U.S. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Focused Insights 2025-2030

U.S. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION MARKET SIZE

The U.S. continuing medical education (CME) market was valued at USD 3.35 billion in2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.67 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.69% during the forecast period. The U.S. healthcare industry ranks among the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. Within the nation, delivery of healthcare is moving toward home-based care, surgical procedures are swiftly evolving with robotic assistance, and there is an increasing transition from invasive to minimally invasive techniques, accompanied by a shift from patient-centric models to personalized care. While these developments benefit patients, they add considerable pressure on healthcare practitioners, notably physicians. Consequently, there is a growing requirement for medical professionals to remain current with emerging trends, driving increased demand for continuing medical education (CME) offerings in the U.S.

Continuing medical education (CME) functions as a means for healthcare practitioners to remain informed about the rapidly changing and developing practices in medicine. It comprises educational activities designed to develop, sustain, and improve the knowledge, professional performance and relationships, and competencies that physicians use to deliver healthcare services to the profession, patients, and the public. By participating in ongoing CME programs, clinicians improve their competence and abilities in clinical practice and acquire knowledge about novel and emerging approaches within their specialties. CME covers a broad spectrum of topics, from clinical practice and patient management to public health and career development. The principal objective of CME is to ensure that healthcare providers are prepared to address evolving challenges in the medical arena. This involves keeping up to date with new technologies, therapies, and standards of practice. CME contributes to closing the gap between current and optimal healthcare delivery and assists professionals in adapting to updated regulatory requirements and guidelines. It also supports quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

U.S. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION MARKET TRENDS

Transformation of CME Through Data Analytics Tools

As the CME landscape continues to evolve, providers increasingly face the challenge of efficiently analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data gathered from healthcare professionals (learners) to derive actionable insights. In the U.S., more than a million physicians, along with thousands of nurses and physician assistants, engage in various CME programs, generating substantial amounts of learner data. Consequently, data-driven and decision-support tools are becoming essential for enhancing the management of CME activities. Data analytics platforms offer real-time dashboards that monitor enrollment patterns, learner evaluations, and assessment outcomes. In addition, the integration of analytics enables the identification of educational gaps, customization of learning content, and assessment of its impact on clinical practice.

Growing Focus on Digital & Online CME Learning Programs

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the shift toward digital formats in continuing medical education (CME). In the aftermath, healthcare professionals are increasingly looking to incorporate collaborative and social aspects into their digital learning journeys. This evolving hybrid model fosters CME learning communities, allowing professionals to connect and interact virtually while also benefiting from selective in-person engagement. Digital platforms support the rising emphasis on learner-centric approaches, a key trend gaining momentum in the CME market due to advancements in digital technologies. Learner-centric CME enables the establishment of clear program goals, effective impact measurement strategies, and identification of tangible learner outcomes. Additionally, digital formats enhance inclusivity in CME education. Inclusivity is essential for broadening and diversifying the network of CME content developers, contributors, and educators.

U.S. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION MARKET DRIVERS

Expanding Target Audience for CME Programs

In the U.S., the rising number of healthcare professionals is contributing to a growing demand for continuing medical education (CME). According to the NAVIGANT Report (2022), the healthcare workforce is projected to increase by 13% by 2030, driven by factors such as an aging population, medical technology advancements, and broader access to healthcare services. As the healthcare sector continues to expand, ensuring a highly skilled and updated workforce becomes increasingly vital. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) anticipates steady employment growth in the healthcare field through 2029, with an average overall increase of approximately 4%. Particularly, the demand for physician assistants is expected to grow by 31%, while employment for licensed practical nurses, surgical technologists, registered nurses, and physicians and surgeons is also set to rise. This projected workforce expansion is likely to significantly boost the need for CME programs, ensuring professionals stay aligned with evolving practices and innovations.

Growing Preference for Bite-Sized and Specialty CME Programs

In the U.S., continuing medical education (CME) is shifting away from traditional, full-day, in-person seminars toward more flexible formats such as bite-sized, virtual, and self-paced courses. Time remains a critical factor for medical professionals, and dedicating long hours to CME can add strain to their already demanding schedules. As a result, there is an increasing inclination toward shorter, more manageable learning sessions. Most physicians now prefer compact CME formats that help them balance ongoing education with patient care and daily duties. According to one study, physicians gave higher satisfaction scores to brief CME texts of approximately 1,000 words, while content exceeding 10,000 words received the lowest ratings. This trend reflects a growing need for concise, time-efficient learning experiences tailored to the realities of modern clinical practice.

U.S. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION MARKET SEGMENT INSIGHTS

1. Insight By Delivery Mode: The classroom training segment held the largest share of the U.S. continuing medical education (CME) market, accounting for over 40%. It continues to be a favored and widely adopted format for CME delivery due to its effectiveness in offering face-to-face engagement, hands-on learning, and a high level of reliability. Classroom settings encourage active participation and practical knowledge application. Moreover, this format is often linked with higher credit generation, which plays a key role in driving its sustained popularity and market growth. Meanwhile, the e-learning segment is rapidly emerging as a strong alternative to traditional classroom-based training. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the digital transformation and global reach of CME programs in the U.S. Since then, a majority of CME activities have shifted to virtual platforms, offering flexible, on-demand access for healthcare professionals. This digital transition allows learners to engage with content at their convenience, regardless of location or time. Enhanced by technological advancements, e-learning platforms now include features such as quizzes, video simulations, and interactive case studies, enriching the educational experience.
2. Insight By Providership: The joint providership segment is experiencing notable expansion, registering the fastest-growing CAGR of 6.32% during the forecast period. In this model, a CME activity is collaboratively planned, implemented, and evaluated by an accredited provider and a non-accredited entity. This approach is gaining traction for its ability to broaden access to CME programs and enhance the variety and value of educational offerings. Joint providership is increasingly adopted as both a national and international framework for promoting interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) in healthcare delivery. These jointly accredited programs cater to individual professions, multiple disciplines, and interprofessional teams alike. By supporting interprofessional continuing education (IPCE), this model plays a key role in advancing healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. Through the combination of resources, expertise, and networks, jointly provided CME initiatives are structured to deliver high-quality education that meets the diverse learning needs of healthcare professionals. This collaborative framework enables access to a wider pool of subject matter experts, increases funding potential, and improves logistical efficiency, ultimately resulting in more robust, inclusive, and impactful educational experiences.
3. Insight By Provider: The non-profit organizations and physician membership organizations (NPOs & PMOs) segment held the largest share of the U.S. continuing medical education (CME) market. Non-profit organizations serve as key providers of medical education, leading the development and distribution of current medical knowledge. They play a significant role in delivering CME programs and offering managed accreditation services to healthcare professionals. According to ACCME’s 2024 estimates, NPOs accounted for the largest volume of CME activity across the U.S. Their strong affiliations with government agencies, health authorities, and public health institutions further fuel the growing demand for CME offerings from these organizations. NPOs provide diverse educational formats aimed at enhancing clinical performance and improving both patient care and health outcomes. Physician membership organizations (PMOs), meanwhile, deliver CME programs tailored to the unique requirements of their medical specialties. For instance, the American College of Cardiology offers cardiology-specific CME programs aligned with the latest developments in the field. PMOs also play a vital role in expanding access to CME in rural and underserved areas by hosting educational events in or near these regions. This effort ensures that physicians practicing in remote locations remain current with emerging practices, technologies, and guidelines relevant to their specialties.
4. Insight By Indication: In 2024, the oncology segment emerged as the leading contributor to the U.S. continuing medical education (CME) market, capturing the largest market share. Cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges in the U.S., with over 2 million new diagnoses projected in 2025. This growing cancer burden is driving heightened demand for high-quality care, which directly increases the need for CME programs that equip healthcare professionals with the specialized skills required for effective cancer management. Oncology-focused CME plays a crucial role in the continuous professional development of providers involved in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination. As oncology evolves rapidly with ongoing research and breakthroughs in therapies, CME ensures that oncologists and allied professionals remain up to date with the latest advancements, clinical guidelines, and best practices. These programs are often led by expert faculty at the forefront of oncology, offering deep insights and real-world clinical perspectives that enrich the educational experience.

U.S. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION MARKET REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The Southern region held the largest share of the U.S. continuing medical education (CME) market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 5.86% during the forecast period. This region encompasses a wide range of states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Southern U.S. experiences a high prevalence of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and respiratory disorders. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing professional development for healthcare providers, which has significantly increased the demand for CME programs in the region. Similar to other areas, healthcare professionals in the South are required to fulfill state and national CME mandates to maintain their medical licensure and certifications, ensuring a steady demand for accredited CME activities.

Moreover, the region hosts numerous prominent medical research institutions and centers of healthcare innovation. As new medical technologies, treatment approaches, and care delivery models continue to emerge, CME plays a critical role in keeping practitioners informed and up to date with the latest clinical practices and standards.

U.S. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION MARKET VENDOR LANDSCAPE

The U.S. continuing medical education (CME) market features a broad and diverse array of participants, including non-profit organizations, medical schools, hospitals and healthcare delivery systems, physician membership organizations, and publishing and education companies. This varied ecosystem encourages ongoing innovation as vendors strive to refine their value propositions and enhance their competitive standing.

A wide range of CME providers—including publishing firms, educational companies, healthcare authorities, insurance providers, and physician associations—deliver comprehensive CME offerings across the country. These organizations focus on delivering high-quality, specialized CME programs that align with physicians' needs while meeting regulatory and accreditation requirements.

To stay competitive, providers are actively improving the efficiency of their offerings and expanding their regional presence. Educational and publishing companies, in particular, face growing competition from healthcare institutions and public health authorities as they seek to deepen their footprint in the CME market.