Functional Medicine Doctor

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Hello! Im currently in college doing my pre-reqs for nursing. I am wondering if anyone knows how to become a functional medicine doctor by going through the nursing program. I am very interested in holistic medicine and want to go that route but am very confused on how. I only have 2 semesters left before I can apply to the nursing program at the college i attend. From there I was thinking I could get my ASN and then do the additional classes through the functional medicine university but am not sure. Any advice would be helpful or any experience with functional medicine. Thank you!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Not sure if you are in the US, but typically one does not become an RN to become an MD. It CAN be done, but is a circuitous route at best.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You can't be a certified functional medicine physician as a nurse. Only licensed physicians (MD or DO). The mandated classes & exams are at least $800 each and there are 6 courses and two exams.

https://www.functionalmedicine.org/certification_program/FAQ/

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Not sure if you are in the US, but typically one does not become an RN to become an MD. It CAN be done, but is a circuitous route at best.

What is the best way to go about it? Functional medicine university says those holding ASNs just need a few core corriculum classes to be able to get certified. But it confused me.

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what is the easiest way to go about it without having to go through medical school? Functional medicine university says ASNs are accepted as long as you take 3 hours each of a&p, chemisty, micro, and 4 nutrition classes which are already rolled into the nursing program. But that's what confuses me.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You can't be a FM physician without a MD or DO. You can be a FM practitioner as a nurse if you take the six expensive courses, pay $800 for q case study, $800 to take an exam then pay for certification. The review class for the exam is over $1500.

The estimated range based on 2014 tuition costs is $12,000–$15,000, excluding the optional Review Course costs. In addition to your nursing license and membership in IFM

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Oncology, Observational Units.

Straight up I would go for your BSN as soon as possible if you want to be a functional medicine practitioner. With a BSN, you will not have to take any of the extra classes, but be prepared to study your butt off since you will not have as much Biology and Chemistry as other professionals entering this program. I have been on this road for a little while myself. You are going to get a lot of confusion around the subject of Functional Medicine on these forums, especially under the General Nursing Discussion section. This topic should be under the Holistic Nurses forum. Holistic and functional practitioners are not the same thing FYI. You may also want to consider becoming a family nurse practitioner to learn the conventional side of treating chronic disease. This will also allow you to dip your toe into functional medicine more slowly. Be aware that functional medicine is poorly understood by 99.9% of doctors and nurses so take the criticisms you receive with a grain of salt and keep pursuing your dream. Hope this helps!

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Thank you so much! You have no idea how much that helped! Should I repost under holistic?

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Oncology, Observational Units.

Your Welcome! Sure, it will not hurt. You should be able to get better feedback over there.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thank you so much! You have no idea how much that helped! Should I repost under holistic?

Your Welcome! Sure, it will not hurt. You should be able to get better feedback over there.

Thread has already been moved to the holistic nursing forum by site staff, therefore no need to create a duplicate thread. Good luck in your quest

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/fuctional-medicine-fm-what-is-it/

i really don't like the conflation of "holistic" with pseudoscience.

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