Functional Nutrition Certificate

Deepen your knowledge of functional nutrition.

Online | 1 Year | Certificate for Academic Credit

Talk With Advisor Apply Today

ONLINE

COURSES

Week Courses

Credits

FNC Certificate Highlights

Specialize in Functional Nutrition

Focus on integrated, holistic nutrition. Learn to better use food as a natural medicine while addressing physical performance and functioning. This certificate is designed to increase the student’s abilities to identify how nutrients influence the genome and their relationship to health and wellness, while also learning about the changing nutritional needs throughout the lifespan.

Integrate Functional Nutrition Into Your Area of Healthcare Practice

Integrate an understanding of functional nutrition into your area of healthcare practice. Whether you are a dietitian or a nurse, understanding and integrating functional, and holistic nutrition into your patients’ treatment plans can have great benefits.

Transfer into our MSHS Program

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree? Credits from our FNC certificate transfer directly into our Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) program’s Functional Nutrition track. Our MSHS program is designed for a wide variety of healthcare professionals. Make an easy transition from our certificate program straight into your master’s degree.

Designed for Working Healthcare Professionals

Our FNC Certificate is designed especially for working healthcare professionals. With a completely-online program designed to fit with busy schedules, the FNC Certificate can fit your schedule.

Our FNC Certificate is designed to benefit individuals who fall into the following areas:

Individuals who have a desire to learn to better use food as a natural medicine while addressing physical performance and functioning
Health professionals who wish to better integrate nutrition into their interdisciplinary assessment and care planning
Individuals who wish to better understand the changing nutritional needs throughout the lifespan
Individuals who wish to understand how nutrients influence the genome

Interprofessional Program Experience

Learn in an interprofessional program. Students are from a variety of healthcare professions and are generally former or current clinicians. Interact with healthcare professionals from a wide range of disciplines, deepening your learning and networking experience.

Functional Nutrition Certificate Curriculum

Deepen your understanding of functional, holistic nutrition. Understand the relationships between nutrition, genetics, and lifespan.

Functional Nutrition

Understand the functional nutrition approach to treating health conditions and preventing disease. Learn to identify and treat the root causes for some health conditions with this approach. Learn to understand the “food as medicine” perspective and nutrition assessment model to promote lifestyle behavior change as well as health and wellness benefits.

Nutrition & Genomics

Deepen your understanding of the interactions between nutrients and an individual’s genome. Learn the applications of genomic testing in clinical practice. Understand the relation of a genomic profile to overall health; understand the application to lifestyle and diet choices. Use an evidence-based DNA analysis of your own genes to understand the impact of nutrition on your individual weight loss and body composition, nutrient metabolism, heart health, performance, and more.

Evidence-Based Practice

Within every track, you will complete a core selection of classes that prepare you to advance your career as a PA in general. The core courses include professional and scientific writing, healthcare legal and ethical issues, and more.

View Full Curriculum

Semester Starts



Winter 2024

Priority Application Deadline

11/6/2023

Final Application Deadline

12/11/2023

Semester Start

1/8/2024



Summer 2024

Priority Application Deadline

3/11/2024

Final Application Deadline

4/15/2024

Semester Start

5/6/2024



Fall 2024

Priority Application Deadline

7/8/2024

Final Application Deadline

8/12/2024

Semester Start

9/3/2024

Start Your Application

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Master’s or professional degree–but a bachelor’s student with appropriate background (biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology) would be eligible with acceptance determined on an individual basis.

Certificate program candidates can include:

Dietitians/nutritionists
Nurses
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Athletic Trainers
Speech-language pathologists
Health coaches
Eating disorders coaches
Health professionals with an interest in functional nutrition

Talk With Advisor

Clinical Rotation Requirements including required vaccinations: Admitted students to Rocky Mountain University who will be completing a clinical rotation will receive vaccination forms regarding required vaccinations. Not all vaccinations or proof of immunity are required at the beginning of the program but will be prior to the first clinical rotation. The University allows for vaccination exemptions and more information about the University’s position on vaccination can be reviewed at https://rm.edu/vaccination-statement/

RMU requires the following items prior to starting any clinical rotations (these are subject to change depending upon public health concerns and specific clinic requirements):

MMR
Varicella
Hepatitis B
TB
Tdap
Annual Influenza
COVID 19
HIPAA certification
OSHA certification
CPR certification

Tuition

Program	Semesters	Cost Per Credit	Minimum Credits	Total Tuition	Other Program Specific Fees	University Resource Fee (per semester)	Additional Information
Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS)	Five or Six Semesters (20 - 24 months depending on curriculum choice)	$590	30	$17,700	Optional Thesis (3 credits in semester 6) $1770 Thesis Commitee Fee $1050 Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course if selected for concentration	$36 per credit
Doctor of Optometry (OD)	Eleven Semesters (45 months)	$914	185	$169,090	$7,601 program total for various lab fees, equipment, supplies, books and certifications	$36 per credit
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)	Five Semesters (20 months)	$967	50	$48,350	FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total *Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total	$36 per credit	Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities. *Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.
Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practicioner (MSN-PMHNP)	Five Semesters (20 months)	$967	59	$57,053	*Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total	$36 per credit	*Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor. Tuition will vary depending on transfer credit awarded.
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practicioner (MSN-FNP/PMHNP)	Six Semesters (24 months)	$967	77	$74,459	FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total *Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total	$36 per credit	Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities. *Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP/ENP)	Six Semesters (24 months)	$1,034	65	$67,210	FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total **ENP Course Fees: $3,000 Total	$36 per credit	Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities. Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, ENP 712, ENP 722 & ENP 732) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor. **Note: ENP Course Fees are $200 per ENP credit per semester, and cover ultrasound sim, EKG sim, and all disposable supplies.
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)	Seven Semesters (28 months)	$1,037	114	$118,218		$36 per credit	*Up to 15 credits. No additional charge above 15 credits. Please refer to the MPAS program’s Program Costs policy for full details on tuition, fees, and other expenses.
Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (MS MedSLP)	Six Semesters (24 months)	$910	69	$62,790		$36 per credit	Always refer to your curriculum schedule for the most up-to-date tuition payment schedule. Students choose elective courses, with variable credit loads. At least 6 elective credits required.
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC)/Master of Science in School Counseling (SC)	Seven Semesters (28 months)	$712	60	$42,720	Counseling Student Resource Fee (per semester) $100	$36 per credit	Program requires student to complete 2 elective courses (6 credits total). Elective options are offered with variable timing and should be discussed with program advisor. Dual‐degree program option exists: Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Masters of Science in School Counseling. This dual-degree option requires student to complete an additional 12 credits (72 credits total). This extends the program to 9 semesters or 36 months. Dual‐degree program requires student to complete 1 elective course (3 credits total). Elective options are offered with variable timing and should be discussed with program advisor.
Master of Science in Athletic Training Practice (MSATP)	Six Semesters (24 months)	$590	33	$19,470		$36 per credit	*5 additional credits consist of HLA 620 (3 credits), ATH 720L (1 credit), ATH 730L (1 credit), which have variable timing. The Healthcare Leadership course – HLA 620 (3 credits) can be taken in any semester. The lab courses ‐ ATH 720L & ATH 730L (1 credit each) – need to be taken during an on-site summer immersion session. Students can choose which summer immersion session they attend, and only need to attend one session to complete their course of study.
Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)	Four or Five Semesters (16 - 20 months depending on curriculum choice)	$777	36	$27,972	Course Fee for HLA 620* $100	$36 per credit	*Students that select the Healthcare Leadership and Administration concentration track will have a course fee of $100 for the HLA 620 course which will be used to purchase a validated emotional intelligence assessment report. Students in the DMSc program (regardless of concentration track) choose between two curriculum models to complete the 36 credit hours: the Integrated Model and the Phased Model. Both curriculum models are designed so PA clinicians, educators, and administrators can continue professional work obligations while completing this degree. In the Integrated Model, students complete the practicum and applied scholarly project courses concurrently with the other didactic courses. Students may complete the Integrated Model in as little as four semesters. In the Phased Model, students complete the didactic courses before completing the practicum and applied scholarly project courses. Students may complete the Phased Model in as little as five semesters. PAs with bachelor’s degrees who have not previously completed a master’s or doctoral degree may enroll in the DMSc program and will be required to successfully complete the following additional courses that are offered by Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. HS 504 Research Methods (3 credits) HS 506 Data & Decision Making (3 credits) HS 507 Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s)	Four Semesters (16 months)	$967	44	$42,548	Scholarly Project Fee: $2000 (applied in semester 4 or when enrolled in DNP 775 Scholarly Project III)	$36 per credit
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Baccalaureate FNP)	Eight Semesters (32 months)	$967	80	$77,360	Lab Fee: $900 Total Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total **Scholarly Project Fee: $2,000 (applied in semester 8 or when enrolled in CC 811A Scholarly Project III)	$36 per credit	Note: Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities. Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor. **Scholarly Project Fee applied in semester 8 when completing project.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNPC) Certificate (Post-Master's)	Four Semesters (16 months)	$967	30	$29,010	FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total *Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total	$36 per credit	Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities. *Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENPC) Certificate (Post-Master's)	Three Semesters (12 months)	$1,173	15	$17,595	Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total *ENP Course Fees: $3,000 Total	$36 per credit	Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (ENP 712, ENP 722 & ENP 732) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor. *Note: ENP Course Fees are $200 per ENP credit per semester, and cover ultrasound sim, EKG sim, and all disposable supplies.
Family Nurse Practitioner/Emergency Nurse Practitioner (FNPC/ENPC) Certificate (Post-Master's)	Five Semesters (20 months)	$1,034	45	$46,530	FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total **ENP Course Fees: $3,000 Total	$36 per credit	Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities. Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, ENP 712, ENP 722 & ENP 732) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor. **Note: ENP Course Fees are $200 per ENP credit per semester, and cover ultrasound sim, EKG sim, and all disposable supplies.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric/Mental Health)	Four Semesters (16 months)	$967	39	$37,713	**Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total	$36 per credit	*Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor. Tuition will vary depending on transfer credit awarded.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)	Eight Semesters (32 months)	$869	129	$112,101	$1805 program total for various lab fees, equipment, supplies, books and certifications	$36 per credit	*Up to 15 credits. No additional charge above 15 credits.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences	Nine Didactic Semesters and minimum of Three Dissertation Semesters (48 months)	$954	70	$66,780	Dissertation Committee Fee $3000 Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course if selected for concentration	$36 per credit
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (entry-level)	Nine Semesters (36 months)	$875	105	$91,875		$36 per credit
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)	Four Semesters (16 months)	$945	30	$28,350	Capstone Fee (for two committee members) $1600 Practical Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course if selected for concentration	$36 per credit
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)	Seven Semesters (28 months)	$986	40	$39,440	Capstone Fee (for two committee members) $2360	$36 per credit
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)	Three or Four Semesters (12 - 16 months depending on curriculum choice)	$948	24	$22,752		$36 per credit
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FNPC/PMHNPC)	Five Semesters (20 months)	$967	57	$55,119	FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total *Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total	$36 per credit	Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities. *Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.
Healthcare Leadership and Administration Certificate (HLA)		$440	12	$5,280		$36 per credit
Healthcare Professions Education Certificate (HPE)		$440	12	$5,280		$36 per credit
Emergency & Primary Care in Athletic Training Practice Certificate (EPCAT)		$440	10	$4,400		$36 per credit
Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate (HWC)		$440	6	$2,640	Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course	$36 per credit
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Certificates		$500	9	$4,500		$36 per credit
Psychiatry Certificate (for PA clinicians)		$440	15	$6,600		$36 per credit
Mental Health Couseling Certificate & School Counseling Certificate (MHCC)(SCC)		$712	15	$10,680	Counseling Student Resource Fee (per semester) $100	$36 per credit
Functional Nutrition Certificate (FNC)		$440	12	$5,280		$36 per credit

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student's financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive. Learn more...

Faculty

Denise Pickett-Bernard

PhD, RDN, LDN, IFMCP, IFNCP

Associate Professor, FNS Certificate Program and FNS Track Director

UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (8060 165th Avenue NE Ste 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the US Department of Education.