Curriculum Overview of the FMCA Health Coach Certification Program
Our curriculum sets the Gold Standard through its unique blend of Health Coaching and Functional Medicine instruction. Our exclusive collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine empowers students with the science to understand the root cause of disease. We combine this biological and nutritional knowledge with comprehensive instruction in Positive Psychology and The Art & Science of Coaching.
Learn the evidence-based skills and strategies that comprise The Coach Approach, the key to helping clients create lifestyle change – that lasts.
You will learn and develop these skills through:
- Hands-on instruction and practice in weekly Live Training Sessions with your cohort
- Coaching sessions with REAL clients
- Group Coaching experiences
- Coaching in Action (CIA) videos demonstrating how to apply key concepts and navigate common situations
Key Subjects:
- Motivational Interviewing
- The Change Process
- Character Strengths
- Coaching Lifestyle Habits, Sleep, Movement/Exercise, and Nutrition
Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine is a personalized, patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that addresses the gaps in the conventional healthcare system.
Instruction in Functional Medicine includes Functional Medicine Timelines, hormones, GLP-1, Labs, menopause, digestion and immune health, energy creation, cardiometabolic functioning, and toxic load.
FM Focus Areas
Energy: Mitochondria
Defense and Repair: Immune System
Communication: Hormones
Structural Integrity
Assimilation: Digestion & Absorption
Biotransformation & Elimination: Detoxification
Transport
On November 7, 2024, Kerry Shultz, our Admissions Team Manager, and Kari Zimmerman, Executive Director of Student Experience, shared an in-depth walkthrough of FMCA’s curriculum. They also answered common questions about the student experience, opportunities for graduates, and much more.
Want more details? Download our comprehensive Curriculum Guide for a month-by-month overview of the program and see how FMCA can support your journey to becoming a health coach.
The scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. You are taught how psychology impacts behavior, how to identify barriers to change, and how to unlock positive psychological frameworks to support clients to make lasting lifestyle changes.
Key Subjects:
- Harnessing positive emotions
- Cultivating resilience
- Character Strengths
Instruction in the core Functional Medicine principle of “Food is Medicine.” Learn about how and why we eat, and how nutrition influences health.
Key Subjects:
- Gut Health & Microbiome
- IFM Food Plans (e.g., The Elimination Diet)
- Psychology of Eating
- Metabolic Health
- Inflammation
- Detoxification Fundamentals
Learn how the mind impacts the health of the body. Instruction on how these disciplines can be utilized to improve the health and well-being of clients.
Key Subjects:
- Mindfulness
- Abdominal breathing and imagery
- Meditation
- Mental Health & Trauma Informed Coaching
Instruction in building a successful health coaching career after graduation from experts in business, sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Key Subjects:
- Getting hired by companies and medical practices
- Finding ideal clients
- Marketing and social media
After an in-depth education in these two disciplines, you will join our growing Alumni community empowered to be a leader in health and wellness transformation. Functional Medicine Certified Health Coaches (FMCHC) are suited to work in private practice, as part of collaborative care teams, in corporate settings, and beyond.
Download the FMCA Curriculum Guide
Explore a month-by-month overview of our comprehensive, ICF-accredited program. See how each step of the science-based curriculum is designed to prepare you for a fulfilling career in health coaching. Gain insights into expert faculty, flexible learning, and tools to make a lasting impact.
Start your journey today!
FMCA: Founded in 2014
The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy has certified nearly 4K health coaches to date.
In Collaboration with IFM
Only Health Coaching Program designed in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine.
NBHWC-Approved
Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program providing the highest level of training available.
Named a Best Health Coach Certification Program Of 2024
Selected for its affordability, comprehensive education and training, and commitment to excellence.