IFM's Certification Program
GENERAL INFORMATION
The overall goal of The Institute for Functional Medicine's Certification Program (IFMCP) is to deepen and broaden the expertise and knowledge base of clinicians in the principles and practice of functional medicine. The main objectives of the program for participants are:
- To use patient-centered diagnosis and apply the concepts of antecedents, triggers, and mediators in assessment and workup;
- To become adept in the use of the Functional Medicine Matrix Model and systems thinking;
- To achieve proficiency in the workup of patients who present with complex chronic disease;
- To develop skill and competence in the treatment of patients with complex chronic disease using diet, lifestyle, nutrient, phytonutrient, mind/body, and pharmaceutical modalities;
- To develop skill and competence in evaluating and planning primary and secondary preventive interventions using diet, lifestyle, nutrient, phytonutrient, mind/body, and pharmaceutical modalities
CRITERIA FOR CERTIFICATION
- Completion of the following onsite courses:
- Successful completion of written examination following completion of AFMCP and APMs
- Passing grade on one case report submitted using an IFM-provided template. Candidates may not sit for the examination if the case report has not been received by IFM by the date set.
- Successful completion of the above requirements (except for AFMCP) within 7 years from an approved application.
CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Graduation from an accredited medical, osteopathic, chiropractic, physician assistant, nursing, dentistry, naturopathic medicine, dietetics, acupuncture, pharmacy, or nutrition program in the United States, Canada, or equivalent programs from other countries.
- Hold a current healthcare license to practice by the appropriate authority in the applicant’s location and be in active clinical practice. Because of differing regulations, Naturopathic Physicians or Nutritional Therapists from Great Britain, should send documentation of registration and a current copy of your medical malpractice insurance policy.
- Practitioners who do not meet the above eligibility requirements may petition IFM for entry into the program and will be evaluated on a case-by- case basis depending on program degree, educational background, regulatory status, and clinical experience. A complete application must be submitted before IFM can provide any feedback on the individual’s eligibility.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
APPLICATION PROCESS
Click here to pay application fee.
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