WHAT IS ACCREDITATION OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION?

Accreditation is recognition granted to educational institutions and professional programs affiliated with those institutions for a level of quality and integrity which entitles them to the confidence of the general public, the educational community, governmental agencies, and other agencies and organizations.

WHO GRANTS ACCREDITATION?

The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) serves to ensure the high quality of naturopathic medical education in the United States and Canada through the voluntary accreditation of colleges and programs of naturopathic medical education.

HOW IS THE COUNCIL ORGANIZED?

Founded in 1978, CNME was first accredited by the U.S. Secretary of Education in 1987. CNME consists of a representative from each accredited and candidate program, plus five naturopathic physicians and two public representatives. CNME elects its members based on criteria in its written policies.

The council is an autonomous, non-profit corporation which comprises three membership categories:

1. Institutional Members
2. Professional Members
3. Public Members

WHAT IS EVALUATED IN THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS?

The Council evaluates the candidate's:

• mission and objectives
• organization and administration
• finances
• faculty
• student services
• curriculum
• continuing education and certification programs
• library and information resources
• research
• physical resources

WHAT WAS CCNM'S ACCREDITATION PROCESS?

CCNM submitted an application for consideration in 1992 (under its former name, The Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine) including: a letter of application, a written response to each eligibility requirement, plans for the ongoing development of the college, current catalog/calendar, current budget, an audited financial statement, articles of incorporation and bylaws, and proof of authority to grant Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degrees/diplomas. The candidacy was extended in 1995 when CCNM resubmitted an application under The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. CCNM then prepared a comprehensive self-study report to show how it is organized, staffed, and supported to accomplish its mission and objectives, and to demonstrate its potential for becoming accredited within five years. Following the submission of the self-study report, an evaluation site visit took place by an evaluation team. The Council's Executive Director announced a public comment period where agencies and organizations were invited to give comments on the college's qualifications for candidacy. The Council then decided to grant candidacy to CCNM, in October 1995, stipulating that the college must qualify for accreditation within 5 years. The CNME conducted an on-site evaluation for accreditation in fall 1998 and then again in March 2000. Public comments were accepted until July 31, 2000. CCNM received accreditation on September 11, 2000

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCREDITATION?

Accreditation by the CNME means that the mission and objectives of a college of naturopathic medical education are soundly conceived and clearly stated, that its educational program has been designed to meet the standards of the Council, that its mission and objectives are being accomplished, and that the college is so organized, staffed, and supported that it should continue to merit confidence.

WHAT HAPPENS POST-ACCREDITATION?

When granted, accreditation is not partial. It applies to the entire college of naturopathic medical education. It indicates that each related unit of the operation has been evaluated and has been found to be achieving its mission and objectives satisfactorily. Once accredited, the college will be periodically re-evaluated by the Council.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION?

CCNM has developed its infrastructure, its facilities and its cash flow, while making significant improvements to curriculum delivery, in order to meet stringent accreditation criteria. CCNM will be validated as a quality educator of naturopathic medicine in North America. Respect and recognition from the general public, the educational community, and governmental agencies (in Canada and internationally). CCNM graduates are eligible for licensing exams in American states (who have laws governing naturopathic medicine). Once candidacy for accreditation was achieved, CCNM students were able to write NPLEX examinations (naturopathic physicians licensing examinations encompassing all North American jurisdictions) as well as provincial licensing examinations. Only students attending and graduating from an accredited program (or program with candidacy status) may write the licensing exams.

OTHER ACCREDITED PROGRAMS

• Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona
• National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon
• Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington