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Master of Science in Nutrition and Functional Medicine FAQ
What is nutrition and functional medicine?
Clinical Nutrition as an academic discipline and professional endeavor is the study and application of dietary intake (and its many influences, such as those involving social pressures and economics), nutritional biochemistry, nutritional supplements, and botanical medicines; in this program, Clinical Nutrition is taught with emphasis on how students/practitioners will be able to apply this information to the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
Functional Medicine is an interprofessional and interdisciplinary approach that has four main characteristics: 1) it seeks to utilize the best of all information and interventions from various disciplines—as such it is a very inclusive model that includes and welcomes a wide range of perspectives and approaches, 2) it is evidence-based, merging research, physician experience, and patient preferences, 3) it is cohesive in that it takes the best of research, perspectives, experiences, and preferences and merges them into a unifying model that can be applied in an effective and patient-centered treatment plan. For a more formalized definition of Functional Medicine, please see the description provided by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM): http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/
Am I eligible for any professional certifications? Nutritionist? Registered Dietician?
We are not currently seeking to provide registration for the title of “dietician” for our graduates. “Nutritionist” is a general term that can be used without specific credentialing in most states; therefore the term is not very meaningful. We are working with various organizations to provide credit toward the certification programs they offer.
The American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition (ACBN) is a certifying board in nutrition, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Once a current chiropractic physician completes at least 300 hours of the Master’s degree in nutrition, they can be board eligible to sit for the diplomate status with the ACBN.
When are the IFM courses taken in the program?
These are generally taken at the time chosen by the student after the initial three required courses are taken. Seminars conducted by IFM are scheduled by IFM as listed on their website: http://www.functionalmedicine.org/listing.aspx Some of the material in the required courses will be provided by IFM in a distance-learning format.
What are the entry requirements for currently enrolled UWS DC students?
How do those eligibility thresholds translate to students currently enrolled in other DC programs?
UWS students concurrently enrolled in the DC/MS must have completed their 5th quarter (40% of the program), have a 2.5 cumulative GPA in the DCP and hold a bachelor's degree. The same admissions requirements will apply for existing UWS DC students and concurrently enrolled students from other first professional health care degree programs. Doctorate-level healthcare students do not have to take the GRE/MAT/GMAT.
At what point in the MS program are students eligible to enroll in elective courses? Is it possible to take additional electives beyond the required number?
After completing the 3 foundational courses, students are allowed to select other courses based upon availability and individual preference. In the April 2012 inaugural class, only 2 of the 3 foundational courses will be offered allowing students to take the remaining foundational course concurrently with other class offerings. Students may take additional electives beyond those required for graduation. If receiving Title IV financial aid, they should check with FAO for continued eligibility.
If I have completed an IFM course previously, can it be used toward the elective requirement?
Yes. Students who have completed the AFMCP course will receive credit for that class, but will also be required to take a 2 credit assessment course.
Is there a maximum capacity for acceptance?
Yes. 40 students for the April inaugural class.
Is a tuition deposit required of accepted applicants?
Yes. $300.
Who are the instructors?
Principles of Functional Medicine: Lead Instructor: Alex Vasquez DC, ND, DO. Additional lecturers: David Jones MD, Kristie Hughes ND, Mark Hyman MD,
Evidence-based Nutrition: Instructors: Alex Vasquez DC, ND, DO, and Alan Gaby MD
Please note that course content and descriptions as well as fees are subject to change.
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