Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine

The Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (HNFM) department at University of Western States (UWS) houses the following programs:

  • Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (MS-HNFM)
  • Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)
  • Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine

These online functional medicine programs integrate cutting-edge clinical tools and resources developed by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the organization that founded and developed many functional medicine concepts in use today. Functional medicine is a science-based, patient-centered approach to achieving and maintaining excellent health through natural methods, with diet and nutrition at the forefront. Founded on a holistic view of health, our functional medicine programs leverage the biochemical and genetic individuality of each patient so that practitioners can treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Our human nutrition and functional medicine programs are 100% online and eligible for financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine Programs

What programs are available in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States?
The University of Western States offers a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (MS-HNFM), a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN), and a Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. These functional medicine degree programs are designed to integrate the latest clinical tools and resources from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).


What are the benefits of obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine?
The Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine is designed for health professionals with master’s or doctoral degrees who wish to deepen their understanding of these subjects without committing to the full HNFM master’s degree program. This functional medicine certification covers nine of the 17 required courses in the UWS master’s program.


Can credits from the Graduate Certificate be applied toward a master’s degree?
Yes, upon completion of the certificate program, participants may choose to finish the remaining coursework to earn a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. All completed courses in the certificate program will count toward the master’s degree. Completing the master’s level program qualifies you to sit for professional functional medicine certifications.


Will the Graduate Certificate program qualify me for any professional functional medicine certifications?
Only graduates of the MS-HNFM program can sit for the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) certification and the Certified Nutrition Specialist certification. Licensed professional health care providers may sit for the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (ACBN) examination after completing 300 hours of specialized postgraduate training in nutrition provided by the UWS master’s degree curriculum.


Is UWS accredited?
Yes, the University of Western States is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

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