How Does a Program that is Not Accredited or Approved Begin the Process for CADE Accreditation?
Programs not currently accredited or approved by CADE may apply for candidacy for accreditation. Candidacy status is awarded after review of an eligibility application and self-study and an on-site visit indicate that the program is progressing toward compliance with the Accreditation Standards and demonstrates institutional readiness to implement the proposed program. After candidacy for accreditation is granted, the program may enroll students. Students on premises and enrolled after candidacy is granted will be considered graduates of an accredited program on successful completion of the program.
This is a three-step process. The eligibility application must be submitted at least 12 months in advance of the planned enrollment of the first class of students. Upon review, approximately four weeks after submission of the eligibility application, the program will be notified and directed to schedule a site visit within six months and submit the self-study application within three months.
Candidacy for accreditation status is limited to the completion of two classes but no longer than four years after candidacy is awarded. At that time, if the program wishes to continue to have CADE-recognition, the program must submit a self-study application and schedule an on-site visit for initial accreditation. Candidacy status does not assure initial accreditation by the CADE board.
To protect prospective students from misleading information, CADE policy prevents programs seeking candidacy for accreditation from publishing statements about a possible CADE-accreditation status not yet granted. If students begin a program before candidacy is granted by the CADE board, they will not be considered to be enrolled in, or graduates of, an accredited program.
Note: It is highly recommended that any institution considering development of a new dietetics education program for CADE-accreditation consult with CADE staff early in the development process, complete all CADE Web-based education courses and attend a CADE-sponsored workshop