[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https:\/\/cnme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/accreditationprocess.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Naturopathic Program Accreditation” text_orientation=”center” module_class=”et_animated et_animated et_animated et_animated et_animated” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”3.5em” content_font_size=”47px” subhead_font_size=”25px” subhead_line_height=”1.5em” background_color=”rgba(122,193,67,0.28)” background_blend=”soft-light” max_width_tablet=”50px” animation_style=”fade” title_font_size_tablet=”” title_font_size_phone=”22px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_title=”text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, .8);” custom_css_subtitle=”text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”overview” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|8%||8%” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Overview of Accreditation” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits four-year, primarily campus-based doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine (ND programs) that qualify graduates for licensure in the U.S. and Canada. CNME-accredited ND programs may also incorporate online\/distance education coursework, as well as hybrid courses that combine online and in-person components. The CNME does not, however, accredit ND programs that are taught entirely or primarily using online\/distance instruction, and these types of programs do not qualify individuals for licensure.<\/p>\n
The purpose of accreditation is to promote high-quality naturopathic education and training, and safe and effective naturopathic medical practice. CNME accomplishes this purpose by adopting a stringent set of accreditation standards that naturopathic doctor programs must meet to qualify for accreditation, and sending a team of experts that includes practicing naturopathic physicians and educators to periodically evaluate these programs onsite (see Steps in the Accreditation Process<\/a> for more information).<\/p>\n CNME\u2019s accreditation standards cover areas such as ND program length and content, clinical training requirements, faculty qualifications, student services, student and program assessment, facilities, and library resources. For information on CNME accreditation standards, see Part Four of the CNME Handbook of Accreditation for Naturopathic Medical Programs<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n CNME also supports the ongoing improvement of naturopathic doctor colleges and programs by providing advice to individual institutions and periodically revising its accreditation standards to reflect changes and advances in the profession.<\/p>\n CNME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of accrediting ND programs, and our educational standards provide the basis for licensing\/regulating naturopathic physicians in the U.S. and Canada. For information on accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education recognition process for accrediting agencies, visit the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s web site<\/a>.<\/p>\n U.S. institutions offering naturopathic doctor programs are also accredited by regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and approved by their respective state boards of higher education, while institutions in Canada are recognized by their respective provincial higher education regulatory agencies. These other regulatory processes are also intended to ensure high quality naturopathic education and well-qualified graduates.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ inner_shadow=”on” module_id=”steps” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#fdfdfd” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Steps in the Accreditation Process” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – steps” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.02)” custom_padding=”|10px|25px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”60px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”CNME Handbook of Accreditation” url=”https:\/\/cnme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/CNME-Handbook-of-Accreditation-September-2025-Edition.pdf” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”h||divi||400″ image_icon_width=”79px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ body_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” link_option_url=”https:\/\/cnme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/CNME-Handbook-of-Accreditation-September-2025-Edition.pdf” link_option_url_new_window=”on” icon_font_size=”79px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Download the Handbook (PDF file)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/cnme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/CNME-Handbook-of-Accreditation-September-2025-Edition.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download the Handbook (1.5Mb pdf file)” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”62%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”0.9em” text_line_height=”1.75em” custom_padding=”|10px||10px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Naturopathic doctor colleges and programs interested in seeking accreditation should first contact the CNME Executive Director<\/a> to find out more about the process and whether their program is likely to be eligible for accreditation.<\/p>\nSteps in the Accreditation Process<\/h2>\n
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\nThe purpose of the application is to demonstrate that an naturopathic doctor (ND) program is ready to seek CNME accreditation.
\nOutlined in Part Two of the Handbook: “Eligibility Application”<\/em><\/li>\n
\nIf the eligibility application is approved, the ND program engages in a self-study process and submits a self-study report. The report details how the program meets CNME accreditation standards and provides an analysis of its strengths, weaknesses and how it might improve. Candidacy status is similar to accreditation, with candidate programs generally still in a developmental phase.
\nCandidacy information is outlined in Part Three of the Handbook: “Candidacy and Accreditation”<\/em>
\nSelf-study report information is in Part Five of the Handbook: “Self-Study Guide for Candidacy and Accreditation”<\/em><\/li>\n
\nIf the Council accepts the self-study report, it appoints an evaluation team that includes naturopathic medical educators and practitioners to conduct an onsite review of the ND program. Following the visit, the team issues a report on its findings regarding compliance with CNME accreditation standards. The ND program has an opportunity to respond to the team report.
\nOutlined in Part Three of the Handbook: “Candidacy and Accreditation”<\/em><\/li>\n
\nFollowing the evaluation visit, the CNME Board of Directors holds a hearing attended by program representatives to review the program for candidacy. After the hearing, the Board makes a decision on whether to grant candidacy. Candidate programs must achieve accreditation within five years. If the Council identifies deficiencies in a program\u2019s compliance with CNME\u2019s standards, the program is required to address them within the first two years of gaining candidacy.
\nOutlined in Part Three of the Handbook: “Candidacy and Accreditation”<\/em><\/li>\n
\nThe process for initial accreditation is the same as the process for attaining candidacy: submission of a self-study report, followed by an onsite evaluation visit, issuance of an evaluation team report, an accreditation hearing before the Council, and a final decision by the Council. CNME accreditation is for a term of up to seven years.<\/li>\n
\nPrograms that wish to maintain their accreditation must go through a periodic reaccreditation process prior to the expiration of their current term of accreditation.<\/li>\n
\nCandidate and accredited ND programs are required to submit annual reports to demonstrate that they are addressing any deficiencies identified by the Council, and to keep the Council apprised of changes. If a program has major deficiencies, the Council may require special reporting.<\/li>\n
\nWhile most ND programs are in good standing with CNME, it is possible for a candidate or accredited ND program to become out of compliance with specific CNME standards and\/or policies. When compliance issues become serious, the Council may take action to sanction a program and may even withdraw accreditation in extreme circumstances.
\nOutlined in Part Three of the Handbook: “Sanctions”<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n