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How to Become a Functional Nutritionist

How to Become a Functional Nutritionist

In our evolving field of nutrition and healthcare, many dietitians are seeking ways to deepen their impact, seek alternative revenue streams, and enhance their expertise. One rapidly growing area that promises this is functional medicine, an approach that seeks to address the root causes of disease by viewing the body as one integrated system, rather than a collection of independent organs.

For registered dietitians, dietetic students, and dietetic interns, this holistic model presents an opportunity to transition into the role of a functional nutritionist—a specialist who uses food as a powerful tool for healing and prevention.

If you're intrigued by the idea of transitioning your practice to embrace functional medicine principles, this guide will illuminate the path ahead. We also offer a breakdown of Functional Nutritionist Jobs and Salaries and how to create a successful career as a Functional Nutritionist.

About Functional Medicine

According to the Institute for Functional Medicine, functional medicine is a “systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. A diagnosis can be the result of one or more than one cause. Each cause depends on the individual’s genes, environment, and lifestyle, and treatments addressing the right cause will have lasting benefits beyond just symptom suppression.”

Functional medicine takes the approach of looking at one condition with multiple causes and one cause with multiple conditions. There is not just one root cause for a condition. It’s multi-factorial and should be looked at as a whole versus one individual part. Functional Nutritionists follow this practice.

What is a Functional Nutritionist?

A Functional Nutritionist takes a holistic approach to health by incorporating food, sleep, stress, fitness, and toxic environmental factors, in the effort to reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Functional Nutritionists use a systems-oriented approach by reviewing behaviors that may contribute to long-term health problems. By looking at all of these components, the functional nutritionist can use science, clinical expertise, and nutrition tools to encourage behavior modification and change to correct the root cause of the illness.

The Seven Biological Systems of the Functional Medicine Matrix

The practice is patient-centered and focuses on the Functional Medicine Matrix which has seven biological systems that can repair the damage caused by a disease or illness.

  • Assimilation: Looking at the digestion, absorption, and gut health of the client is the first course of action. 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, so having a healthy gut can assist with reducing the risk of disease and illness.
  • Defense and repair: Focusing on immune health, inflammation, and infections within the microbiota can assist with optimizing health and wellness.
  • Energy: Determining mitochondrial function and energy levels to assist with overall health is important in order to determine how healthy one is.
  • Biotransformation and elimination: Many functional nutritionists practice forms of eliminating specific foods that may contribute to chronic inflammation or illnesses.
  • Transport: Looking at the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems in order to ensure that adequate blood flow and support is happening in the body and there are no blocked arteries.
  • Communication: Making sure all the systems within the body are communicating with one another in a supportive fashion such as the neurotransmitters within the brain and the immune messengers.
  • Structural integrity: Considering the body is structurally secure from the subcellular membranes to the musculoskeletal is also important.

The body is a whole. Having one fundamental imbalance can result in multiple negative symptoms. In addition, one condition could result in multiple imbalances.

Functional nutritionists incorporate the motto, “Food is Medicine,” in their practice when providing client-centered care. They take a functional approach to emphasizing the importance of high-quality foods and nutrients which can be used to address these imbalances.

By taking a closer look at the person as a whole, the functional nutritionist can provide an in-depth approach that incorporates all seven layers of the matrix to determine the root cause of the problem. This assessment guides the course of the intervention.

How to Become a Functional Nutritionist

There are many routes to become an Integrative and Functional Nutritionist. See the list of resources below for a comprehensive list. Here are a few options:

Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Functional Medicine Certification Program - This program is not just for dietitians and nutritionists but the Functional Medicine Certification Program is applicable to licensed healthcare professionals.

Certificate of Training Program - Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine - As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) you can take the additional course to get certified as a Functional Nutritionist. The certification consists of five separate modules emphasizing the foundational pillars of IFMNT. Each module builds upon the next in application and depth. Learn more about becoming an RDN in our past article.

The Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA) provides an online program including 33 accredited modules recognized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The course offers 220 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Areas of study include therapeutic elimination diets, functional labs and nutrigenetics testing, mind-body modalities such as breathing techniques, dietary supplement analysis, and other lifestyle-oriented coaching practices. Once completing the coursework, you would be eligible to apply to take the exam. Upon passing the exam, you would get the Functional Nutritionist certification. According to IFNA, "IFNCP applicants have an additional 3 months, from the date of their 24-month deadline, to take their IFNCP Credential exam online. Students who registered for Track 1 prior to July 1st, 2020 will be grandfathered in to our former policy, which was an additional 12 months."

Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board Certification Programs

  • There are other universities and colleges that provide programs to become a Functional Nutritionist. Portland Community College has a specific year-long online program that is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and provides preparation for the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board certification exam. The program focuses on science-based teachings and also includes traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda practices.
  • There are 21 other schools that provide accredited programs recognized by the NANP. All of these schools will qualify a person to be eligible to take the national exam. The schools vary in cost, length of time, and in-person versus virtual. Check out the schooling options here. Each school has different pre-requirements before entering the program, such as if one needs a bachelors degree or any previous diplomas.
  • Once completing one of these accredited programs, students are required to take the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board certification exam. Get more details about the exam at their website. Being board certified helps set a standard of practice within the industry. Board certification shows credibility and validation of one’s practice and credentials. Being board certified also provides assurance that insurance companies and the medical community recognize the practitioner as valid and qualified.
  • After passing the exam, you are a board-certified functional nutritionist. You need to maintain your certification by submitting 30 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain credentialing.

Jobs for a Functional Nutritionist

There are many job opportunities for Functional Nutritionists. Check out what the credential can lead to:

  1. Private Practice Functional Nutritionist: Provides personalized nutrition consultations and interventions based on functional medicine principles; work for another practitioner or own your personal private practice providing services to clients.
  2. Worksite Wellness Functional Nutritionist: Implements and oversees functional nutrition programs within corporate settings to improve employee health and productivity; working directly with the Human Resources at a company or health insurance brokers to provide nutrition information; work at a corporation providing onsite care to employees through a wellness program.
  3. Hospital or Clinical Functional Nutritionist: Works within a clinical setting to provide patient-centered care, integrating functional nutrition with conventional treatment modalities; innovative and forward-thinking health institutions and hospitals are providing holistic and integrative medicine incorporating functional medicine and nutritionists into the organization and practice.
  4. Functional Nutritionist at a Clinic – join a clinic with other practitioners to have an interdisciplinary support system in place such as a functional medical doctor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, and more.
  5. Sports Functional Nutritionist: Helps athletes achieve optimal performance and recovery by addressing underlying imbalances through nutrition.
  6. Functional Nutrition Researcher: Conducts studies to understand the relationships between nutrition, genetics, environment, and health.
  7. Functional Nutrition Educator: Teaches functional nutrition concepts at universities, colleges, or workshops.
  8. Pediatric Functional Nutritionist: Focuses on addressing the unique nutritional needs of children, particularly those with chronic conditions, allergies, or developmental disorders.
  9. Functional Nutrition Author/Blogger: Writes books, articles, or maintains a blog dedicated to functional nutrition topics.
  10. Functional Nutrition Speaker/Presenter: Delivers presentations at conferences, workshops, or seminars on functional nutrition topics.
  11. Nutraceutical Consultant: Works with companies to develop or promote supplements based on functional nutrition principles.
  12. Functional Nutrition Product Developer: Collaborates in the creation of food and beverage products that align with functional nutrition values.
  13. Telehealth Functional Nutritionist: Provides functional nutrition consultations to clients remotely, using telecommunication tools.
  14. Geriatric Functional Nutritionist: Specializes in the unique nutritional needs and challenges of the elderly population.
  15. Functional Nutrition Health Coach: Combines coaching principles with functional nutrition to guide clients towards healthier lifestyle choices.
  16. Retail Functional Nutritionist: Works within health food stores or specialty markets to advise customers on products that align with functional nutrition principles.
  17. Health Club Functional Nutritionist - Working with a health club providing nutrition information for clients at the club.
  18. Functional Nutritionist Research Scientist – Conduct research and studies for new and innovative theories to provide field-specific and technical expertise.
  19. Faculty Professor/Teacher – Teach classes and courses at a college, university, or educational institution. Help others gain the education they need to practice functional medicine and nutrition.

For those interested in functional nutrition, there's clearly a diverse range of opportunities available! As the field continues to grow, even more specialized roles may emerge.

Dietitians working in Functional Nutrition

Taking the first step to exploring a career as a functional nutritionist can start with connecting with fellow dietitians who have incorporated functional nutrition into their private practice business.

Here is a partial list of dietitians who have created successful practices:

Functional Nutritionist Salaries

Functional Nutritionist salaries range in pay based on location, your experience, and type of practice. Depending on the type of job you have, such as working for a corporation, hospital, educational institution, clinic, or private practice, salaries will also vary.

According to ZipRecruiter, functional nutritionist salaries range from about $60,000 to $136,500 annually with a high of $168,500 annually. The national average annual salary is $103,705.

Here is a general breakdown of functional nutritionist salaries:

  1. Entry-Level Functional Nutritionist:
    • Typically, someone who has just completed their formal education and has minimal real-world experience in the field.
    • Estimated Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year.
  2. Mid-Level Functional Nutritionist:
    • This would be someone with several years of experience and perhaps additional certifications or specializations.
    • Estimated Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year.
  3. Senior or Specialist Functional Nutritionist:
    • Professionals with extensive experience or those who have carved out a niche for themselves, possibly holding advanced certifications.
    • Estimated Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000+ per year.
  4. Private Practice Functional Nutritionist:
    • Salaries can vary widely here depending on client base, pricing structure, and reputation. A well-established functional nutritionist with a large clientele can earn a significant income, potentially surpassing $100,000. On the other hand, someone just starting their practice may earn less initially.
  5. Corporate or Worksite Wellness Functional Nutritionist:
    • These roles often come with a more structured salary package, possibly with additional benefits.
    • Estimated Salary Range: $65,000 - $90,000 per year.
  6. Functional Nutritionists in Product Development, Sales, or Marketing:
    • These roles might offer commissions or bonuses on top of a base salary.
    • Estimated Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000+ per year, depending on commission structures.

Finding a Job as a Functional Nutritionist

Once you become certified and credentialed, you are ready to find work. Here are 7 tips on how to find a Job as a Functional Nutritionist.

  • Network. Network. Network. Like all careers, who you know within the community matters. Having a person refer you to a specific job can increase your chances of getting the job from the personal recommendation. Spend time networking and meeting new people within the industry.
  • Join Functional Medicine and Nutritionist Groups. Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group is a group within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that provides its members with continuing education units, newsletters, access to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, mentoring services, listservs, and more.
  • Join the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA). Becoming a part of IFNA will give access to individual and group mentoring programs in addition to being a part of a providers’ network and directory.
  • Get Listed on a Health Network Directory Sites. Online Health Directory Sites such as HealthProfs provide easy access for people to search for practitioners based on specialty and location. These directory sites are a great way to advertise services and increase clients.
  • Create an optimized LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is the #1 job search social platform. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and stellar. We have a comprehensive course on how to create the best profile and get noticed on LinkedIn.
  • Job Alerts. Sign up for notifications on job search websites like NutritionJobs to get notified when jobs get posted in your location and area of choice.
  • Volunteer. Volunteering within the industry allows you to meet more people while also gaining experience. Turn the volunteer experience into a form of networking and that volunteer position could also potentially lead to a job opportunity.

Resources for Functional Nutritionists

Journal Resources

  • Alternative and Complementary Therapies
  • Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
  • BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal
  • Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
  • Journal of Integrative Medicine
  • Natural Medicine Journal

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About the Author

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of MIJA, a superfood supplement company, and Haumea Health, a fertility wellness clinic. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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