Council on Naturopathic Medical Education CNME

Overview

The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is a non-profit accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Established in 1978, CNME accredits four-year, campus-based Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) programs in the United States and Canada. Its mission is to ensure quality assurance in naturopathic medical education by accrediting programs that voluntarily seek recognition and meet or exceed CNME’s standards .

Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 1978, CNME initially operated as a voluntary association of naturopathic medical colleges. In 1987, it was formally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for naturopathic medical education. However, in 2000, this recognition was withdrawn. Despite this, CNME continued to be recognized by national naturopathic associations and the four-year naturopathic medical programs. In 2003, CNME's approval was reinstated by the U.S. Department of Education, allowing accredited programs to participate in federal higher education programs and ensuring that CNME's standards align with national educational expectations .

Mission, Vision, and Objectives; Role in Higher Education

Mission: CNME's mission is quality assurance: serving the public by accrediting naturopathic medical education programs that voluntarily seek recognition and meet or exceed CNME’s standards .

Vision: To be recognized as the effective and innovative accrediting agency advancing the quality of naturopathic medical care internationally through accreditation standards and processes that promote excellence in education .

Objectives:

• Accreditation: Evaluating and accrediting ND programs to ensure they meet established educational standards.
• Educational Improvement: Assisting programs in identifying areas for enhancement and promoting best practices in naturopathic education.
• Public Information: Providing transparent information about accredited programs to students, educators, and the public.

Through these objectives, CNME plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of naturopathic medical education in North America.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

CNME operates as an autonomous, non-profit organization governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from accredited naturopathic medical programs. The board oversees the accreditation process, establishes policies, and ensures that CNME's activities align with its mission and objectives. The day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive Director and staff. CNME maintains its independence by operating separately from governmental entities, allowing it to advocate effectively for the interests of naturopathic medical education without external influence.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

CNME accredits four-year, campus-based ND programs that qualify graduates for licensure in the U.S. and Canada. Accreditation is based on a peer-review process that evaluates programs against established standards, including criteria related to mission and goals, resources, curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. This process ensures that accredited programs provide quality education that prepares students for professional practice. CNME also assists programs in identifying areas for improvement and promotes continuous enhancement of naturopathic medical education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While CNME primarily accredits programs in the U.S. and Canada, it collaborates with international organizations to promote the advancement of naturopathic medical education globally. CNME's involvement in international networks helps to align its accreditation standards with global best practices and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and resources among accrediting bodies. These collaborations contribute to the development and recognition of naturopathic medical education worldwide.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, CNME aims to continue its leadership in supporting naturopathic medical education. Key areas of focus include:

• Advocacy for Policy Change: Engaging with policymakers to ensure that the needs and contributions of naturopathic medical education are recognized and supported.
• Enhancing Institutional Sustainability: Providing resources and strategies to help programs navigate financial challenges and ensure long-term viability.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Encouraging programs to adopt practices that foster inclusive environments and equitable access to education.
• Leveraging Technology: Assisting programs in integrating technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency.

Through these initiatives, CNME seeks to strengthen the role of naturopathic medical education in shaping the future of healthcare.

Summary

The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education is a recognized accrediting agency that plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of naturopathic medical education in the United States and Canada. Through its rigorous accreditation process, CNME evaluates and accredits ND programs, promoting academic excellence and continuous improvement. Its collaboration with international organizations further enhances the global standardization of naturopathic medical education. As the profession evolves, CNME remains committed to adapting its standards and processes to meet the changing needs of students, educators, and the healthcare community.

FAQs

• What is the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education?

  The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education is a non-profit accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. It accredits four-year, campus-based Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine programs in the United States and Canada.

• When was CNME established?

  CNME was established in 1978 as a voluntary association of naturopathic medical colleges.

• Does CNME accredit online ND programs?

  No, CNME does not accredit ND programs that are taught entirely or primarily using online/distance instruction. These programs do not qualify individuals for licensure .

• How can programs become accredited by CNME?

  Programs seeking accreditation must submit an application to CNME, undergo a comprehensive self-study, and participate in a peer-review evaluation process to assess compliance with CNME's standards.

• What is the role of CNME in the licensing process?

  Graduates of programs accredited or pre-accredited (candidacy) by CNME are eligible to apply for the naturopathic licensing examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) and are generally eligible for state and provincial licensure in the U.S. and Canada .

Organization Name

Council on Naturopathic Medical Education

Acronym

CNME

Year of Establishment

1/01/1978

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 178
Great Barrington
01230 Massachusetts United States

Phone

+1 (413) 528 8877

Fax

+1 (413) 528 8880

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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