Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine
Utilize nutrition to support long-term health and wellness and address the underlying root causes of disease.
What Is Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine?
Clinical nutrition and functional medicine focus on how nutrition, lifestyle, and a person’s unique biochemistry, genetics, and environment influence their well-being. Functional nutritionists use an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of a patient’s issues rather than just managing their symptoms.
This work involves assessing nutritional status, considering medical history and lifestyle factors, and developing personalized nutrition and wellness plans to support long-term health and prevent chronic disease.
About Our Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine Programs
At University of Western States, functional medicine is the framework that supports our entire clinical nutrition curriculum. This highly personalized form of patient care is the perfect match to our whole-person health approach.
Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine Programs
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine
Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine Graduate Certificate
What Can You Do With a Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine Degree?
A degree in clinical nutrition and functional medicine can lead to a wide range of careers focused on improving health through nutrition, lifestyle, and whole-person care. Graduates often open their own private practices or work as part of interdisciplinary teams alongside physicians, nurses, mental health providers, and other specialists.
Career Settings
- Private practice
- Integrative and functional medicine clinics
- Hospitals and health care systems
- Community and public health organizations
- Health and wellness centers
- Nutrition consulting and coaching
- Academia and education
- Culinary and food industries
Potential Career Paths
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
- Functional nutrition practitioner
- Health coach
- Clinical nutrition consultant
- Complex case specialist
- Nutrition educator
- Clinic administrator
- Scholarly contributor
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine
Are the clinical nutrition programs fully online?
Yes. The doctoral degree, master’s degree, and graduate certificate in clinical nutrition and functional medicine are 100% online.
Is an internship required for a clinical nutrition degree?
No. Our online nutrition programs do not require in-person training, internships, or clinical experiences.
Will the master’s program prepare me for national certification exams?
Yes. The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine meets the nutrition coursework requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), and the Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN) exams. Additional requirements may apply depending on the credential. The DCN program also meets the educational requirements for the DACBN exam.
Can I complete a nutrition degree part time?
The online master’s and doctoral degrees are designed to be completed full time. The graduate certificate may be completed part time.
Is UWS accredited?
Yes. University of Western States is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.