able to take the RD exam.
Only graduates from an accredited Dietetic Technician Program are able to take the DTR exam.

In short, CADE-accreditation signifies quality education for your chosen profession.

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