Functional Medicine Academy Certification Program (FMACP)
The Functional Medicine Academy Certification Program (FMACP) is a jointly accredited functional medicine certification for licensed healthcare practitioners, including MDs, DOs, DCs, NDs, OMDs, PhDs, PAs, LAcs, NPs, RDs, DPTs, PharmDs, and DDSs.
About Functional Medicine Academy Certification
The Functional Medicine Academy Certification Program (FMACP) is an accredited functional medicine certification program developed by Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP. The program is jointly accredited for CME/CE credit through Pinnacle Conference LLC, covering ACCME (physicians), ACPE (pharmacists), and ANCC (nurses and nurse practitioners). Eligible professions include MDs, DOs, DCs, NDs, OMDs, PhDs, PAs, LAcs, NPs, RDs, DPTs, PharmDs, and DDSs.
The FMACP program consists of 8 on-demand clinical courses covering functional health and nutrition, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, nutrition and weight management, practice marketing and patient acquisition, hormonal health, and clinical case review. Practitioners must complete all 8 courses, pass the case review, and pass the certification test within 6 months to earn the FMACP or FMACC credential.
The Functional Medicine Academy Certification Program is designed as a practical clinical framework — not a theory-based curriculum. Course content is designed to be applied immediately in practice, within the full scope of each practitioner’s license and applicable state law.
Learning Functional Medicine feels like a scene from an investigative TV show with the crazy, over-detailed evidence board and a maze of red strings connecting the dots. Dr. Z is the calm narrator’s voice telling you what it all means.
I love Functional Medicine and I’m guessing you are here because you do too. Maybe you have already started but it hasn’t grown to the level you want? Maybe you are working in some other form of healthcare but dream of switching to your own FM practice? Maybe you are a newbie and just wondering if this is a possible career path for you?
Wherever you are coming from, I’m glad you’re here. You are in the right place if the following sounds good:
- Focused clinical content based entirely on what you will actually use in practice
- A diverse range of protocols covering nutrition to lifestyle support to supplementation to BHRT
- How to integrate labs, key intake and charting forms, detailed notes and slides
- Bonus videos, a marketing class, patient communication and our private FB group for live support
Reach out to the FMA team so we can answer your questions and see if
The Academy or Certification is a good fit for you.
Why Certification?
The Certification was created for the following reasons…
Some practitioners have completed advanced Functional Medicine programs (sometimes ALL of them!) but are overwhelmed with all the information or unsure of how to put it into practice — they need a “cheat sheet” and systems to launch, be efficient, be confident and profitable.
Many traditionally trained physicians are lacking in nutrition or Functional Medicine knowledge.
Many professionals with adequate nutrition training lack needed business skills and marketing savvy to create a successful practice.
Often licensed practitioners and non-licensed nutrition professionals do not speak the “same language” and miss an opportunity to refer to one another or work for one another in a holistic health clinic.
Sometimes clinically competent practitioners lack the skills to effectively communicate with patients.
Some health professionals need to learn how to blend cutting-edge Functional Medicine lab work with western and eastern healing modalities.
There are “newbies” interested in Functional Medicine that want to get a running start and experienced docs making the switch to Functional Medicine that do not want to have to reinvent the wheel.
Whatever the reason, The Academy is here to help and Certification proves you did it!
Certified practitioner (FMACP)
Open to licensed practitioners: MD, DO, DC, ND, OMD, PhD, PA, LAc, NP, RD, DPT, PharmD, DDS
Requirements: Complete all 8 courses, pass the Case Review, and pass the Certification Test within 6 months.
Course content is designed to be put immediately to use in practice. In all cases, current students and graduates may use the information up to the full scope of practice for their profession and/or according to state law.
The Functional Medicine Academy™ is designed to be the HOW and WHAT to do in practice — to get things moving quickly, efficiently and to avoid practitioner burnout. FMA is not designed to replace your licensing CEUs nor other broad scope certifications such as IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine). FMA will not conflict with these other excellent programs but instead will be your “quick start” guide to making practical and clinical decisions as you create and expand the practice you love.
certified coach (FMACC)
Open to Master program graduates in health and nutrition, including CNCs, CNSs, CMTs, LMTs, health coaches, and students.
Requirements: Same as FMACP — complete all 8 courses, pass the Case Review, and pass the Certification Test within 6 months. The case review and certification test are different to reflect the distinct scope of practice and lab testing limitations of non-licensed professionals.
All of the same access to education is provided. With the proper training and practice management skills, it is possible to have a very rewarding and lucrative career in the field of nutrition and wellness — working within your scope of education or as a health coach. Connection to all the practitioners in the FMA network is a valuable asset for cross-collaboration.
Dr. Zachary is a gifted educator! She possesses a wealth of knowledge and delivers it in great detail with patience and ease. I was very impressed with the structured and comprehensive teaching of Functional Medicine as well as practice management tips. I learned a lot from Dr. Z and really appreciate her sharing the latest research related to patient care, and especially her very warm and kind style as a teacher. I highly recommend Dr. Z.
Dr. Aliaa Aldine, MD (Ru), LAc, DAOM, Dipl O. M.
Although I consider myself quite confident in the practice of psychotherapy, I felt almost paralyzed with the thought of incorporating my knowledge of Functional Medicine into practice. After just one phone call with Dr. Zachary I felt so much at ease. She is both confident and compassionate at the same time. You can see she wants the same for you that she has established for herself. To give for the sake of giving is a beautiful skill to own and after working with her – you will see she is a ‘giver’.
Dr. Luella Jonk, PhD, RP, MPCC, IFMCP
Psychologist, Brain Health & Functional Medicine
The Certification Classes
Functional Medicine Practices Launched, Expanded or Perfected in a Fast, Affordable and Highly Effective Way! (A long way of saying “this is good” and grab your “clinical cheatsheet”)
Take one or take them all (wink, wink – you’ll want them all) and do it at your own pace.
The Certification Full Course
The complete FMACP/FMACC certification pathway — all 8 courses, case review, and certification test.
What’s Included: 8 on-demand clinical courses, forms, handouts, graphics, clinical and legal frameworks, practice and financial guidance, marketing class, patient communication tools, and access to the FMA Skool community.
Format: On-demand. Self-paced. Complete within 6 months.
CME/CE Credit: Yes, jointly accredited by ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC.
Credential Earned: FMACP (licensed practitioners) or FMACC (non-licensed health professionals).
Pricing: Contact for current pricing. Payment plans available.
FMA 1:
Functional Health & Nutrition Exam
Mastering Patient Flow & Retention — The Nutrition Exam, a staple among practitioners, is now updated and expanded. This class covers patient flow from consult to intake/exam to Report of Findings (ROF) to follow-up, practitioner-patient communication, lab selection, initial protocols, forms, and in-person, virtual or hybrid practice setup.
CME/CE: Yes — confirm current credit hours with FMA team
FMA 2:
Belly Aches and Bloating (Part A)
The Practitioner’s Guide to the Gut (Part A) — Effective solutions for all the common gut health symptoms that bring patients to your office. Protocols that can be immediately put into practice with the option of lab testing as needed. Includes a functional crash course in digestion, dysfunction, lab selection and analysis, clinical tips, lifestyle recommendations, and Q&A.
CME/CE: Yes — confirm current credit hours with FMA team
FMA 3:
Belly Aches and Bloating (Part B)
The Practitioner’s Guide to the Gut (Part B) — Advanced treatment protocols for SIBO, yeast/fungus, IMO, IBD, and case studies. Covers how to identify and explain these conditions to patients, optional testing to verify findings, managing these conditions as a practice builder, detailed lab selection and analysis, and Q&A.
CME/CE: Yes — confirm current credit hours with FMA team
FMA 4:
More than Cholesterol
Insights into Functional Heart Health — Cutting-edge solutions for heart health issues from a natural medicine perspective, including how to order and interpret advanced cardiac blood labs. Includes an easy-to-implement referral system, diet, lifestyle, supplement protocols, lab testing tips, and more.
CME/CE: Yes — confirm current credit hours with FMA team
FMA 5:
Food As Medicine
Growing a Nutrition & Weight-Loss Practice — The nuts and bolts of a nutrition practice including key supplementation, effective meal plans, how to run group programs, and lifestyle protocols. A ready-to-launch system that can be implemented by the practitioner or staff. Includes key forms, handouts, clinical tips, a wide array of diet and meal plans including complex cases, and when and what labs to order, plus Q&A.
CME/CE: Yes — confirm current credit hours with FMA team
FMA 6:
Waiting List Practice
Marketing Made Simple — A crash course in proven, effective, and ethical marketing for today’s modern patient. Excellent for generating a steady stream of patients to launch a new practice, expand an existing practice, or move into a new field or specialty. Covers both in-person and virtual marketing methods. This is the class every practitioner needs but often forgets to take because they focus only on clinical skills — this is how patients will find you.
CME/CE: Yes — confirm current credit hours with FMA team
FMA 7:
Hormones Gone Haywire
Sex Hormones, Adrenal & Thyroid Solutions — Hormone health made practical with natural remedies for irritability, anxiety, fatigue, sleep issues, and weight gain. Covers optional lab testing (what to choose and when), intake and exam findings to support quick clinical connections, Rx and supplement tips, lifestyle issues, key nutrition protocols, lab analysis, and Q&A.
CME/CE: Yes — confirm current credit hours with FMA team
FMA 8:
Case Review
To complete the Case Review you will select a patient example (all PHI protected) and answer the online questions that walk you through initial contact, intake, recommendations, labs, protocols, and follow-up. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to put the pieces together and showcase what you have learned.
FMA 9:
Certification Test
(Unlocks after all 8 courses and Case Review are completed)
The Certification Test will not be available until all 8 FMA courses and the Case Review are completed. Upon passing, you will receive a certificate suitable for framing or digital display, and the right to use the FMACP or FMACC badge and credential.
Although I consider myself quite confident in the practice of psychotherapy, I felt almost paralyzed with the thought of incorporating my knowledge of Functional Medicine into practice. After just one phone call with Dr. Zachary I felt so much at ease. She is both confident and compassionate at the same time. You can see she wants the same for you that she has established for herself. To give for the sake of giving is a beautiful skill to own and after working with her – you will see she is a ‘giver’.
Dr. Luella Jonk, PhD, RP, MPCC, IFMCP
Psychologist, Brain Health & Functional Medicine
Dr. Zachary is a gifted educator! She possesses a wealth of knowledge and delivers it in great detail with patience and ease. I was very impressed with the structured and comprehensive teaching of Functional Medicine as well as practice management tips. I learned a lot from Dr. Z and really appreciate her sharing the latest research related to patient care, and especially her very warm and kind style as a teacher. I highly recommend Dr. Z.
Dr. Aliaa Aldine, MD (Ru), LAc, DAOM, Dipl O. M.
Call me on the line!
Call me, call me anytime…
6-Figure Practice Strategy Session
Anyone remember Blondie? If you do, then I’m proof that you can be any age to start and rock your FM practice! And for those of you youngins scratching your head, well let’s just say congrats because you found FM early!
Whether you’re a newbie or you’ve been around the block so many times there’s skid marks on the sidewalk – it’s never too late to get this right.
It might be that you are just one small “course correction” away from having the practice of your dreams. Or maybe it’s that dang “imposter syndrome” that’s keeping you from starting. Or the one thing I see most often – you just need a little bit of support and guidance that’s customized to you.
So call me, call me anytime…
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Functional Medicine Academy Certification Program?
Is the Functional Medicine Academy Certification accredited?
Yes. The Functional Medicine Academy Certification Program is jointly accredited for CME/CE credit through Pinnacle Conference LLC, covering ACCME (physicians), ACPE (pharmacists), and ANCC (nurses and nurse practitioners). Eligible professions include MDs, DOs, DCs, NDs, OMDs, PhDs, PAs, LAcs, NPs, RDs, DPTs, PharmDs, and DDSs.
What is the difference between FMACP and FMACC?
The FMACP (Functional Medicine Academy Certified Practitioner) credential is awarded to licensed healthcare practitioners including MDs, DOs, DCs, NDs, PAs, NPs, RDs, PharmDs, and related disciplines. The FMACC (Functional Medicine Academy Certified Coach) credential is awarded to non-licensed health professionals including health coaches, certified nutrition consultants (CNCs/CNSs), CMTs, and LMTs. Both pathways include the same 8 courses and access to education. The case review and certification test differ to reflect each group’s distinct scope of practice.
How long do I have to complete the certification?
All 8 courses, the Case Review, and the Certification Test must be completed within 6 months of enrollment. The program is entirely on-demand and self-paced, so you can move through the material at a speed that fits your schedule. The Certification Test unlocks automatically once all 8 courses and the Case Review are completed.
What do I receive when I complete the certification?
Frustrated with Conventional Medicine? Looking for something different?
If you are a practitioner tired of serving up pills but no solution or a patient struggling to get answers…you’ve come to the right place.
In exchange for your name, email & first-born I will send you witty banter, educational factoids & practical gems to brighten your day (or week, or month – I don’t email too often!) I promise that except for the occasional phenomenal sale, this won’t be a series of creepy, salesy, fake emails written by a faceless corporation. It’ll be from me, baby!