The American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation
United States of America
(A Non-Profit, Independent Accrediting Authority)
United States of America
Since its establishment, the American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation (ACNMA Board) has served as an independent and internationally recognized accrediting body dedicated to the evaluation, validation, and certification of excellence in the field of naturopathic and holistic medical sciences. Headquartered in the United States of America, the ACNMA Board operates as a non-profit professional institution, ensuring that the standards of natural and integrative medicine remain consistent with the highest ethical and academic benchmarks of the healing arts.
The mission of the ACNMA Board is the protection, advancement, and promotion of public health and welfare through the accreditation and recognition of qualified naturopathic and holistic practitioners, institutions, and programs of study.
Our Board develops rigorous criteria and assessment methodologies to evaluate the competency, knowledge, and professional proficiency required for accreditation and certification at national and international levels.
Through its accredited programs, the ACNMA Board provides a definitive measure of credibility and professional integrity — a distinction that reflects a practitioner’s commitment to the highest standards of natural healthcare. Accreditation by the Commission signifies that the practitioner or institution has met the professional qualifications and ethical requirements established by the Board and is thereby recognized as maintaining excellence in naturopathic medical practice.
The ACNMA Board stands as one of the most respected professional authorities in naturopathic and integrative health accreditation, serving as a symbol of trust for patients, peers, and the global healthcare community. Those who receive ACNMA recognition attain a distinguished mark of excellence and a credential that upholds the integrity and credibility of the profession.
Upon successful evaluation and approval, recipients are awarded an official Diploma of Accreditation and Certification, bearing the Gold Seal and the signatures of the President and the Secretary of the Commission. Holders of this credential are entitled to use the professional designation of
“ACNMA Board Accredited / Certified”
in professional communication, clinical practice, and public representation.
Accredited members are required to maintain their status through annual renewal and continuing professional education, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to ethical practice, scientific advancement, and holistic healing.
In recognition of their academic merit, clinical experience, and professional contribution, the ACNMA Board upholds these standards not merely as a qualification — but as a lifelong commitment to the service of humanity and the healing sciences.
“In the Service of Humanity and the Advancement of Natural Healing”
Each Diploma and Certificate issued by the ACNMA Board bears the Official Gold Seal of Accreditation and carries the signatures of the Board’s authorized officers. These symbols represent the integrity, authenticity, and professional distinction bestowed upon the recipient by the Commission.
United States of America
The American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation (ACNMA) is an independent, non-profit accrediting body headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA. The Commission operates as a worldwide organization devoted to establishing, evaluating, and maintaining the highest standards of excellence in naturopathic medical education and professional practice.
Since its inception, the mission of the ACNMA has remained steadfast:
to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by promoting competence, ethics, and academic integrity among natural health professionals.
The ACNMA was founded to serve as an impartial and autonomous authority in the evaluation of educational programs, institutions, and practitioners in the field of naturopathic and holistic medicine.
Its principal objective is to ensure that accredited institutions and certified practitioners demonstrate verified knowledge, proficiency, and adherence to ethical and clinical standards recognized in the natural health sciences.
Through its comprehensive accreditation process, the Commission develops and administers rigorous evaluative criteria for assessing educational curricula, institutional governance, faculty qualifications, and professional conduct. Accreditation by the ACNMA thus represents a symbol of trust, integrity, and excellence for both the public and the profession.
Attaining accreditation or certification through the American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation signifies that an institution or professional has met nationally recognized benchmarks for competence in naturopathic medical education and clinical proficiency.
Such recognition enhances professional credibility, promotes public confidence, and provides a validated measure of quality assurance within the natural health care field.
Certified or accredited members of ACNMA are recognized by their peers, professional organizations, and the broader public as having achieved a respected level of academic and professional distinction.
Candidates seeking accreditation or professional certification undergo a thorough review process designed by naturopathic physicians and academic evaluators.
Upon successful evaluation and/or examination, a formal certificate bearing the official seal of the Commission and the signatures of the President and Academic Chair is issued.
Recipients are entitled to use the “ACNMA Accredited” or “Board Certified by the American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation” designation to demonstrate verified competence and educational quality in their respective field.
To maintain active status, accredited professionals are required to complete a minimum of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually in natural and integrative health sciences, accompanied by appropriate documentation and renewal submission.
This ensures that all ACNMA-accredited professionals remain current, effective, and in alignment with evolving medical and ethical standards.
When evaluating institutions or programs, the ACNMA Commission considers multiple factors — including institutional longevity, educational outcomes, faculty expertise, graduate success rates, and compliance with recognized academic frameworks.
Institutions seeking accreditation through ACNMA are expected to uphold principles of academic freedom, transparency, and ethical practice in their training programs.
The Commission maintains independence from any educational institution or private training program, thereby preserving the integrity and impartiality of its accreditation process.
The American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation stands as a leading authority in the recognition of quality naturopathic education and professional certification worldwide.
Its standards have become a benchmark for institutions and practitioners committed to advancing the science and art of natural health care with compassion, evidence-based practice, and holistic understanding.
The Commission’s certification process enables the public to identify competent, ethically grounded professionals who have demonstrated verified proficiency in naturopathic medicine.
For the practitioner, ACNMA accreditation represents not only professional validation but also a lifelong commitment to excellence, service, and the betterment of human health.
Professionals accredited by ACNMA may also apply for membership with recognized national associations that support the rights and advancement of natural health practitioners.
These organizations offer professional networking opportunities, continuing education programs, and advocacy for the integrative health community in the United States and abroad.
Through collaboration, ACNMA and its academic partners aim to elevate professional standards, foster continuous education, and protect the ethical practice of naturopathic medicine globally.
Upon successful approval and accreditation, each recipient receives an official diploma and certificate embossed with the Gold Seal of the American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation.
This document symbolizes academic achievement, professional integrity, and adherence to the Commission’s Code of Ethics.
“Upholding Excellence and Integrity in Naturopathic Medical Education.”
— Official Motto of the American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation
The American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation (ACNMA Board)
United States of America
The American Commission for Naturopathic Medical Accreditation (ACNMA Board) serves as an independent and internationally recognized accrediting authority, responsible for establishing and maintaining the highest academic, professional, and ethical standards in the field of Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine.
Founded to ensure the integrity and excellence of natural health education, the Commission’s Accreditation Standards and Procedures have become the benchmark for institutions and practitioners of naturopathic sciences worldwide. These standards provide the foundation for educational quality, institutional accountability, and public trust in accredited programs.
Accreditation by the ACNMA Board is voluntary yet highly prestigious. It signifies that an institution or program has undergone a comprehensive evaluation by an impartial Commission of qualified experts. This evaluation ensures that all accredited programs uphold the principles of scientific credibility, ethical practice, and educational excellence consistent with U.S. and international standards in holistic medical sciences.
The ACNMA Board’s mission is to promote continuous advancement of naturopathic medical education and professional practice by providing an objective framework of evaluation. Accreditation reflects not only compliance with established standards but also an enduring commitment to improvement, accountability, and the welfare of the public.
The Commission’s Accreditation Standards encompass both academic and administrative dimensions of institutional operation. These standards are designed to optimize educational effectiveness, promote transparency, and ensure that students receive the most comprehensive preparation for their professional careers in natural medicine.
Each institution seeking accreditation is evaluated under the following essential criteria:
Governance and Institutional Integrity – Evidence of ethical leadership, legal incorporation, and transparent decision-making processes.
Academic Program and Curriculum Design – Alignment of the program with recognized competencies and professional outcomes in naturopathic medical science.
Faculty and Staff Qualifications – Verification of credentials, academic degrees, and professional experience of teaching and administrative personnel.
Student Support and Resources – Accessibility of counseling, mentoring, and academic support services for all learners.
Fiscal and Administrative Stability – Demonstration of sustainable financial resources, accountability, and effective management practices.
Program Length and Credit Structure – Assurance that program duration, content, and tuition correspond appropriately to recognized academic credit standards.
Institutional Accountability and Reporting – Maintenance of accurate student records, ethical advertising, and fair admission procedures.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment – Evaluation of graduate achievement, licensure examination results, and career placement success.
Public Disclosure and Transparency – Clear communication of institutional mission, objectives, and accreditation status to the public.
Institutions meeting or exceeding these criteria are recognized as ACNMA Accredited Institutions, a designation symbolizing academic credibility, professional integrity, and global recognition.
To attain accreditation, an institution voluntarily submits to a comprehensive self-study and external peer review conducted by the ACNMA Commission. This process involves:
Full review of curricula and course materials
Evaluation of faculty qualifications and governance structures
On-site or virtual institutional assessments
Verification of financial stability and student satisfaction
Analysis of institutional outcomes and compliance with ACNMA standards
Upon successful completion, the institution is granted Full Accreditation and awarded the ACNMA Board Gold Seal of Recognition, symbolizing excellence in naturopathic medical education.
Institutions that demonstrate initial compliance with the Commission’s requirements but are still in the process of completing the final evaluation may be granted Candidate Status.
This classification indicates that the institution is progressing toward full accreditation and is recognized as adhering to the fundamental principles of the ACNMA framework.
Accreditation by the ACNMA Board represents validation, not promotion.
The Commission maintains strict independence from all educational providers and commercial affiliations. This ensures that every decision is based solely on merit, evidence, and adherence to standards.
Institutions found to have misrepresented their accreditation status or failed to maintain compliance are subject to review, probation, or revocation of accreditation.
Accredited institutions must undergo periodic review and renewal of accreditation status. Renewal requires submission of updated institutional data, documentation of academic outcomes, and evidence of ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
This continuing evaluation process reinforces the ACNMA’s commitment to lifelong educational integrity and excellence within the naturopathic profession.
A complete and continually updated list of institutions meeting the ACNMA Board’s standards and currently holding accreditation may be accessed via the Accredited Institutions Directory on our official website.
The ACNMA Board works in professional association with recognized organizations within the natural health community to support research, professional development, and educational innovation.
Graduates of ACNMA-accredited programs are eligible for certification and membership recognition with approved national and international boards in complementary and integrative medicine.
“Accrediting Excellence in Natural Medicine — In the Service of Humanity.”
Outstanding Institute of the year: Institute of Eastern Medical Sciences, AGU, United States of America