Explore Our Program
Grounded in science. Delivered with human connection. Built for your success.
Enroll Early and Save
Early Decision Ends
06/15/2026
Classes Start: August 31st
Duration: 12 Months
Tuition:
$9,999
$7,999
Pay just $499 a month when you enroll with a payment plan before 4/28/2026
Transform Yourself. Transform Healthcare.
When you become a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC), you will undergo a personal and professional transformation. Explore our program features below to discover how we provide a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
Certification Program Features
Industry Leading Training
Grow your knowledge and confidence with training that sets the Gold Standard through a comprehensive curriculum and world-renowned faculty. All delivered in a hands-on program structured to produce stand-out graduates.
- 12 Modules covering Functional Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Mind-Body Medicine, The Art of Coaching, and Positive Psychology
- Curriculum that blends live training with pre-recorded content and readings for a comprehensive learning experience
Live Coaching Labs
Practice coaching live in a supportive, feedback-rich environment with expert mentors (Course Facilitators) guiding you every step of the way.
- Weekly Zoom Meetings with the same cohort throughout the program
- Build real connections and learn alongside likeminded FMCA students
Live Functional Medicine Education
Learn directly from functional medicine leaders who bring cutting-edge science to life. You’ll connect the “why” behind health conditions with practical strategies you can use to support clients, and transform your personal health.
- Bi-monthly Zoom Discussion with FMCA Educators
- Monthly Ask The Expert Webinars
Unparallelled Alumni Support
Receive community and Alumni support that extends long after graduation to help you build your career whether in private practice, growing your existing role, or applying for new oppportunities.
- Graduate Resource Center (Job Board, Find a Coach Profile)
- Alumni Network (Alumni Groups, Alumni Program)
Functional Medicine Coaching Handouts and Tools
Download ready-to-use resources to enhance your Functional Medicine Coaching education, including handouts created by FMCA Educators for use in your coaching practice.
- Professionally designed coaching tools built exclusively for FMCA students and graduates
- Functional medicine handouts including diet comparison charts, lab marker glossaries, and more
Individualized Attention
Experience an educational environment structured for your success with individualized feedback, tight-knit learning groups, and a responsive support team.
- Cohort sizes of 15 to foster connection
- One on one feedback from your Course Facilitator
- Student Office Hours with FMCA Founder, Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum
NBHWC & UKIHCA Approved
Set yourself up for success by graduating from an approved training program that will allow you to sit for board certification.
- Approved by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
- Approved by the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA)
Exclusive IFM Collaboration
Learn Functional Medicine Health Coaching from the only program designed and delivered in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine.
- IFM Toolkit (Including IFM Food Plans) Access while enrolled in the program
- Learn from the same slides and educators who train IFM Certified Practitioners
Flexible Online Learning
Blend asynchronous and synchronous learning in a program designed to be taken wherever you are in the world.
- 100% online learning with Zoom and our intuitive learning management platform
- Learn on the go with the FMCA App
Cutting-Edge Functional Medicine Education
From Functional Lab Testing to Functional Nutrition and Hormones, learn the latest science in Functional Medicine and Health Coaching.
- Live webinars covering the latest topics in Functional Medicine
- Newest Module: Understanding Labs And Coaching With Integrity
Learn More About FMCA Student Life and Our Curriculum
Career Opportunities & Alumni Support
FMCA Alumni stand out in the healthcare industry… whether they’re in private coaching practice, part of a collaborative care team, or employed by leading wellness companies including:




Unparalleled Alumni Support
FMCA Job Board
Exclusive for FMCA Graduates. Get insider access to unique Health Coaching job opportunities.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: FMCA Graduates are often specifically sought out by wellness companies and Medical Practices hiring Functional Medicine Health Coaches.
Find a Coach Directory
Jumpstart your career by creating a profile on our searchable Find a Coach Directory, exclusive for Alumni.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: In addition to being a client referral source, Find a Coach Profiles offer instant web presence for your coaching business or resume.
Career Accelerator
Included in the Health Coach Certification Program. Jumpstart your career with education from thought leaders in business, Functional Medicine, and coaching.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: Topics covered include business formation, social media, building a website, legal considerations, and more.
Alumni Program
Optional program exclusive to FMCA Alumni. The AP offers hands-on LIVE mentorship and education for growing your career or business, and improving your coaching skills.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: AP Membership includes the “How to Get Started Working as a Health Coach” workshop, individualized career support, and live coaching mentorship from expert coaches.
Industry Partnerships
Expanded career opportunities and practice support through partnerships with companies like Pillar.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: FMCA partners with leading wellness companies and organizations through events, special offers, and our job board.
Tools for Your Practice
Coaching tools designed specifically to use with your clients to help you grow and retain a clientbase.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: Tools created by health coaches for health coaches to use for their practices.
Growing Alumni Network
With thousands of graduates, and more added every year, you’ll have access to support and community that opens doors unlike any other.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: Active Alumni Newsletter, Exclusive Facebook Group, and LinkedIn to keep you connected.
Continuing Education
Expand your Functional Medicine Coaching knowledge, earn CEs for your credentials, or just expand your client offerings through FMCA’ courses.
FMCA Alumni Advantage: Opportunities to earn necessary NBHWC CEs and UKIHCA CPDs.
Bailey’s Success Story: Finding a Health Coaching Job
“I was looking on the FMCA job board and Pillar had posted a full-time health coaching job… And it really gave me hope. The process with Pillar was awesome — so smooth and so kind. They answered every question and helped me move forward with confidence.”
Bailey Reinard McLaughlin, MS, NBC-HWC, FMCHC, ACSM-EP
Questions about the FMCA Health Coach Certification Program?
Schedule a call with one of our admissions team members.
Explore More Alumni Success Stories
Every path our students take to FMCA and beyond is unique. These are their stories.
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Alumni Spotlight: Alexis Bernstein
Read Full Article: Alumni Spotlight: Alexis Bernstein -
Alumni Spotlight: Jane Showalter Thomas
Read Full Article: Alumni Spotlight: Jane Showalter Thomas -
Alumni Spotlight: Mercedes de Rink
Read Full Article: Alumni Spotlight: Mercedes de Rink -
Alumni Spotlight: Kristi Hughes
Read Full Article: Alumni Spotlight: Kristi Hughes
Hear From FMCA Alumni
The FMCA Alumni Network continues to grow.
Here are just a few stories of transformation and joy after studying functional medicine health coaching.
Initially, I thought this class would be just a class that I learn from and implement. However, shortly after starting, I realized this program wasn’t just ‘another class‘. Although there’s not Emotional Intelligence called out as a benefit of FMCA, it should be. In addition to learning about the body, mind, and coaching, I found myself having a higher level of emotional self-control, a decrease in judgement or assuming, and an overall calmness of my personality. FMCA doesn’t just change our clients’ lives, it changes ours too!
The knowledge I have garnered through the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy with IFM has been invaluable. Through learning the foundations of functional medicine, positive psychology and coaching basics I have become a better version of myself and feel equipped to help others in similar processes through coaching and in my own practice. Thank you FMCA.
My journey at FMCA has been truly transformational. FMCA thoroughly covers Functional Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Positive Psychology, Mind-Body Medicine, and the Art as well as the Science of Coaching through course materials delivered by experts in their fields.
I felt informed, guided, supported, and have grown. It has been a journey of self-discovery for me. I am truly grateful to everyone at FMCA who has contributed to this process—you have touched my life.
Thank you FMCA for being an integral part of my journey in becoming a FMCHC. Thank you for providing a safe space to cultivate growth. I am grateful for the community I have joined and look forward to continuing to connect and collaborate with like-minded folks.
Attending FMCA was a transformative experience for me. Our course facilitator was exceptional, guiding us with expertise and genuine care. I formed an incredible group of friends, all passionate and supportive, which made the journey even more enriching. The insights and guidance from our coaches and mentors were invaluable, providing me with the tools and confidence to grow as a coach. FMCA not only enhanced my knowledge and skills but also helped me build meaningful relationships and a strong foundation for my coaching career.
You’re going to get the skills. You’re going to get the science. You’re going to get the confidence that you need to help people make real life changes.
After a long career in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors, I began to focus on my own health and longevity. In fact, I set forth a mission for myself – to inspire and empower people. My enrollment, graduation and my new practice as a functional medicine coach empowers me to achieve my mission – even though I am of retirement age. It is never to late for anyone to, “be the change you want to see in the world” – a quote by Mahatma Gandhi.
This course has allowed me to grow not only professionally, but also personally. It’s so much more than just motivational interviewing techniques. I use all the information daily: lifestyle medicine, open ended questions, strength spotting, positive psychology, This shows up in who I am, my career, my relationships, and my overall health. I am forever grateful I made the decision to take this course.
FMCA has given me the tools to be the health coach I know I can be. The whole team is supportive and motivates you every step of the way. There is always someone you can turn to if you need any advice or guidance. You are never alone on this journey.
From a self-described Functional Medicine “geek” with an extensive marketing background who loves to connect “the why”, this course is superb. I have learned so much–way beyond what I would have even thought. I’ve shared with countless people in my circle that the content in this course is truly top notch–featuring highly-credentialed subject matter experts–and the experience has been worth it’s time and money “weight” in gold. Kudos to Sandi, Elyse and the countless health “heroes” who created this program and continue to provide unwavering support for those of us who wish to do what I call my most important brand work yet–to inspire health & vitality, and happier, healthier humans, with the goal of making the world a better place.
FMCA gave me the opportunity to know people from different countries and backgrounds and really widen my perspective on a lot of things… I’ve noticed changes in myself, becoming more mindful, hopeful, and positive about life. I truly feel that I can help others achieve the same. Thank you, FMCA, for showing me the path!
I have loved my time spent this last year with my cohort. Learning and growing as coaches together made the experience that much more enjoyable. Our facilitator was excellent and guided our sessions in such a way that allowed for organic growth in our coaching practice. I am truly grateful for the experience and I would highly recommend it.
The process with FMCA has reaffirmed that the functional medicine approach is distinctive and applicable in various fields where I, as a coach, can contribute to people’s well-being. The weekly cohorts provide valuable support, and a beautiful community is built.
Thanks to everything I learned at FMCA, I am now able to support women through the journey of perimenopause and menopause, reviewing their lifestyle and helping many of them live this stage with more ease through habit changes.
I just got my first official health coaching job, and from a job posting on the FMCA job board. I absolutely love it! Thank you so much for encouraging me when I felt like giving up.
This is hands down the best out there! It’s been nearly a year of consistently high levels of not just educational rigor, but a rare blend of deep care and efficient professionalism. I would recommend this program to anyone, interested in coaching or not! The personal growth potential is in my opinion unmatched in a program like this. Thank you, FMCA, for the way you embrace the work you do: transforming lives and changing the face of healthcare worldwide!
The FMCA program has truly transformed me. Through its robust platform, this rigorous curriculum thoroughly touches on fundamental principles, to more nuanced ones, with structure and thoughtfulness. The caliber of FMCA educators and facilitators is outstanding as they all provide insight, inspiration, and encouragement. I feel so confident in stepping into the role of a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach knowing that I have the foundation, skills, techniques and history of the FMCA institution in my tool chest.
I’ve found that FMCA’s approach blends all the key elements needed for real, lasting health changes. Functional Medicine takes a deep dive into root causes, uncovering the “why” behind health issues. Positive psychology shifts the focus from problems to strengths, helping clients build motivation and resilience.
If I were to explain the benefits of Functional Medicine Health Coaching, I’d start with how it transforms the way we approach health. Instead of simply managing symptoms, we dig into the root causes and empower clients to take charge of their wellbeing.
I trained as a nutritional therapist before joining FMCA, and the health coaching training I’ve completed has made me a better practitioner. It has been one of the best investments I’ve made – not just for my career, but for the people I support every day.
Rooted in Expertise. Recognized for Excellence.
FMCA Educators
FMCA students receive instruction from leaders across functional medicine, health coaching, nutrition, and business.
Deanna Minich
Sandra Scheinbaum
Monique Class
Jeffrey Bland
Margarita Tarragona
Joel M. Evans
Beth Frates
Kara Fitzgerald
Kristi Hughes
Beverly Yates
Bethany Hays
Shilpa Saxena
Patrick Hanaway
Liana Lianov
Industry Recognition for FMCA

NBHWC-Approved
Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program providing the highest level of training available.
UKIHCA-Approved
The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy has certified nearly 5K health coaches to date.
In Collaboration with IFM
Only Health Coaching Program designed in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine.

Named a Best Health Coach Certification Program of 2026
Selected for its affordability, comprehensive education and training, and commitment to excellence.
Download our Prospective Student Guide and take the first step towards personal and professional transformation.
Health Coach Certification Program Curriculum Highlights
The FMCA curriculum sets the Gold Standard through its unique blend of Health Coaching and Functional Medicine education.
Functional Medicine:
Functional Lab Testing, Root-Cause Medicine, Chronic Disease
Functional Nutrition:
Food as Medicine, Food Plans (E.g., The Elimination Diet), Psychology of Eating
The Art of Coaching:
SMART Goals, The Change Process, Coaching Lifestyle Habits, Trauma-Informed Coaching
Hormone Balance and Communication:
Menopause, Cardiometabolic Health
Digestion & Immune Function:
Gut Microbiome, GLP-1s, Immune System Support
Positive Psychology & Behavior Change:
Habit Formation, Character Strengths, Motivational Interviewing
Mind-Body Medicine:
Emotional Health, Stress and Disease Connection, Holistic Healing
Energy and Resilience:
Mitochondria, ATP, Sleep
Environmental Health:
Toxins, Mold, Detoxification
Career Accelerator:
Social Media, Building Your Website, Social Media, Doctor Collaboration (Handout), Business Formation
Dive Deeper Into FMCA’s Award-Winning Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Medicine Health Coach Certification
Do I need a medical background to become a health coach?
You do not need a background in healthcare in order to become a health coach!. Successful health coaches come from a wide range of backgrounds, including business, marketing, life coaching, nursing, nutrition, yoga and fitness, massage therapy, art, design, education, and caregiving.
What is Health Coaching?
Health and wellness coaches are part wellness authority, part supportive mentor, and part behavior change specialist. They partner with clients who are seeking to enhance their well-being through self-directed, lasting changes in alignment with their values. Health coaches often work with clients to implement individualized food and lifestyle changes that meet the client’s unique needs and health goals. In the course of their work, health and wellness coaches display unconditional positive regard for their clients and a belief in clients’ capacity for change. They honor that each client is an expert on their own life, ensuring that all interactions are respectful and non-judgmental.
Health Coaches provide their services in a few ways. They may provide one-on-one or group sessions offered through their own private coaching business or in collaboration with doctors and other wellness providers. Their role includes but is not limited to:
- Providing a positive relationship that empowers the client to make lasting changes for better health and well-being
- Offering clients support, accountability, collaboration, education, and resources
- Translating a practitioner’s plan of care into a plan of action
- Assisting with dietary changes, food plans, and physical activity protocols
- Learn more: What is Health Coaching?
How Many Hours a Week Is the Program?
For this program you can expect to dedicate 10-12 hours per week to Live Coaching Labs and general coursework.
What will a Functional Medicine Health Coach Certification Allow Me To Do?
Your health coaching certification opens up many paths: you may start your own business and see individuals or groups in a private setting, and/or hold sessions virtually via video coaching. You may choose to work in a medical or corporate environment, such as a hospital, insurance company, physicians’ office, corporate offices, day spa, wellness center, or school. Or you may incorporate the skills you acquire into your existing healthcare or non-healthcare profession.
Many of our alumni establish their own coaching business or partner with practitioners, or a combination of both. Your options will depend on your background, interests, location, and what’s accessible to you online.
What Will Your Path Be?
Enroll Early and Save
Early Decision Ends
06/15/2026

Mission
To fully prepare health coaches by providing them with state-of-the-art learning that encompasses the evidence-based principles of Functional Medicine, positive psychology, functional nutrition, and mind-body medicine, all within a coaching framework; to accommodate diverse cultural backgrounds and learning styles, and to equip graduates to grow successful careers worldwide and become drivers for creating positive changes in the lives of their future clients and their communities-at-large.
Our Values
We commit to uphold the following values: Act as givers; appreciate the goodness of others and express thanks; show humility in our words and actions; embrace activities whole-heartedly, take initiative to ensure goals are met; expect the best and work to achieve it; challenge with compassion; persevere despite obstacles, have fun and bring smiles to everyone.