By
Melbourne Functional Medicine
Medically reviewed by:
If you're a naturopath or a doctor, you may be wondering how to get functional medicine certification. Here, we'll discuss why you should get certified and how to become a certified functional medicine practitioner. We'll also take a look at what the future of functional medicine holds for practitioners and patients alike.
There are many reasons why you should become certified in functional medicine. First and foremost, certification can help you improve your clinical skills and learn more about how to treat chronic diseases effectively. It can deliver better health outcomes for patients, and in the business of healing, that's the goal.
Certification can also help you build a strong professional network of colleagues and mentors who can support you in your career, as you'll be surrounded by like-minded folk who are committed to clinical excellence and learning the most groundbreaking strategies to help their patients.
Finally, being a certified functional medicine practitioner can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or seeking promotions, helping you stand out from the crowd as a leader in the field of healthcare.
If you're interested in becoming a certified functional medicine practitioner, there are a few things you'll need to do. First, you'll need to complete an accredited functional medicine training program. Next, you'll need to pass the functional medicine certification exam. Once you've done both of these things, you'll be able to use the credential "CFMP" or "IFMCP" after your name.
The two main functional medicine training courses are the Institute of Functional Medicine, and Functional Medicine University.
The Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) offers a variety of courses on functional medicine. There is a free introductory course for you to get an insight into what functional medicine is as a starting point. IFM's primary course is called Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP). This course is designed for practitioners who want to be a holistic doctor, holistic general practitioner, functional medicine naturopath, as well as holistic nutritionists, nurses and chiropractors.
To become a certified practitioner involves completing this course, as well as six advanced modules that cover topics such as cardiometabolic health, immune health, and digestive health. The IFM curriculum covers topics such as nutrition, natural medicine, and lifestyle medicine, with a root cause approach to chronic diseases. Ongoing education is also provided. To learn more about this course, visit their website.
The Functional Medicine University (FMU) is another option for becoming a certified functional medicine practitioner. FMU offers a comprehensive functional medicine program that can help practitioners understand and treat chronic disease. The course covers topics such as nutrition, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. FMU also offers continuing education courses for practitioners who want to keep up with the latest developments in functional medicine. Find out more here.
The future of functional medicine is bright. As more and more people become interested in alternative approaches to healthcare, the demand for qualified functional medicine practitioners will continue to grow. If you want to be part of the change, becoming a certified practitioner is the first step.
