Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine (Cert-CNFM)

Please note this program was previously named Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (Cert-HNFM). If you entered the program in a term prior to fall 2026, please review the academic catalog and program planner from the year you entered the program.

Health professionals with a first professional degree (DC, MD, DO, ND, LAc, etc.) may enroll in the online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine. The curriculum includes eight required courses in the MS-CNFM program.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine is to prepare current health care professionals to incorporate whole-person functional medicine approaches and clinical nutrition strategies into their practice framework. Graduates will be equipped to deliver a broader range of personalized care options to their patients and clients.

Admission Requirements - Cert-CNFM

UWS admits new students into the graduate certificate program each fall (October) and spring (April) quarter. Applicants should carefully review the program’s selection criteria to ensure that they are making the best possible presentation of their qualifications. The application for admission is available on the UWS website.

In addition to the general entry requirements for the College of Graduate Studies, students must also meet specific entry requirements listed below for the CNFM graduate certificate program.

• Health professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree may enroll in the online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine. The curriculum includes nine of the 18 required courses in the MS-CNFM program.
• Minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Prior college coursework in biology (minimum three semester credits or four quarter credits), physiology or anatomy/physiology (minimum three semester credits or four quarter credits), nutrition, and biochemistry (minimum three semester credits or four quarter credits) are required. Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Essays (250 - 500 words).
• An interview with the Cert-CNFM program director or a program instructor.
• Application fee.

Graduation Requirements - Cert-CNFM

The Cert-CNFM degree is conferred upon an individual who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Maintenance of enrollment eligibility through satisfactory academic performance, professional development and behavior and non-academic behavior.
• Successful completion of all required courses, lectures, labs, practicums and seminars with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all required coursework.

Standard Program Length - Cert-CNFM

The standard program length for the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine is six (6) quarters. Students may elect to take courses at a different pace. A student taking courses at a different rate than outlined below should contact their student success advisor for course sequencing recommendations. 

A student’s US federal financial aid award may be reduced if they are not taking courses at a rate that will allow them to complete their academic program within the standard program length. A student may contact the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected] if they have specific questions about their financial aid eligibility and/or award.

Program Learning Outcomes - Cert-CNFM

Graduates of the CNFM graduate certificate will develop effective, evidence-informed management and wellness approaches utilizing nutritional and lifestyle interventions within a functional medicine framework.