FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the eligibility criteria to enroll in this course?

The Christian Functional Medicine Academy (CFMA) is designed for healthcare professionals and certified wellness profssionals who are committed to integrating biblically grounded, functional medicine principles into their practice. CFMA is a self-paced program that includes live monthly mentorship sessions led by the founder and instructor, Melissa Schreibfeder. Students must be comfortable with independent study and have strong research skills to successfully engage with the curriculum.


To ensure compatibility with the program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:


1. Professional Qualifications

Applicants must have experience working with clients\patients in a healthcare-related field, including but not limited to:

  • Licensed Practitioners: Medical Doctor (MD, DO), Chiropractor (DC), Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Physician Assistant (PA), Pharmacist (PharmD), Registered Dietitian (RD), Mental Health Professional (LCSW, LMFT, PsyD, PhD), Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), or another relevant healthcare provider. 
    Please note for LPN, RN and NP,  please enroll in our sister program Functional Nurse Academy which is our nursing specific program, is accredited for nursing CEU and contains the same content as CFMA. 
  • Non-Licensed Healthcare Professionals: Certified Health Coaches, Functional Nutrition Practitioners, and other wellness professionals with formal training in patient/client care.


2. Clinical or Patient Experience

  • Applicants must have experience working with patients or clients in a healthcare or wellness capacity. This may include private practice, clinical settings, or other professional healthcare roles.


3. Scientific Foundation & Research Skills

  • A solid working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry is recommended. Students who have gaps in these areas must be willing to engage in additional study as needed.
  • Strong research skills are necessary to critically evaluate scientific literature, clinical studies, and functional medicine research.


4. Self-Paced Learning & Commitment

  • CFMA is a self-paced program, and students must be comfortable with independent study.
  • Students should be prepared to dedicate consistent time to coursework. 
  • Enrollment includes 2 free months of our group mentorship program that takes place the 3rd Tuesday of each month with CFMA course creator and founder Melissa Schreibfeder, where students can receive support and guidance however unlimited and ongoing access outside of mentorship sessions is not included. Students should be prepared to engage in self-directed learning and bring their questions to the scheduled mentorship sessions. 

5. Alignment with Faith-Based Functional Medicine

  • CFMA integrates biblical principles with functional medicine, and students must be open to a Christ-centered approach to healing.
  • Students should share a commitment to ethical, patient-centered care and root-cause medicine.

6. Technology & Course Participation

  • Applicants must have reliable internet access and a computer for coursework, research, and mentorship sessions.

How do functional medicine practitioners and health coaches order labs?

Through partnerships with functional medicine laboratories practitioners who are not advanced practice have the the option to order labs under the physician network using affordable wholesale pricing. Practitioners who are not advanced practice use diagnostics to educate their clients about possible deficiencies and dysfunction in the body as well as to collaborate with their clients healthcare team to improve health outcomes. Depending on your scope of practice in your state, advanced medical providers such as PA's, MD's, DO's may be able to order testing under their NPI.  Functional medicine laboratories have restrictions in the following states NJ, NY and RI. 

Do I have access to the practitioner toolkit and other course materials after the course is completed?

Enrollment includes lifetime access to all course documents — everything is downloadable except for the video presentations.
If you’d like to continue accessing your toolkit and course materials directly through the CFMA platform after your initial 12 months of platform access, you can maintain access with an optional membership for just $18/month.

Additionally, if you are enrolled in our monthly mentorship program at $50/month, full access to the platform is included at no extra cost, and you do not need to purchase a separate membership.

When does enrollment open?

CFMA offers open enrollment, meaning you can enroll at any time and begin your coursework at your own pace.

How do I join the CFMA live monthly mentorship?

Once you enroll in CFMA you will be provided with a 2 month free trial of our live monthly mentorship program which is a combined program with Functional Nurse Academy and is taught be the course creator and founder Melissa Schreibfeder.  You can redeem this while you are enrolled in CFMA or after you graduate.  If you decide to continue your mentorship after your trial it is just 50/month.  Your monthly mentorship sessions but be redeemed within 12 months of enrollment. 

What is included in CFMA live monthly mentorship?

Access to a library of past mentorship sessions

Deep dive trainings on functional medicine and business related topics

Case study presentations

Community membership

One live group session per month, hosted by Melissa Schreibfeder

Full access to the CFMA platform, including all course materials, your toolkit, and ongoing toolkit updates while you’re enrolled in the mentorship

Live mentorship sessions are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6–7 pm CST. All sessions are recorded and made available for replay on the course platform.

What if I can't make every live mentorship class?

Each live class will be recorded and uploaded to the session module. Each enrollee will have access to the power point slides and all course material.  Currently live classes are offered in the CFMA monthly mentorship program.  (2 months of monthly mentorship is included upon enrollment) If students decide to continue in the monthly mentorship program the cost is 50/month.

Is this course nationally accredited?

Our graduates are eligible for globally recognized board certification options through both the American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners and the American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches.    

What board credentials will I be eligible for after completing CFMA?

Our graduates are eligible for the following practitioner level board certifications through American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners (AANWP)
  • Functional Medicine Practitioner | BC-FMP
  • Christian Wellness Practitioner | BC- CWP

Below are the coaching credentials that our graduates qualify for through the American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches (AANWC)
  • Functional Health Coach | BC-FHC

What do functional medicine board certification credentials allow me to do?

Functional medicine board certifications, such as those offered through the American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners (AANWP) and the American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches (AANWC), recognize your advanced knowledge of functional medicine and your ability to apply these principles in client care. These certifications are intended to complement your existing license or training but do not replace your professional license or grant new legal authority.

Our CFMA community is made up of healthcare professionals and wellness practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds, including various licenses, specialties, certifications, and locations. Since scope of practice can differ based on your credentials and the state in which you practice, we strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal counsel and your licensing board for personalized guidance. Doing so will help you practice confidently and ensure you remain within your legal scope of practice.

Are these board certifications recognized in the field of functional medicine?

Yes, graduates of CFMA are eligible to earn board certification titles through the American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners (AANWP) and the American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches (AANWC). These respected organizations are committed to advancing functional medicine, and their certification programs uphold high standards, ensuring that certified professionals are skilled in applying functional medicine principles in practice.

While there is no official, government-recognized certifying body for functional medicine in the U.S. or internationally, these board certifications are recognized globally. They represent the successful completion of a comprehensive, rigorous program that aligns with core functional medicine principles. Earning these certifications demonstrates a deep understanding of functional medicine and proficiency in integrating its principles into your practice, regardless of location.

How long will it take to complete this program?

Once you enroll you will have 12 months to complete the course. Since it’s self-paced it's realistic to complete the course in as little as 6 weeks however the average course completion rate is 4 months.

How do I generate my certificate of completion?

To successfully complete the Christian Functional Medicine Academy (CFMA) program, students must pass a 75-question final exam with a minimum score of 75%. This exam is provided on our course platform and is designed to assess comprehension of core functional medicine concepts and their practical application in a faith-based healthcare setting.  Students are provided with a study guide to assist them in preparing for the exam. 

Passing Requirements:
Students must achieve a score of 75% or higher to pass.
Upon passing, students will receive a certificate of completion from CFMA.

If a Student Does Not Pass:
CFMA understands that students learn at different paces, and we offer flexibility for those who need additional support. If a student does not pass on their first attempt:

They may retake the exam after reviewing the course materials.
A second attempt is included at no additional cost.

If the student does not pass on the second attempt, they will be required to:
Pay a $25 fee for any subsequent exam retakes beyond the second attempt and may need to engage in a one-on-one review session with an instructor ($50 fee).

If I am not a physician or advanced practice provider is it legal for me to practice functional medicine?

It is lawful to apply functional medicine principles as long as you are working within your professional scope and adhering to any applicable regulations for your role and location.

Functional medicine is a holistic, root-cause approach to health and wellness that focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Whether you hold a license or practice as a health coach or wellness professional, you can use these principles to educate clients, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and support improved health outcomes.

That said, your scope of practice may vary depending on your licensure status, certifications, and the laws of your state or country. CFMA does not train students to diagnose, treat, or manage medical conditions. Instead, our program equips you with the knowledge and tools to educate and guide clients in making informed, health-supporting decisions.

We always recommend consulting with your state licensing board or qualified legal counsel to ensure you are practicing lawfully, ethically, and confidently within your specific role.