Become a Certified
FUNCTIONAL
NUTRITION
COACH
Why Learn Functional Nutrition Coaching?
America's doctors, nurses and medical researchers are the best in the world, but our health care system is broken.”
60% of adults in the U.S. have a chronic condition, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or arthritis, that might lead to disability or death.
Prescription drug use increased by over 80% in the last 20 years, yet the prevalence of chronic diseases and deaths due to chronic diseases increases.
"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
What You Will Gain:
PRACTITIONER PROTOCOLS APP
Nutritional, Herbal, and Supplement Protocols for Hundreds of Conditions
Access organized practitioner protocols to help you quickly find practical nutrition, herbal, and supplement strategies for hundreds of conditions and symptoms.
Functional Nutrition
Learn how to identify and address the major contributors of dysfunction and chronic symptoms, such as nutritional deficiencies, inflammatory diet, environmental chemicals, chronic stress, and hormonal imbalances.
Comprehensive Gut Health Training
Understand digestion, absorption, gut integrity, and the microbiome and how they may influence overall health.
Herbal Medicine & Supplements
Learn evidence-informed ways to use herbs and nutritional supplements to support health and common chronic concerns.
Ready-to-Use Coaching Tools
Receive practical handouts, intake forms, meal-planning resources, guides, and tools you can start using right away.
Practice Building & Growth
Learn how to build and grow a virtual or in-person practice, attract clients, and increase your impact.
As a Certified Functional Nutrition Coach, You Will:
Create Lasting Strategies
Learn how to improve your and your family’s quality of life by making simple and long-lasting changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Change
Lives
Transform patients’ health by learning advanced treatment protocols from clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, and the Functional approach.
Build Your Practice or Work for Others
The average Nutrition Coach salary in the United States is $70,430 (source: Salary.com)
Geri Bekmanis Certified Functional Nutrition Coach
Our Course is Designed For
- General Public
- Acupuncturists
- Physical Therapists
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Health Coaches
- Allied health professionals
Here is a Sample of What You Will Learn in This Training
Learn the science and clinical application of Functional and nutritional medicine from clinical experts
Discover the hidden triggers of inflammation and chronic diseases, as well as a comprehensive review of the effect of diet, lifestyle, and our environment on our health
Help your clients to transform their health with evidence-based treatment protocols from integrative, nutritional, and herbal medicine
How to establish or grow your practice, get more clients, and increase your revenue with our coaching, marketing, and sales training
How our graduates are building successful practices and transforming patients' lives.
A Comprehensive Training That Prepares You to become a Nutritional Health coach
Meet the Presenters
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.
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.
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.
Liz Lipski | PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMCP, BCHN, LDN
Professor Liz Lipski is an author, researcher, and clinician with 30 years’ experience in the field of digestion-related conditions and clinical nutrition. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Nutrition and hold certifications in clinical nutrition (CNS, and BCHN) and Functional Medicine. She is a faculty member for our Functional Medicine Training Certification, The Institute for Functional Medicine, and the Metabolic Medicine Institute fellowship program. She is also on the advisory boards for the Accreditation Council for professional Nutrition Education (ACNPE), the American Nutrition Association, the Certified International Health Coaches, and the Autism Hope Alliance.
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 and holds a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
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.
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 nutritional and integrative medicine and advanced lab testing for the treatment of chronic and inflammatory conditions.
How to get certified
STEP ONE
Register for the course
STEP TWO
Watch the lectures and review the handouts
STEP THREE
Complete and pass the short quizzes to assess your knowledge and the final exam (open book)
STEP FOUR
Get certified as a Functional Nutritional Coach
Course and Institutional Accreditation
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surveys show that chronic diseases are on the rise. Many of these diseases, such as heart conditions, diabetes type 2, and arthritis, might lead to disability, amputation, or death.
Studies show that many chronic diseases might be caused or aggravated by diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure. Maintaining healthy nutrition, lifestyle, and detoxification are the key to obtaining or regaining our health.
Using the knowledge you learn in the training, you will know how to guide clients to transform their health in a natural, safe, and effective way.
The program is self-paced and on-demand, which means that you can access it 24/7 and study as much as you want. It is set to be completed within 6 to 12 months and most students complete one module per week.
While most students will finish within 6 to 8 months, we provide access for 3 years to allow you extra time if you need it.
You will learn about many of the factors that cause dysfunction and sickness and how to guide patients towards better health.
The program also includes Functional Medicine topics, such as the connection between nutrition, environmental chemicals, stress, lifestyle, and the development of inflammatory and chronic conditions, such as chronic pain, weight gain, digestion, neurological, and hormonal imblanace.
This program also includes the following:
- Evidence-based treatment protocols
- Review of digestion-related conditions (such as intestinal permeability, gut bacteria, and infections)
- Stress management and lifestyle changes
- Herbal medicine and how and recommend the use of nutritional supplements
- Coaching strategies to increase clients/patients’ compliance
- How to establish or grow your practice
- How to get clients (for free or minimum investment) and how to increase your revenue
This information in this training is very different from the information that is taught in other coaching programs, or in medical, nursing, acupuncture, or chiropractic schools.
In most medical programs, nutritional training is very minimal and typically restricted to learning about nutrients and their clinical importance.
As a healthcare provider, this comprehensive training program will significantly expand your knowledge and understanding of the connection between diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure and inflammation or chronic diseases.
This program also includes the following:
- Evidence-based treatment protocols
- Review of digestion related conditions (such as intestinal permeability, gut bacteria, infections)
- Herbal medicine
- Coaching strategies to increase patient compliance
- Sales and marketing to increase revenue
This program does not focus on psychological coaching. We focus on the ‘root causes’ of dysfunction and chronic diseases.
If you are interested in learning clinical nutrition, herbal medicine protocols, and lifestyle medicine – then this is the program for you.
We take a simple and straightforward approach to nutritional and herbal medicine and we believe that everybody should have access to affordable training.
The reason we believe that this program is unique is because it provides comprehensive learning, based on clinical studies, of nutritional, herbal, and environmental medicine in an organized way from the comfort of your home.
Another advantage of this program is that it is self-paced and affordable.
There are 3 significant differences.
- The Program focused on the clinical application of nutritional and herbal medicine – while most coaching programs focus on the psychology of coaching.
- This program is built upon the fundamentals of Functional medicine and the ‘root cause’ approach – while other programs only include nutrition and discussion on diets.
- We include practice building and ongoing support with one-on-one coaching.
If you are interested in learning about the ‘root cause’ of dysfunction (Functional Medicine approach) and in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine protocols, and lifestyle medicine – then this is the program for you.
It is designed for the general public, health coaches, and healthcare providers, such as medical and osteopathic doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, pharmacists, acupuncturists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses, and nutritionists.
No experience or previous knowledge is needed.
This program is NOT for you if you are looking to focus on health psychology and patient encouragement (most health coaching programs).
This program is focused on clinical nutrition, herbal medicine protocols, and lifestyle medicine.
If you are interested in learning about the ‘root cause’ of dysfunction (Functional Medicine approach) and in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine protocols, and lifestyle medicine – then this is the program for you.
The Functional Nutrition Coach Program is a unique program that combines clinical nutrition and herbal medicine with the principles of Functional Medicine.
Most nutritional programs cost between $3,000 to $10,000. Our mission is to heal chronic patients around the world, so we decided to make our certification program more affordable at a low cost of $3,600.
We also include practice-building classes, evaluation forms, and clinical guides for your practice.
It took a lot of time and resources to build each part of this course. Each of the presenters brings years of clinical experience and took hours to build, modify, and present each module to make sure that you’ll have a great experience.
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 and do not like what you get, email us within 30 days of signing up and we will refund you your payment in full.
Yes. Functional Nutrition Coaches are an important part of healthcare and can be found in private clinics working side-by-side with chiropractors, medical doctors, naturopaths, and nurses, as well as in fitness centers, nursing homes, corporate wellness departments, and health food stores.
Although regulations are different from state to state, many nutritional health coaches have their own practice and see clients in person or virtually from home. Health Coaches can be found everywhere.
Please Fill Out the Application to Get More Info:
- The connection between diet, lifestyle, environmental exposure and inflammation and chronic disease
- Learn about gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, metabolism, absorption, and gut bacteria.
- This module also covers macronutrients and metabolism of carbs, protein, fats, and fiber
- Function of vitamins, recommended dosages, symptoms of deficiency, and importance of each vitamin
- Function of minerals, recommended dosages, symptoms of deficiency, and importance of minerals
- Essential Amino Acids: Importance, metabolism, and clinical application of Arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Amino acids combination for vegans and vegetarians.
Is your diet inflammatory? This module topics include:
- Western vs Anti-inflammatory Diet (what are studies showing, what are the differences in food consumed in these diets, and general recommendations)
- Omega 3 vs Omega 6 (health/function and inflammation)
- Fiber consumption and health
- The Food pyramid and MyPlate
- Mindful eating
What is in our food? This module topics include:
- Heavy metals in food
- Pesticides in food (clinical studies on safety and health concerns, reducing pesticides in food)
- Chemicals in food containers
- Harmful chemicals that are forming during cooking
- Chemicals in supplements
Is your external or internal environment causing you inflammation? This module topics include:
- Inflammation and chronic disease
- Detoxification
- Gut Health: Intestinal function and permeability
- Gut dysbiosis
- Using probiotics in therapy
- Candida
- Parasites
- Food sensitivity vs allergy and Inflammation
Meal Planning 101: Designing healthy meal plans for clients. Also include:
- How to work with clients on a tight budget
- Hydration
The importance of Phytonutrients and Flavonoids, as essential antioxidants, to promote and maintain good health
Evidence-based herbal medicine and the use of herbal medicine as nutritional supplements to support healthy function.
- Adaptogenic herbs and specific herbs for most common conditions (joint pain, fatigue, headaches, digestion conditions, weight gain, hypothyroid, depression and anxiety, decline memory, alzheimer’s disease, parkinson’s disease, diabetes type 2, sexual dysfunction, and more)
- History and regulations of herbal medicine
- Safety considerations
- A review of physiological effects of CBD and other herbal compounds
- Herb-drug interaction
Food and Chronic Diseases: Learn how food and certain diets might lead to chronic diseases. Topics included:
- The role of Inflammation in chronic diseases
- Sugar
- Meat
- Milk & Dairy Products
- Genetically Modified Organisms
- Glyphosate in Food
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Alternatives to these foods
Learn how to identify nutritional deficiencies. Topics included:
- Physical signs of nutritional deficiency
- Using a symptoms survey to identify deficiencies and imbalances
- The intake process
Fundamentals of coaching for clinical success!
- Understanding the patient’s individual needs
- Setting goals using the S.M.A.R.T system
- The importance of understanding the client’s ‘Stages of Change’
- How to successfully support a healthy weight loss process
- Coaching tools, such as the O.A.R.S. system
- Important considerations in overcoming barriers
- Using reflective listening
- Determining the next steps and setting a personalized plan
Coaching & Motivational Interview: Learn coaching strategies that will allow you to guide your clients to change their diet and lifestyle. Topics also include:
- Tools to improve engagement and clinical success
- Common objection and limiting beliefs
- Overcoming objections: Partnership, support, and accountability
- Mistakes to avoid when starting to work with a new client
A comprehensive review of food, regulation, and health. Topics include:
- Dietary requirements for healthy cellular function.
- A review of physiological effects and benefits of different diets.
- Calorie restrictions and intermittent fasting.
- Probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented food
- Diets to heal the digestion organs
- Nutritional supplementation and quality regulation
A review of the principles and studies on Anti-Inflammatory diet. Topics also include:
- Tips for simple dietary adjustments for clinical success
- Creating a personalised anti-inflammatory diet
- Includes a patient guide as a resource to share with your patients
Learn how to identify harmful ingredients in your food and guide your clients to buy healthier and safer food. Module includes a review of the following:
- How to read labels of common products
- How to identify harmful or unhealthy ingredients
- Food additives, harmful preservative, health risks, and how is the food industry hiding them from us
- Healthy alternatives, including gluten, sugar, and dairy free foods
- A review on the effect of stress and immune activation and chronic diseases
- Techniques for daily practice of stress reduction
- Nutrition and supplements to support healthy stress response
- A review of the client-coach relationship
- The therapeutic flow: Strategies for clinical success
- A review of case studies
- Self-assessment for diet and lifestyle
Marketing and sales strategies to establish and grow your practice, including the following:
- How much to charge and how to increase your revenue
- Website Checklist: tips and common mistakes when building your website
- Your story and Mission
- Core marketing concepts to attract your idea clients
- The most effective and cheapest marketing tool every provider should use
- The patient’s story/journey
- The New Client/Patient Framework
- Converting clients from your current practice to nutritional coaching/functional Medicine
- 10 FREE ways to Get Your Next Clients
- A review of law and ethics in nutritional health coaching
- Getting a nutritional health coach position in clinics
- Steps to establish your clinic
- How to set-up a virtual clinic
The certification test is the last step in the program, where you will be assessed on the knowledge you gained throughout the course. This is an open-book exam.