Business Details
48 Years
experience
Naturopathic Medical Program Accreditation
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education has served as a leading accrediting agency for doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine since its founding in 1978. Our organization works to ensure high-quality education and training standards for naturopathic medical programs across the United States and Canada. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, we maintain rigorous accreditation processes that align with federal regulatory requirements. Our board comprises practicing naturopathic doctors, academic administrators, and public members who collaborate to develop and enforce educational standards. Through peer review and evidence-based evaluation, we assess programs' compliance with our accreditation criteria.We provide public recognition to programs meeting our standards while fostering continuous improvement in naturopathic medical education. Our accreditation process supports the development of new institutions and programs through guidance on educational development. We maintain membership in professional accreditor associations and adhere to strict codes of practice. Our governance model emphasizes transparency, fairness, and due process throughout all accreditation activities. We actively promote research and scholarly activities within naturopathic medical education to advance the profession's public acceptance.
Services
Accreditation Services
Program Evaluation
Licensing Exam Preparation
Educational Standards Development
Professional Collaboration
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education since 1978
- Established accreditation standards for naturopathic medical education
- Collaborates with professional naturopathic organizations
- Maintains rigorous evidence-based evaluation processes
- Promotes research and scholarly activities in naturopathic medicine
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Department of Education
Services
Accreditation Services
We provide comprehensive accreditation for naturopathic medical education programs across North America. Our process ensures programs meet rigorous educational standards for licensing eligibility. Our accreditation serves as the foundation for naturopathic physician licensing in regulated jurisdictions.
Educational Standards
We develop and maintain evidence-based educational standards for naturopathic medical programs. These standards cover curriculum requirements, clinical training, and institutional resources. Our standards ensure consistent quality across accredited institutions.
Peer Review
Our peer review process involves industry experts assessing program compliance with accreditation criteria. This collaborative approach ensures fair, transparent evaluations while promoting professional development. The process includes site visits and comprehensive program assessments.
Professional Development
We offer guidance to institutions seeking accreditation or program development. Our resources help establish new naturopathic medical education programs. We provide ongoing support for continuous quality improvement in member institutions.
Research Promotion
We encourage research initiatives within accredited naturopathic programs. Our initiatives support clinical outcome documentation and case study development. We promote scholarly activities that enhance the profession's scientific foundation.
People
Joni Olehausen
President
Dr. Olehausen leads the CNME board with extensive experience in naturopathic medicine. She has served in various leadership roles within the profession. Her expertise guides the organization's strategic direction and accreditation policies.
Daniel Seitz
Executive Director
Dr. Seitz oversees CNME's operations with dual expertise in law and education. He manages accreditation processes and maintains regulatory compliance. His leadership ensures effective implementation of educational standards across member institutions.
Amanda Alexander
Secretary
Dr. Alexander contributes educational expertise as board secretary. She participates in developing accreditation policies and procedures. Her role ensures proper documentation of organizational decisions and governance processes.
Ben Connolly
Vice President
Dr. Connolly serves as board vice president with extensive accreditation experience. He assists in evaluating program compliance with standards. His leadership supports the organization's commitment to quality assurance in naturopathic education.
Melissa Woodin
Treasurer
Ms. Woodin manages CNME's financial operations with professional accounting expertise. She ensures fiscal responsibility and transparency in organizational operations. Her role supports sustainable accreditation services and financial reporting compliance.
Questions
What is CNME's primary function?
We accredit doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring educational quality standards for licensing eligibility.
How does accreditation benefit naturopathic programs?
Our accreditation provides public recognition of educational quality and serves as the basis for graduate licensure in regulated jurisdictions.
What requirements must programs meet?
Programs must meet our comprehensive standards covering curriculum, clinical training, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources.
How does CNME maintain accountability?
We follow U.S. Department of Education regulations and ASPA's Code of Good Practice, with transparent governance and peer review processes.
Can international programs receive accreditation?
We currently accredit programs in the U.S. and Canada, with potential for international recognition through professional collaborations.
How are accreditation decisions made?
Decisions result from evidence-based evaluations, site visits, and board review following established standards and due process procedures.
