| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 70.74 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 97.74 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.68 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Continuing Education Market Analysis
The Continuing Education Market size is estimated at USD 70.74 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 97.74 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.68% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Continuing education is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing workforce demands. The shift towards online learning has significantly transformed how education is perceived and delivered. As technology matures, online platforms are becoming more effective, enabling learners to access a wide range of courses from anywhere in the world. This trend is expected to continue growing, especially as it offers flexibility and accessibility that traditional methods cannot match.
- According to a survey conducted by Modern Campus for the State of Continuing Education 2024, around 45% of respondents believe their units have adequate staffing to meet their goals, nearly double the 23% reported in 2023. While 54% of professionals believe their unit is the most academically innovative at their institution, 61% disagree that their unit is perceived as academically equal to other departments. These statistics underscore the growing importance and investment in continuing education.
- Alternative credentials, such as microcredentials and digital badges, are gaining traction. These credentials validate specific skills and competencies, allowing professionals to showcase their expertise without relying solely on traditional degrees. This trend aligns with employer demands for demonstrable skills over formal educational qualifications.
- There's a rising demand for interprofessional education, especially in healthcare sectors where collaboration among different specialties is crucial. This approach promotes professionals learning together across disciplines, enhancing teamwork and ultimately improving patient care outcomes.
- Concerns arise regarding biased content delivery, especially in industry-sponsored continuing education programs. Such bias can undermine the integrity and perceived value of the education provided, leading to skepticism among learners about the training's objectivity and applicability. This skepticism could potentially hinder market growth.
Continuing Education Market Trends
OEMs/Pharmaceutical Companies to Hold Major Market Growth
- Continuing education (CE) is vital for healthcare professionals to uphold their competencies and remain abreast of the latest medical advancements. Surveys from industry experts highlight that educational meetings and workshops play a pivotal role in refining healthcare practices, subsequently benefiting patient health outcomes. Research underscores that interactive learning formats outshine traditional lectures, spotlighting the value of engaging educational settings.
- The United States stands at the forefront of pharmaceutical expenditures. As these expenditures rise, so does the demand for continuing education. Numerous healthcare professions necessitate CE credits for licensure or certification. For example, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) requires its certified professionals to accrue a set number of CE credits biennially.
- While pharmacists acknowledge the value of Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) programs in broadening their knowledge, they perceive a lesser impact on altering clinical practice behaviors. An NCBI survey highlighted pharmacists' preferences for CPE formats: 92% leaned on printed materials; 75% attended lectures and seminars; 53% explored internet-based resources; and 44% engaged in symposiums.
- Research by NCBI in Kuwait found that 82% of surveyed pharmacists were willing to participate, and nearly 70% had engaged in a CE activity in the past year, with seminars being the predominant choice.
- Statistics on Continuing Pharmacy Education underscore its significance in pharmacy practice, yet they also point to hurdles like time limitations and accessibility challenges. Understanding these dynamics can help shape more effective CPE programs that meet the needs of pharmacists and ultimately enhance patient care.
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North America to Hold Significant Share
- In North America, continuing education (CE) offers a diverse array of programs tailored for professionals eager to bolster their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. This sector has witnessed notable growth, propelled by factors such as technological advancements, regulatory mandates, and the dynamic needs of the workforce.
- Recent data from industry expert surveys reveal that around 35% of U.S. adults have achieved at least a bachelor's degree, setting a record high for educational attainment. This surge underscores a deepening societal commitment to education, with an increasing number of individuals pursuing further qualifications through CE programs.
- According to Edstellar, 69.8% of U.S. workers underwent formal training in the past year, and a notable 95.8% acknowledged receiving some form of training. The U.S. investment in training reached a staggering USD 101.6 billion for the 2022-2023 period, underscoring a robust dedication to workforce development via continuing education.
- In 2023, over 96% of Canadian post-secondary institutions offered continuing education programs, predominantly emphasizing in-person classes. Yet, a discernible shift towards online offerings is evident, spurred by demands for flexibility and accessibility. The digital age has also amplified the allure of specialized courses and micro-credentials. In response, institutions are recalibrating their strategies, embracing online formats and tailoring learning experiences to meet diverse learner needs.
- In conclusion, the North American continuing education market is on an upward trajectory, with pronounced growth in sectors like healthcare. As professionals navigate swift changes in their domains, the appetite for adaptable and impactful learning avenues is poised to expand.
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Continuing Education Industry Overview
Continuing education market is highly competitive and fragmented, primarily driven by the presence of major players. These key players employ strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and product innovations to maintain a competitive edge and broaden their global footprint. Key player include Anthem, Inc., Baxter International Inc., BP p.l.c., and others.
Continuing education plays a crucial role in professional development. It not only facilitates personal growth but also enhances the overall competency of the workforce. As industries evolve, the need for ongoing education becomes increasingly vital, making it an essential aspect of career management for professionals across various fields.
Continuing Education Market Leaders
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Anthem, Inc.
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Baxter International Inc.
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BP p.l.c.
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The Walt Disney Company
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Home Depot, Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Continuing Education Market News
- December 2024: Fleming College introduced new continuing education language courses. Both campuses will offer Conversational French (Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 3 launching in spring), Conversational Spanish (Beginner and Intermediate), American Sign Language (Level 1—Part A, with Part B arriving in spring) and Conversational Italian (Level 1 and Level 2).
- November 2024: Stanford Medicine launched a pilot program collaboration to expand its CME courses to a broader audience worldwide, setting a new standard for online medical education. They launched a pilot collaboration with YouTube Health to expand the reach and breadth of its educational programming.
Continuing Education Industry Segmentation
Continuing education is a broad term which refers to students pursuing their post-secondary or university-level education after some gap. It involves ongoing, voluntary, and purposeful activities aimed at expanding knowledge and skills, typically after completing formal education.
The continuing education market is segmented by service providers (universities and academic centers, OEMs/pharmaceutical companies, educational platforms, other service providers), by delivery mode (online, classroom based courses), by end-users (students, professionals), by geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Service Providers | Universities and Academic Centers |
| OEMs/Pharmaceutical Companies | |
| Educational Platforms | |
| Other Service Providers | |
| By Delivery Mode | Online |
| Classroom Based Courses | |
| By End-users | Students |
| Professionals | |
| By Geography*** | North America |
| Europe | |
| Asia | |
| Australia and New Zealand | |
| Latin America | |
| Middle East and Africa |
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Continuing Education Market Research Faqs
How big is the Continuing Education Market?
The Continuing Education Market size is expected to reach USD 70.74 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.68% to reach USD 97.74 billion by 2030.
What is the current Continuing Education Market size?
In 2025, the Continuing Education Market size is expected to reach USD 70.74 billion.
Who are the key players in Continuing Education Market?
Anthem, Inc., Baxter International Inc., BP p.l.c., The Walt Disney Company and Home Depot, Inc. are the major companies operating in the Continuing Education Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Continuing Education Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Continuing Education Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Continuing Education Market.
What years does this Continuing Education Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Continuing Education Market size was estimated at USD 66.01 billion. The report covers the Continuing Education Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Continuing Education Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Continuing Education Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Continuing Education market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Continuing Education analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
