A Skill Building Program for Functional Nutrition Certification

A Certified Functional Nutritionist is a professionally trained individual in evidence-based dietary protocols, nutraceutical interventions, and lifestyle strategies to help support health and function for individuals with chronic conditions, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and hormone imbalances.

Traditional nutritionists focus on meeting basic dietary requirements and identifying deficiencies. Functional nutritionists are trained to support optimal health using therapeutic nutrition, specialized diets, and lifestyle medicine in people with chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune dysfunction, digestive disorders, and metabolic imbalances. Functional nutritionists are not licensed to treat disease.

The program typically takes 3-9 months to complete at your own pace. It consists of eight core modules, featuring 100+ presentations. The CFN program is 37 hours total and the CFN-Specialty program is 44 hours total. The completion timeline depends on the amount of time you dedicate each week.

Our program uses a skill-building approach taught by practicing clinicians, where you must master foundational concepts before progressing. This ensures that there are no knowledge gaps that could compromise your clinical effectiveness. Most other programs present scattered information without properly building prerequisites.

Yes, the program is entirely self-paced. You can access materials 24/7 and study at your convenience. There are no mandatory live sessions, though we offer live coaching webinars for additional support.

No medical background is required. The program is designed for healthcare practitioners who lack nutrition training, health coaches seeking deeper knowledge, and individuals wanting to optimize their health or that of their family.

The program costs $399 per month with a $1,000 enrollment fee. There is no minimum enrollment period, and you can cancel at any time.

Yes, we offer a 24-hour free trial, allowing you to explore the platform and determine if the program is right for you. Course hours completed during the trial don't count toward certification.

Yes, you pay monthly with no long-term commitment. You can cancel at any time without penalty, making it accessible for various financial situations.

Yes, upon completion, you receive a Certified Functional Nutritionist credential. To maintain an active status, you complete 12 hours of continuing education annually and pay a $300 recertification fee, which includes ongoing access to the discussion forum and Continuing Education library. The Certified Functional Nutritionist credential is the new gold standard in functional medicine training in nutrition.

CFNs work in private practice, integrative health clinics, wellness centers, and coaching and consultation. You can provide nutrition consultations, develop personalized meal plans, recommend supplements, and create lifestyle protocols tailored to clients with chronic health conditions. CFNs are not licensed and you must check with your local regulating bodies regarding your legal scope of practice.

The CFN is approved for continuing education (CE) credits for healthcare practitioners through the National University of Health Sciences (NUHS). NUHS is accredited by the US Department of Education and Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists℠ and is pending for the CPD Group. See CE credits in the menu at top of page.

To maintain an active status, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually and pay a $399 Annual Maintenance Membership, which includes Unlimited access to all course modules for ongoing reference and learning, weekly live webinars with fresh insights and the latest functional nutrition research, a vibrant community board where you can exchange ideas and support with fellow practitioners, and a featured listing on our practitioner referral page, helping clients and colleagues find you.

• Module 1: Clinical vitamins and minerals
• Module 2: Specialized nutrients and botanicals
• Module 3: Macronutrients
• Module 4: Therapeutic diets
• Module 5: Fasting protocols
• Module 6: Lifestyle medicine
• Module 7: Healthy cooking
• Module 8: Clinical applications for 40 common conditions.

Yes, you join an active online community monitored by expert faculty. You can ask questions about course content or clinical scenarios, participate in discussions with other students, and attend regular webinars on current topics.

After completing the Certified Functional Nutrition (CFN) program, you can pursue 44 hours of enhanced training and and advance to certification as a Certified Functional Nutritionist-Specialist (CFN-S). The CFN-S program includes:

• Immune & Autoimmunity
• Blood Sugar & Energy
• Gastrointestinal Conditions
• Toxicity & Detoxification
• Brain & Nervous System
• Hormones & Endocrine System.

No specific prerequisites are required. The program starts with foundational concepts and builds systematically. However, a genuine interest in health and nutrition, combined with a commitment to completing the coursework, is essential.

You need a reliable internet connection and a computer, tablet, or smartphone to access the online platform. The program is designed to work on all devices and operating systems.

Yes, the program is available internationally. Since it's entirely online, students from any country can participate. However, certification recognition may vary by country, so check local regulations for practicing nutrition.