Overview of Online Functional Nutrition Certification Programs
Functional nutrition incorporates integrative and functional medicine into the development of personalized nutrition plans to help promote overall wellness in patients. There are several online certification options in the field, including the Functional Nutrition Certification from Josh Gitalis and the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP) designation offered by the Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN) Academy. These certifications are intended for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), as well as other nutritionists, dietitians, health coaches, nurses, personal trainers, doctors, and more.
Most online certification programs in functional nutrition are self-paced and may give students up to 2 years to complete. Students wishing to earn the IFNCP designation must first become a member of the IFN Academy and then register online for the certification program. The IFNCP designation is only available to those who are healthcare practitioners or graduate degree students pursuing an education in nutrition or health science. Health professionals with at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition who have completed 1,000 clinical hours in 5 years may also qualify. Other certifications may offer different levels for honorary certification, certified practitioners, and advanced certified practitioners. Students can also find a variety of online courses in functional nutrition available from various organizations that can count as continuing education units (CEUs).
Requirements for Online Certification Programs in Functional Nutrition
Students in online functional nutrition certification programs learn about the theories in the field and how to apply them to clinical situations. These programs can be completed fully online and cover a range of topics in patient care and ways to improve patient health outcomes.
General Requirements
The typical requirements for online certification in functional nutrition include completing online modules and then passing a certification exam. For example, students in Josh Gitalis' certification program must complete 5 modules and/or additional workshops or courses, depending on the level of certification, and pass the certification exam. Students pursuing the IFNCP designation must complete 33 modules and apply for the credential exam. Usually, the online learning modules for these certifications include multiple hours of videos and slides, and students may have access to additional resources, such as mentoring and Q and A sessions. Students in these online certification programs study a wide range of topics in the field, including food as medicine, dietary supplements, digestion, detoxification, hormones, functional diagnostics labs, and more.
Career Outcomes with Functional Nutrition Certification
While functional nutrition certification is not typically required, certification in the field can be useful for a wide range of positions, including nurses, doctors, personal trainers, health coaches, massage therapists, and more. However, these certifications are probably most common and/or beneficial for dietitians and nutritionists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dietitians and nutritionists typically need at least a bachelor's degree. These professionals also usually need to complete a professional internship and hold a state license to work with patients. Dietitians and nutritionists work with their patients to promote overall wellness and/or manage disease through nutrition and educating patients on healthy food choices.
The median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists was $61,270, as of 2019, per the BLS. The BLS also reported that the job outcome for these professionals from 2018 to 2028 was 11%. This job outlook is much faster than average and may be due in part to the growing interest in using food to promote wellness and/or the growing cases of obesity and other health issues that can be managed with a proper diet.
There are several different certification options in functional nutrition that can be completed fully online. To earn certification and advance their careers, students usually complete online modules and then pass a certification exam.
