Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Size and Share:

The global continuing medical education (CME) market size was valued at USD 9.83 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 15.85 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.18% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of 37.1% in 2024. The market is propelled by rising chronic diseases, demanding updated clinical expertise. Regulatory mandates requiring healthcare professionals to complete CME for licensure drive compliance. Technological advancements, including e-learning platforms and mobile apps, enhance accessibility and engagement. Growing emphasis on evidence-based medicine and patient safety are further expanding the continuing medical education (CME) market share.

The market is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, necessitating ongoing training for healthcare professionals to stay updated on treatment advancements. In 2021, Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 43 million deaths, which were 75% of all non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases caused 19 million deaths, the highest of any condition, followed by cancers at 10 million, respiratory conditions at 4 million, and diabetes at more than 2 million. Worryingly, 73% of these deaths were in low- and middle-income countries, where 82% of the 18 million early deaths (individuals below the age of 70 years) also took place. This points to the imperative need for the Continuing Medical Education (CME) industry to equip healthcare practitioners worldwide with the skills required for early detection, prevention, and holistic management of NCDs. Regulatory mandates requiring physicians to complete CME credits for license renewal further propel the continuing medical education (CME) market growth. Technological advancements, such as online learning platforms and mobile-based education, enhance accessibility and flexibility. Additionally, the rising demand for evidence-based practices and patient safety initiatives encourages healthcare providers to engage in continuous learning. Pharmaceutical and medical device companies also invest in CME programs to promote their products, further enhancing market expansion. These drivers collectively foster the growth of the CME industry.

The United States stands out as a key regional market, primarily driven by changing healthcare standards and the need for physicians to stay current with medical advancements. By 2036, the United States may face a shortage of between 13,500 and 86,000 doctors, especially in primary care and surgical specialties, which might face shortages of as many as 40,400 and 19,900 physicians, respectively. This is compounded by an 8.4% population growth and a 34.1% increase in the number of Americans aged 65 and older, combined with high retirements. To tackle this significant challenge, international CME programs are needed to improve training and retention activities to provide a sufficient supply of competent healthcare professionals. According to the continuing medical education (CME) market forecast, the rising patient expectations for high-quality care and the shift toward value-based healthcare models emphasize ongoing professional development. Accreditation requirements by state medical boards and specialty associations mandate regular CME participation. The adoption of innovative technologies, such as AI-driven learning tools and virtual simulations, enhances educational delivery. Additionally, increasing collaborations between academic institutions and healthcare providers are also fostering accredited training programs. These drivers ensure healthcare professionals maintain competency, improving clinical outcomes and reinforcing CME market growth across the country.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Trends:

Increasing Incidence of Infectious Diseases Demands Updated Clinical Knowledge

The escalating frequency of infectious disease outbreaks continues to fuel the demand for up-to-date clinical training and education. New and re-emerging infections require healthcare professionals to stay informed about the latest treatment protocols, diagnostic techniques, and epidemiological data. For instance, in 2022, global measles cases accelerated by 18%, while measles-related deaths spiked by 43% compared to 2021, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disease management education. This alarming trend places immense pressure on the healthcare system and underscores the vital role of CME in preparing medical personnel to respond effectively. The rising burden of communicable diseases endangers public health and creates a positive continuing medical education (CME) market outlook to deliver specialized, timely, and relevant educational content tailored to changing global health threats.

Digital Transformation and Growth of Interactive Online CME Programs

The growing preference for digital learning platforms is revolutionizing the way healthcare professionals engage with continuing education. Online CME programs provide greater flexibility, accessibility, and personalized learning experiences. These platforms feature multimedia tools such as images, videos, audio, and animations that enhance comprehension and retention of complex medical concepts. The shift toward virtual learning environments is further supported by the development of collaborative learning technologies, enabling professionals to interact with peers and instructors regardless of location. In India, regulatory mandates such as the National Medical Commission (NMC) Registered Medical Practitioners Professional Conduct Regulations 2023 require all practicing doctors under 65 years to complete 30 hours of CME every five years for license renewal. This legislative push, combined with the convenience and interactivity of digital platforms, is significantly propelling the continuing medical education (CME) market demand.

Government Support and Institutional Expansion Bolstering CME Access

National governments are playing a pivotal role in strengthening the CME ecosystem by implementing initiatives aimed at raising the standards of healthcare education. These policy efforts are accompanied by the expansion of hospitals, medical schools, and research centers, which serve as key hubs for delivering continuing education. The combination of infrastructure development and government mandates ensures wider reach and higher quality training for healthcare workers. Additionally, reforms in medical practice, such as limited class hours, reduced patient availability, and increasing complexity in diagnosis and treatment, demand continuous skill upgrades. The CME market benefits from these structural shifts, as professionals seek flexible learning schedules that accommodate their clinical responsibilities. The rise in advanced diagnostic and management technologies further emphasizes the necessity for ongoing education, ensuring that providers can effectively use new tools and methods in patient care. According to the World Health Organization, the global shortfall of healthcare workers is projected to reach 10 million by 2030, amplifying the urgency for continuous education and training.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global continuing medical education (CME) market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on delivery method, providers, and specialty.

Analysis by Delivery Method:

• Classroom Training
• E-Learning
• Regularly Scheduled Series
• Journals
• Others

Classroom training stands as the largest component in 2024, holding around 43.2% of the market. Classroom training remains a foundational segment of the global CME market, offering structured, in-person learning experiences. This traditional method is favored for its interactive nature, allowing direct engagement between instructors and participants. Hospitals, academic institutions, and medical associations frequently organize workshops, seminars, and conferences to facilitate hands-on training. While this format ensures real-time feedback and networking opportunities, it faces challenges such as logistical constraints and higher costs. However, its effectiveness in complex skill-based training, such as surgical techniques, sustains demand. Emerging markets with strong institutional medical education systems continue to rely on classroom-based CME, though digital alternatives are gradually gaining traction. The segment’s growth is supported by accreditation bodies that recognize in-person training for licensure and certification renewals.

Analysis by Providers:

• NPOS
• Publishing/Education Company
• School of Medicine
• Hospital/Healthcare Delivery System
• Others

NPOs lead the market with around 40.2% of market share in 2024. Non-profit organizations (NPOs) play a crucial role in the market by offering unbiased, high-quality education to healthcare professionals. These organizations, including medical societies and associations, develop CME programs focused on clinical best practices, patient safety, and emerging medical research. Since they operate without commercial influence, their content is often perceived as more credible and evidence-based. NPOs frequently collaborate with academic institutions and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with accreditation standards. However, funding limitations can restrict their ability to scale programs. Despite this, their commitment to advancing medical knowledge makes them a trusted provider, particularly in specialty-focused education and guideline dissemination.

Analysis by Speciality:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Infectious Disease
• Orthopedic
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric
• Primary Care
• Others

Oncology leads the market with around 17.3% of market share in 2024, driven by rapid advancements in cancer research and changing treatment protocols. With the increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide, healthcare professionals require continuous education on precision medicine, immunotherapy, and genomic testing. CME programs in oncology focus on multidisciplinary approaches, clinical trial updates, and patient-centered care strategies. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies often support these initiatives to promote new therapies. Challenges include the complexity of emerging technologies and the need for specialized training. However, the critical nature of cancer care ensures strong demand for accredited oncology CME, particularly as personalized medicine gains traction globally.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share of over 37.1%, driven by stringent accreditation requirements and a robust healthcare infrastructure. The U.S. mandates CME credits for physician licensure, fueling consistent demand. Advanced digital learning platforms, strong participation from academic institutions, and significant investments from pharmaceutical companies further propel growth. Specialty-focused CME programs in cardiology, oncology, and primary care are particularly prevalent. While high healthcare expenditures support market expansion, concerns about commercial bias in industry-sponsored education persist. Canada follows similar trends, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary training and rural healthcare access. The region's focus on evidence-based medicine and technological integration ensures North America remains at the forefront of CME innovation.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Analysis

In 2024, the US accounted for around 83.60% of the total North America continuing medical education (CME) market. The United States is experiencing a rise in continuing medical education (CME) adoption due to the growing shifting preference toward online education and CME programs. According to the 2022 ACCME Annual Data Report, the total number of CME activities increased by 13% from 204,000 in 2021 to 230,200 in 2022. Healthcare professionals are increasingly turning to flexible, web-based learning platforms that offer convenient access to up-to-date medical knowledge. The shift toward digital education is driven by the need to maintain certification and improve skills without disrupting clinical responsibilities. CME providers are responding by offering interactive and personalized content, which has enhanced user engagement. Online CME programs are also aligning better with regulatory requirements, creating new avenues for professional development. These developments are making online education a primary channel for CME delivery. As a result, CME adoption is becoming more widespread across diverse healthcare sectors in the United States.

Asia Pacific Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Analysis

Asia Pacific is witnessing rising continuing medical education (CME) adoption due to growing investment in healthcare. For instance, in March 2025, India’s healthcare and pharma sector attracted over USD 30 Billion for around 594 M&A and private equity transactions. Public and private sectors are channeling significant funding into infrastructure and medical education programs to improve care quality and patient outcomes. This increase in healthcare investment supports the development of comprehensive CME programs aimed at upskilling professionals across rural and urban settings. Medical associations are leveraging this funding to expand access to CME content and technologies. Healthcare institutions are also collaborating with educational platforms to create tailored learning solutions. With better financial support, professionals now have greater opportunities to pursue structured learning. These enhancements in the healthcare ecosystem are directly contributing to the expansion and importance of CME adoption in Asia-Pacific.

Europe Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Analysis

Europe is advancing continuing medical education (CME) adoption through the growing wave of healthcare digitalization. Technological integration across healthcare systems is reshaping how medical professionals access educational resources, leading to an increase in digital CME platforms. Digitalization enables real-time learning, interactive modules, and remote access, making continuing education more practical and scalable. Electronic health records, telemedicine, and integrated data systems are contributing to a more informed and technology-savvy medical workforce. As digital tools become essential in everyday medical practice, CME programs are changing to include relevant technological competencies and data literacy. For instance, since the modernization of healthcare law (GKV-Modernisierungsgesetz), doctors working in Germany need to acquire 250 CME points every five years. This shift ensures that healthcare professionals remain proficient not only in clinical expertise but also in digital tools that enhance patient care. The digital transformation in healthcare systems is thus a critical enabler of CME expansion in the region.

Latin America Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Analysis

Latin America is seeing an enhance in continuing medical education (CME) driven by growing healthcare privatization. According to the Brazilian Federation of Hospitals (FBH) and the National Confederation of Health (CNSaúde), of Brazil’s 7,191 hospitals, 62% are private. As private healthcare providers expand their presence, there is increased emphasis on upskilling medical professionals to remain competitive and compliant with international standards. CME is becoming a strategic component in private healthcare operations to ensure quality services and patient outcomes.

Middle East and Africa Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa are embracing continuing medical education (CME) as growing healthcare facilities across the region demand highly trained professionals. For instance, Al-Shehri et al. estimated that potentially over 8000 CME programs are provided annually in one city in Saudi Arabia. The expansion of hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers increases the need for standardized CME to maintain medical proficiency and service quality.

Competitive Landscape:

The market features a highly competitive landscape characterized by the presence of diverse providers, including academic institutions, healthcare organizations, publishing firms, and non-profit entities. Competition is driven by the need to deliver high-quality, accredited content that meets changing regulatory standards and learner preferences. According to the continuing medical education (CME) market analysis, providers differentiate themselves through innovative delivery formats, such as interactive e-learning platforms, simulation-based training, and hybrid models combining digital and in-person education. Strategic collaborations with medical associations and industry stakeholders further enhance market positioning. While larger players benefit from extensive resources and global reach, smaller organizations compete by specializing in niche therapeutic areas or regional markets. The increasing emphasis on unbiased, evidence-based education continues to shape competitive dynamics, with providers striving to balance accessibility, engagement, and clinical relevance.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the continuing medical education (CME) market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• AffinityCE
• Afya Ltd.
• CME Outfitters LLC
• CME Procedures LLC
• Coursera Inc.
• Elsevier (RELX plc)
• EXCEL CME
• HealthStream Inc.
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Siemens Healthineers AG (Siemens AG)

Latest News and Developments:

• April 2025: The American College of Physicians (ACP) launched a new feature, CORE (Confirmation of Relevant Education™), within its ACP Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP™) to help internal medicine physicians demonstrate continuous learning. This CME component offers peer-reviewed, clinically relevant question sets to verify ongoing knowledge through a standardized passing threshold. Physicians who pass CORE quizzes receive digital badges and certificates to support their professional development and document their commitment to lifelong learning.
• April 2025: Aakash Healthcare organized a CME event titled ‘Pearls in Paediatric Nephrology’ in New Delhi, which brought together paediatric nephrology experts from across Delhi-NCR. The CME event focused on enhancing diagnosis and treatment strategies for kidney-related issues in children.
• April 2025: WiRED International integrated a CME tracker into its HealthMAP mobile app. The new feature allows CHWs to access and complete over 400 medical training modules, earn CME credits, and maintain certification even in low-resource settings.
• March 2025: The University of Florida launched free CME courses to strengthen the healthcare workforce through its Quality and Patient Safety initiative. These CME offerings were developed in collaboration with the UF College of Education, integrating AI-enhanced instructional design to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Expert-led and interdisciplinary, the courses address topics such as clinical improvement and team science, equipping professionals with flexible, evidence-based strategies.
• March 2025: KnowFully Learning Group announced the acquisition of EfficientCME, a provider of continuing education for healthcare professionals, to expand its CME portfolio. The acquisition strengthens the KnowFully Medical Education Division, which already includes CME Outfitters and Creative Educational Concepts.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the continuing medical education (CME) market from 2019-2033.
• The continuing medical education (CME) market research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the continuing medical education (CME) industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.