theaafh.org

Become a Certified

Functional
Medicine

Provider

“America's doctors, nurses and medical researchers are the best in the world, but our health care system is broken.”

The Growing Crisis of Chronic Disease in the United States

Every minute, one American dies because of cardiovascular disease

6 out of 10 Adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic condition (such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes)

Every hour, five women die in the U.S. because of breast cancer

Every day, 240 Americans die because of diabetes complications

The Alliance For Aging Research predicted a 42% increase in cases of chronic diseases– 230.7 million by 2030

Every 5 minutes, one American dies due to Alzheimer’s Disease, now known to be the 6th leading cause of death

“Our bodies have a remarkable ability to begin healing themselves if we simply stop doing what's causing the problem.”

Heather-Zwickey

"Inflammation is playing a role in almost every chronic disease that is out there. If we don't address the underlying inflammation and we never treat the cause, people will continue down the disease pathway."

Heather Zwickey, PhD
Researcher and professor of immunology and Microbiology

Five Reasons to Learn Functional & Nutritional Medicine

36413652 - male doctor showing reports to senior patient on computer in clinic

Identify the triggers of chronic and inflammatory diseases

As a Functional Medicine provider, you will gain a deeper understanding of the dietary, metabolic, lifestyle, environmental, cellular, endocrine, and emotional factors that lead to or aggravate chronic and inflammatory diseases.

On the virtual screen, the doctor conducts the test.

Use advance Functional labs

Functional labs are used to identify dysfunction in organs or systems and provide important data on factors that might lead to diseases, such as bacterial overgrowth, intestinal permeability, or an immune reaction to environmental exposure or consumption of certain foods.

Doctor Patient Supplement

Learn Nutritional & Herbal Medicine

Nutritional medicine is a safe, affordable, and powerful tool. You will learn how to prescribe and recommend the appropriate diet, foods, and supplements to support the healing process.

20921543 - happy senior patient and doctor at the doctor

Get better clinical results

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach. By shifting from 'sickness management' to corrective care, you will learn how to guide your patients towards better health and better quality of life.

5-2x

Enjoy the Satisfaction and Increased Income

Join in a growing field, practice in private clinics, medical centers, or establish your own practice and enjoy the impact you will have on other people's lives.

David-Musnick

"Functional Medicine can be applied to almost every branch of medicine. It will make any healthcare professional more effective, but also more satisfying."

Dr. David Musnick, MD
Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Sports Medicine and certified in Functional Medicine.

Here is a Sample of What You Will Learn in This Training

Learn the science and clinical application of Functional Medicine from international experts.

Discover your patients' hidden triggers of chronic disease with a comprehensive review of nutritional and lifestyle medicine, environmental chemicals, cellular dysfunction, and advanced Functional lab testing.

Learn evidence-based treatment protocols from Functional and Integrative Medicine, including nutritional and herbal medicine, regulating the immune and hormonal systems, gut health, anti-aging, and stress management.

Establish or grow your practice, get more clients, and increase your revenue with our coaching, marketing, and sales training

Jess

"Get to the root cause of what's causing their health concern and use nutrition and supplements to tailor an approach to them specifically."

Jessica Knese, MS, CNS
Certified Clinical Nutritionist

Our Course is Designed For

Get Certified As a

Functional
Medicine

Provider

Looking For a Safe and Effective Approach to Treating Chronic Diseases?

What is the difference between this program and other programs on Integrative or Functional Medicine?

This program is focused on the clinical application of Functional and Integrative medicine.

While most functional medicine courses take one to three years to complete, focus on theoretical knowledge, and cost over $15,000, our Functional Medicine Certification is affordable, clinical, and provides a comprehensive education that will provide you the tools to be successful in clinical practice.

How do I complete the program?

Each module is between 2 to 5 hours divided into several lectures (each between 20 to 30 minutes). At the end of each lecture, you pass a quiz to make sure that you understand the material.  Once you complete all the modules, you receive a beautiful certificate delivered to your home or clinic and we add you to our graduates’ directory (so patients can find you).

Will I learn how to grow a Functional and Nutritional Medicine practice?

Yes. The course includes specific modules on 3 essential parts of clinical success:

  1. Medical coaching to increase patients’ commitment and engagement
  2. Marketing in healthcare to attract your ideal client using free and paid strategies
  3. How to create Functional and nutritional medicine services (cash and insurance) to increase your revenue and get paid well for your (and your team) skills and time

Meet The Presenters of the Certification Course

David Musnick, MD

David Musnick, MD, is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Sports Medicine and is a certified Functional Medicine practitioner. He has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and Functional Medicine for over 25 years. Dr. Musnick presents on many topics in Functional Medicine and written numerous book chapters on Osteoarthritis and pain management. He has extensive experience in taking care of patients with chronic inflammation, degenerative joint conditions, concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, and mild cognitive impairment.

Judith Boice, ND, LAc, FABNO

Dr. Judith Boice has more than 27 years of clinical experience as an integrative medicine provider and 37 years of teaching in the field of integrative and nutritional medicine. She has experience working as a primary care provider, working with cancer and HIV+ patients and she delivered over 1000 talks nationally on women's health.She is a Naturopathic Physician, Acupuncturist, Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology, Senior Vitalist, Writer, Speaker, Teacher, Health Coach. She is the author of the books: But My Doctor Never Told Me That!": Secrets for Creating Lifelong Health, The Pocket Guide to Naturopathic Medicine, The Green Medicine Chest: Healthy Treasures for the Whole Family, and Soul Medicine: A Physician’s Reflections on Life, Love, Death and Healing.

Sharon Hausman-Cohen, MD

Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen received both her master’s degree and medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She is board-certified in Family Medicine, a Fellow of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and board-certified in Integrative Medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties.Dr. Hausman-Cohen has been practicing Full Spectrum Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine for more than 20 years and has been using genomics for over a decade to deliver personalized medicine and help her patients achieve optimal health and wellness.

Heather Zwickey, PhD

Heather Zwickey, PhD is a researcher and professor of immunology. She earned a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale School of Medicine, and established the Helfgott Research Institute for research in integrative medicine.

Matthew Cavaiola, ND, MS

Dr. Matthew Cavaiola is a naturopathic physician with 14 years of clinical experience in the field of integrative, nutritional, and herbal medicine. He specializes in men’s health, endocrine function, and human nutrition. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Delaware, a Master's Degree in Acupuncture, and a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine.He practiced as an integrative medicine physician for over a decade and was also an adjunct professor in several colleges, such as Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and assistant professor in Bastyr University.

Lara Zakaria, PharmD, MS, CNS, CDN, MTM, APhA

Dr. Lara Zakaria is a Functional Medicine pharmacist, nutritionist, and public health professional with 20 years of experience in community pharmacy and 10 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition specializing in Functional Medicine for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.She received her Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy, Masters of Science in Functional Nutrition, and Doctor of Pharmacy. She also has a Post-Bachelors Certificate in Medical Herbalism, Certification in Medication Therapy Management, and is a Certified Dietician Nutritionist (CDN) in New York & Connecticut.

Tal Cohen, DAOM, MS-HNFM

Tal Cohen, DAOM, MS-HNFM is an author, presenter and a healthcare provider with 16 years of clinical experience. He is the author of several books and patient guides, including “Treating Pain and Inflammation with Functional Medicine: The Complete Clinical Guide” and “The Complete Guide to Removing Toxins & Improving Your Health.” Tal completed a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Yael Joffe, RD, Ph.D., FACN

Dr. Yael Joffe is an author, professional presenter, and clinical dietitian. She received her Ph.D. in Nutrigenomics from the University of Cape Town and as an Adjunct Professor, has been teaching nutrigenomics at Rutgers University, as well as many conferences around the world about translating the science of nutrigenomics into clinical practice.Dr. Joffe has also published in peer-reviewed journals, authored her book 'The Power of Genetics,' and co-authored three books on nutrigenomics.

Allison Merkey, ND, MS

Dr. Allison Merkey received a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and a master’s degree in Biology from the University of Nevada and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Merkey has been teaching for 15 years at Maricopa Community Colleges, Yavapai College, and SCNM. She is teaching biomedical science and botanicals and phytonutrients courses.

Michelle Leary-Chang, NMD, IFMCP

Dr. Michelle Leary-Chang is a researcher, presenter and a Functional Medicine Physician practicing general primary care and specialty men’s and women’s health. She completed training at the Institute of Women’s Health, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), and the institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) in areas of fertility, hormone management for men and women, anti-aging medicine, and metabolic weight-loss.

Brandy Cohen, MSAOM

Brandy completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with specific interests in clinical Transpersonal Psychology and the integration of eastern and western religions that utilize mindful, body-centered, experiential practices and self-transcendent aspects into psychotherapies. After her bachelor degree, Brandy completed a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.

Scott Just, NMD

Dr. Scott Just has a bachelor's of science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Just has been working as an integrative medicine physician in the field of Lyme and chronic infections, pain management, regenerative medicine, and Cardiovascular health. Dr. Just has been consulting local and international patients about their blood labs results since 2013.

Jessica Knese, MS, CNS

Jess graduated from University of Colorado with dual degrees in Integrative Physiology and Psychology. She decided to pursue a graduate degree in nutrition after working with a Primary Care Provider who implemented nutrition into her practice. She graduated with her MS in Clinical Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health and has completed the requirements for her Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) certification.

Jonathan Nadal, ND, MSAOM

Dr. Jonathan Nadal earned a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine. Dr. Nadal specializes in integrative medicine and advanced lab testing for the treatment of chronic and inflammatory conditions.

Lauren Deville, ND

Dr. Lauren Deville received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. She is the author of The Holistic Gut Prescription and How to Be Healthy: Body, Mind, and Spirit, and the host of the weekly podcast Christian Natural Health.

Minimum requirements for admission to the Functional Medicine program and graduation:

The Functional Medicine Certification Program is Accredited by the Following Agencies

The American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners (AAANWP) is a private organization that monitors educational programs in the field of holistic nutrition. The AANWP’s Academic Advisory Committee monitors educational standards and student success rates. 

The American Association of Drugless Practitioners Certification and Accreditation Board was established in 1990 with a national and international membership body of over 21,000 of MDs, NDs, DCs, OMDs, PhDs, RNs, Health Coaches, and other “drugless” practitioners. Graduates of the American Academy of Functional Health may apply for a Board Certification in Holistic Health.

A Simple & Accelerated Certification Process For Healthcare Providers

Step one

Watch the lectures in each module

step two

Complete the quizzes in each module and the comprehensive exam

step three

Receive your certificate of completion as a Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner

advantage

step four

Schedule a coaching call and build and grow your practice!

Dr.-Nadal

"Its a new approach to medicine when we try to focus on the underlying causes, bringing the body's ultimate ability to heal and regenerate and just recover more quickly in an integrative and holistic way."

Dr. Jonathan Nadal, ND, MSAOM

Frequently Asked Questions About The Training

Functional Medicine is a new form of diagnosis and treatment that has been developing from the understanding that external factors can trigger a pathologic reaction by changing our inner biochemistry, such as the effect of flame retardants on the expression of our genes.

Disease, according to Functional Medicine, is the result of an interaction of our cells and organs with environmental factors, diet, emotional state, trauma, and lifestyle, rather than the result of genetics or old age.

Symptoms, according to Functional Medicine, rises from one or more biochemical imbalances or pathogens. To get ride of the symptoms, we must address the root cause of the problem.

The Functional Medicine provider, in a similar way to a detective, starts by looking for clues to eventually identify the underlying cause of the symptoms and address it.

Functional Medicine Certification was created for healthcare providers who are interested in improving their understanding of the triggers of chronic diseases and inflammatory conditions, as well as nutritional and herbal medicine and stress management and improve their clinical outcome.

The Certification of Completion is available to healthcare providers, such as medical or osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, chiropractors, naturopaths, nutritionists, and physical and occupational therapists, who are interested in learning the science and clinical application of Functional and Nutritional Medicine in simple and organized modules. A pathway toward the program is also available for mental health providers and health coaches with nutritional backgrounds with the approval of the Operations Manager. 

There are 3 significant differences. between this program and others.

First, most Functional Medicine training programs focus on the theoretical aspects of Functional Medicine, while this program is focused on the clinical applications of Functional Medicine (including Functional medicine labs and treatment strategies) so you can help your patients right away.

Second, the majority of the Functional Medicine programs do not include nutritional and herbal medicine, while this program includes a comprehensive study of evidence-based nutritional and herbal medicine, including the use of nutritional guidance and supplements to address the ‘root cause’ and chronic conditions.  

Third, most Functional medicine programs teach the fundamentals but do not include any special or advanced topics, while this program includes specific training modules on geriatrics, women’s and men’s health, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune conditions, metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis, genomics, Functional pediatrics, and more. 

Forth, most Functional medicine programs do not include training on practice building, how to integrate Functional and nutritional medicine, or grow your practice, while our program includes a Practice Building and Growth Course that will show you how to establish or grow your practice, how to get clients and fill out your schedule, and offer additional services, memberships, and programs to increase your revenue. 

Fifth (and last), most comprehensive Functional Medicine programs cost a significant amount of money, typically between $12,000 to $33,000, due to the length of the program, and because they separate and brand each section of Functional Medicine as a separate course. For example, separating environmental medicine, immune response, and detoxification into three separate courses allows you to charge thousands of dollars for each.

Our approach:

  • Simple, transparent, and upfront. You get all the classes and modules,  to train you as a Functional Medicine provider, as a bundle to save you money.
  • Our presenters have been in the field of Functional and Integrative medicine for a long time and some still teach in other programs. This program is their way of sharing their clinical experience and for you to gain years of accumulated knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.
  • Built for clinicians. Every part of functional medicine is described and reviewed with a focus on clinical protocols you can use immediately.

The training is 100% online and self-paced. While the course is delivered online, it has a very simple layout and there is no need to be tech-savvy.

After you sign up you will receive instant access to the platform with all of the videos, quizzes, handouts, and clinical guides to download with a unique login and password just for you. We like to update the content when needed, so this allows you to log in from any computer all around the world and receive the information at any time. The entire course is hosted on its own password­ protected website and you’ll receive weekly emails to keep you on track. interviews with expert

The course was created by a team of experts with years of clinical and teaching experience. Please see a list of the presenters in this page.

The Educational Director is Tal Cohen, DAOM, MS-HNFM. His education includes a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from University of Western States (Oregon) and a Doctorate degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (Oregon).

He is the author of the book ‘Treating Pain and Inflammation with Functional Medicine: A Complete Clinical Guide to Finding and Treating the Ten Triggers of Disease’ and ‘The Complete Guide to Removing Toxins & Improving Your Health.’

Tal has 16 years of clinical experience and had clinical rotation in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition in the U.S.A, Israel, and in Hangzhou Central Hospital (China).

There are 41 modules (plus a few bonuses on practice building).  It’s essentially depending on your pace of study. While some students complete the program within 6 months, most of our students will complete one module a week and will finish within about one year.

This program provides the scientific background for Functional Medicine, but mostly focuses on clinical applications.

For anybody that is interested in focusing on studying the theoretical side of Functional Medicine or only a review of studies, I recommend looking into Functional medicine degree or other programs. The major disadvantage of doing other programs or a degree in Functional medicine is that it takes hundreds (or thousands) of hours and several years (about 3 to 4) to complete and have a very small of clinical application.

 

We are here to assist you if you have any technical issue. The platform is designed to provide you with 24/7 access from anywhere in the world and is based on educational platform with years of experience. However, if you need assistance, you can call or email us and we will be happy to assist.

Once you log in, you have complete access to all courses, interviews, materials, handouts, and clinical guides. The course contains large amount of material. Therefore, after you complete the course, we will keep access available to you just in case you would like to review the lectures or clinical protocols again. All the clinical guides are downloadable and you can keep them on your computer for personal use.

Our technical support operates six days a week and can assist you with any issues that you might have. We also offer coaching calls to help you establish your own Functional and Nutritional practice and be successful.

This program is online and self-paced. It was designed especially for busy practitioners. You can complete it from the comfort of your home (without traveling or time away from family) or office. Most of our students and graduates are busy clinicians (such as medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, chiropractors, pharmacists, and other clinicians) who complete the course on their own time.

Most modules take two to five hours to complete. There are small quizzes after each lecture and the platform saves your progress. Most students will complete one module per week during their breaks or their free time. 

Yes. At the end of the educational modules, there is a comprehensive exam that is designed as a clinical simulations exam. The exam is open book and require understanding and application of the material, rather than memorization.

It took a lot of time and resources to build each part of this course. Based on our existing members who have already joined and taken the course, we think you are going to learn so much and love what we’ve created. But of course, we realize it can’t be a perfect fit for everyone.

At the American Academy of Functional Health, we believe you should only pay for the things that actually help you gain valuable knowledge, evolve your skills, and get you better results. So, if you log in to the course, take no more than four modules, and do not like what you get, email us within 30 days of signing up and we will refund the whole course.

Terms & Conditions: We offer a full 100% 30-day money-back guarantee IF you withdraw from a course during the first 30 days FROM DAY OF REGISTRATION, however, once you are registered and have downloaded the materials from the website or watched more than FOUR (4) MODULES in the course, you will not receive any refund for any reason. The student can transfer the rights to the program and membership to a healthcare provider that fulfills the admission requirements in the first 12 months if no more than four (4) modules or classes were opened.

The Functional Medicine Certification program is an advanced study of chronic diseases, metabolism and nutrition, herbal medicine, Functional labs, and treatment strategies. Therefore, it requires an understanding of the biomedical sciences.

There are several pathways for enrollment in the program. Currently, there are two admission requirements:

  1. You must have a license or a degree or certification in a clinical field, preferably nutrition, nursing, pharmacy, medicine, chiropractic, etc.
  2. Your education must include biomedical courses (a minimum of physiology and pathology courses) at a college or university level

One of the ways to fulfill requirements is to enroll in the Nutritional Health Coaching Certification which includes anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and fundamentals of clinical nutrition and herbology for chronic diseases to prepare you to consult and coach patients with chronic conditions. 

Please note that if you have not been in clinical practice for more than seven years, we would recommend retaking our online refresher course. Since admission requirements might change, we encourage you to reach out to one of our admission advisors.

The Functional Medicine Certification program is an advanced study of chronic diseases, metabolism and nutrition, herbal medicine, Functional labs, and treatment strategies. Therefore, it requires an understanding of the biomedical sciences.

Since each applicant has a different educational background, the Operations Department determines the admission requirements for each student. In general, for a licensed mental healthcare provider, your biomedical education must include a minimum of an anatomy and physiology course at a college or university level taken in the last three years

The Academy has recommendations for an affordable, self-paced, and 100 percent online anatomy and physiology course that are approved as pre-requirement. We recommend reaching out to one of the admission advisors for further assistance. 

Liz-Lipski

"You can get the biggest change in someone's health by working with them on their diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplements"

Dr. Liz Lipski, PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMCP, BCHN, LDN
An author, researcher, and professor of Clinical Nutrition

Functional
Medicine

Program Application

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The Functional Medicine Certification Program has specific admission requirements.

Please schedule a short call with an admission advisor to ensure that you fulfill these requirements.  

 

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