AANMC and AANP Joint Statement on CNME Accreditation
TO: The Naturopathic Medical Community
FROM: The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) & The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
DATE: March 25, 2026
RE: Update on NACIQI Recommendation Regarding CNME
Earlier today, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI is an advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Department of Education) – met to review the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education’s (CNME) petition for continued recognition as the programmatic accreditor for naturopathic medicine. After a period of testimony and deliberation, NACIQI voted to recommend a denial of re-recognition.
Procedural Status: A Recommendation, Not a Final Decision We understand that this news is concerning, but it is critical to emphasize that today’s vote is not a final decision. NACIQI’s role is to provide a recommendation to the Department of Education’s Senior Department Official (SDO).
The SDO will conduct a review of the record, including the NACIQI recommendation, the Department staff’s initial report (which recommended a one-year period for compliance), and the CNME’s own testimony. While this is a significant setback and a concerning development, the impacts, both immediate and longer term are still being evaluated.
Pathways Forward: The CNME has various pathways for appeal and additional review processes available. If the Department ultimately follows this recommendation, federal regulations typically trigger a window of time for the agency and the profession to find alternative solutions. Today’s recommendation has no immediate impact on the accreditation of our schools, the validity of your degrees, the status of student financial aid, or ability to take NPLEX or obtain a license.
This evening, the Naturopathic Coordinating Council (NCC) convened – representing leadership from the AANP, AANMC, each of the schools, NABNE, NPLEX, the Federation of Naturopathic Medicine Regulatory Authorities, and many other national naturopathic organizations. The NCC is committed to sharing information as it becomes available. Here is what we know as of today:
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Federal/Provincial Financial Aid is Unchanged: Eligibility to participate in federal financial aid programs is determined by the institutional accreditor and/or provincial recognition — not by CNME. For example, NWCCU is the primary accreditor for NUNM and Bastyr, and the basis for Title IV participation. That status is unchanged.
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Ability to take NPLEX is Unchanged: NABNE confirmed that eligibility for NPLEX is contingent on graduating from a school that is accredited by CNME. It is not contingent on CNME being recognized by the US Department of Education.
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None of the schools have lost CNME accreditation: what is at risk is CNME’s own federal recognition as an accrediting body.
Our Commitment: The AANP, AANMC and NCC are working in close coordination to ensure that the rigorous standards of naturopathic education are maintained and that our graduates continue to have a clear, protected path to licensure and practice.
Our profession is built on a foundation of resilience and persistence. We have navigated complex regulatory landscapes before, and we are prepared to do so again. We are exploring all available options to ensure the stability and integrity of the naturopathic medical workforce.
We ask for your patience as we work through these administrative steps. We are committed to providing you with accurate, timely information as we navigate this challenge together.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA
President, on behalf of the Board of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
