Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
Accrediting naturopathic doctoral programs in
the U.S. and Canada
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education Call for Nominations: Board of Directors
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the programmatic accrediting agency for naturopathic medical education programs in the United States and Canada. The CNME Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the Council. The CNME invites nominations for open seats on its Board of Directors.
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education Receives Continued Recognition from U.S. Department of Education
Press release dated June 23, 2026
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has continued CNME’s recognition as a specialized accrediting agency for naturopathic medical education programs for a period of 12 months. This decision provides CNME the opportunity to address certain compliance issues raised by the Department while, as the same time, allowing the CNME to continue to fulfill its mission of assuring quality in naturopathic medical education….
CNME Board of Directors Appoints Jan W. Friis, Jr., J.D. as Executive Director
Press release dated July 13, 2026
Nationally respected accreditation leader to guide the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education through its next chapter
The Board of Directors of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan W. Friis, Jr., J.D. as Executive Director, effective July 13, 2026.
CNME Accreditation Process Memo
We are writing to provide an update regarding the current status of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education accreditation process. As of May 1, CNME has proactively engaged two experienced external consultants, Dr. Joseph Brimhall and Dr. Kathleen Galligan, to support the organization during this period…
Our Mission
Our mission is quality assurance. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education serves the public by accrediting doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine in the U.S. and Canada that meet or exceed our educational standards.
Purpose of Accreditation
The Council’s voluntary, in-depth accreditation process promotes high-quality naturopathic education and training, and safe and effective practice. Our educational standards provide the basis for licensing/regulating naturopathic doctors in the U.S. and Canada. CNME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine.
All CNME-accredited naturopathic doctor schools/programs (ND programs) are primarily campus-based and typically take four years to complete; CNME does not accredit programs that are delivered primarily or entirely online.
Naturopathic Medicine: An Overview
Blending modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine.
Naturopathic Education
ND programs educate students in a range of natural modalities as well as in biomedical and clinical sciences, and complete two years of clinical training.
Naturopathic Accreditation
Accreditation process promotes high-quality naturopathic education and training, and safe and effective practice.
CNME-Accredited Programs
Graduates of CNME-accredited programs are qualified for licensure in Canada and the U.S.
Photo courtesy of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians look beyond surface symptoms to determine the underlying causes of illness and provide natural approaches for restoring health.
