Welcome to the Functional Wellness Diploma

This internationally accredited wellness coaching course brings together the latest nutrition and health research in blood sugars, adrenal stress, sex hormones, digestive health and the immune system.

The course is a nutritional therapy qualification designed to give you the confidence to coach using foods, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations to bring clients into balance. 

Learn more in this video about our wellness diploma.

What can I do with this qualification?

This accredited qualification is designed for those wishing to become health coaches or nutritional therapists in private practice or fill a role within a corporate wellness setting. 

There is a great demand for knowledgeable health coaches who understand health and hormones. They fill a gap in the healthcare system that is underserved especially for those with chronic conditions who are looking for support in to make food and lifestyle changes that supports their health. The traditional medical approach is unable to provide this kind of advice. and this is where you will come in. 

What is the Course Overview?

The course is split into 11 modules

1. Foundation Nutrition 
2. Coaching Skills
3. Introduction to Wellness Coaching
4. Blood Sugars
5. Stress and Adrenals
6. Sex Hormones
7. Digestion
8. Immune System
9. Consolidation with Lab Testing
10. Running and Marketing a Coaching Business
11. Optional extra: Anatomy & Physiology

In this video we discuss the wellness part of the course.

Diploma Overview

Length of course: 450 hours (700 hours for international students)

Clinical hours: 72 hours (112 for international students)

Duration: 12-24 months

Location: Online and delivered via zoom classrooms

Qualification: Dip. Functional Wellness 

Accreditation: FHT, IITC, iTEC and VTCT and is the equivalent to a level 5 diploma

What is in the Foundation Nutrition module?

This part of the training is 90 hours and has all the essential food and nutrition knowledge needed to be a wellness coach including 

• History of Modern Nutrition
• Nutrients and Antinutrients
• Micronutrients
• Macronutrients
• Modern Food Production
• Digestion and the Microbiome
• Popular Diets
• Pathology of Health
• Nutritional Consultations

Watch this video for more information. 

What is in the Coaching Skills module?

This is a 60 hour module including the skills needed to coach clients and develop your communication skills. It covers

• How to communicate effectively
• Questioning and listening skills
• Barriers to communication
• Observation of body language and signals
• Disability & Equality
• Confidentiality
• Consent
• Self-reflection 
• 'Reclaim Your Life' - 12 hours of lectures designed to overcome your personal blocks so you can be a more effective coach

30 hours are delivered online and 30 hours are online zoom classrooms with workshopping with peers.

This is the part of the training that develops your skill as a coach and develops your confidence dealing with clients issues and blocks.

Homework includes 8 coaching case studies and homework including lesson tests and a book review.

What is in the Anatomy & Physiology module?

This is a bolt-on module that will teach you about the workings of the body systems including the endocrine, digestive and immune systems. Includes

• 90 hours of content delivered online
• Comprehensively covers all body systems
• Interactive tutorials and online assessments mean you can study completely from home
• Immediate online marking of multiple choice question and answer assessments – no written assignments
• Free access to a Resource Centre with links to videos, animation, and other resources to further support your study

(If you already have a recognised Anatomy & Physiology qualification, with a minimum of 60 hours, you may skip this module).

What is in the Wellness module? 

Once you have completed your foundation nutrition, coaching, and A&P, you will be ready to study the wellness part of the course.

1. Lessons and resources for 7 wellness modules
   1. Introduction to Wellness
   2. Blood Sugars
   3. Stress and Adrenals
   4. Hormones including Menopause
   5. Digestion
   6. Immune System
   7. Consolidation with Lab Testing 
2. Mentoring workshops with an experienced tutor
3. Topic zoom classrooms (hosted monthly and recorded)
4. 30-40 case studies
5. 20 case study reviews
6. Recipe portfolio and meal planning project
7. Hormone subject book reviews
8. A special interest project of your choice
9. Creating and delivering a health talk
10. End of module assessments 
11. Film a case study for your assessment 
12. Creating partnerships (international diploma only)
13. Learning logs and self reflection to track your progress
14. No end of course exam, all assessments are at home based projects or quizzes

Hormonal Interplay

In our clinical and research experience, there is a connection between stress hormones, blood sugars and sex hormones. We call it The Triangle Of Hormonal Health. The interplays include

• blood sugar hormones including insulin, ghrelin, leptin
• stress hormones including cortisol (and the neurotransmitters adrenaline and nor adrenaline)
• hormones including oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone

When the hormones in the triangle are imbalanced, this

• overworks the liver causing ineffective metabolic waste clearance
• stresses the elimination organs – the bowels and kidneys causing digestive issues
• sends signals to the immune system that the body is in distress and creates imbalanced inflammatory responses

This course uses this interplay when working with clients. 

What are the 'Stages of Wellness'?

The Stages of Wellness is the structured approach you will work within that benefits both you as a coach and your clients. We have created a pathway for your clients to follow that supports them on their health journey. This approach promotes self-responsibility. If they aren’t making the changes you are recommending, how can you progress them to the next stage?

Discover more in this video.

Lab Testing

At the end of the training, you have the option to add lab testing to your clinical practice. This is where we work differently from Functional Nutritionists who order tests at the beginning of treatment. We use lab testing once nutrition, lifestyle and stress are under control so we can target the tests on an area that requires deeper investigation.

You will be able to order a DUTCH test to analyse a clients hormone profile which will either tailor your recommendations further or be the time to refer on to a medical professional.

Discover more in this video. 

What is in the Business & Marketing module?

This is the last part of the course and is a 30 hour module designed to set you up in business as a coach.

This module includes 5 modules and 51 lessons including

1. Professional Standards including code of conduct, health & safety and clients legal rights
2. Business Planning including your vision, mission, business and financial plan
3. Marketing including your marketing activity, setting your price, creating your personal branding, starting your own website, creating powerful social media and attending and hosting events
4. Clinic Management including setting up, creating a professional image and planning your diary
5. Self Management including self care, self awareness and overcoming challenges

Homework involves writing a business and marketing plan.

I really recommend Functional Wellness

I can honestly say deciding to study the Wellness Diploma has changed my life in so many positive ways.

I finally feel after years of misinformation and incorrect advice regarding health and wellness the information provided by the tutors Claire and Laura through their own research, study and personal experiences, makes perfect sense.

The course is structured so well, providing clear, concise information in an easy to understand format. I believe it is really good value for money.

The support network is a great community where you can share information and ask any relevant questions. The admin team and tutors are always quick to respond and answer emails promptly. Really happy with the course!

Sarah Carmichael

Payment Plans

(The payment plan for 24 months for the UK diploma is £165 per month and for the international diploma is £210 per month.)

Which diploma is right for me?

We have two diplomas available depending where in the world you are studying and where you wish to practice.

If you wish to practice only the UK, you will opt for the UK accredited 450 hours 'Functional Wellness' Diploma which is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists with an iTEC / VTCT certificate.

If you are studying outside the UK, for example in the USA, Australia or Africa, or you wish to practise globally, you are required to complete a longer course of 700 hours (due to the international requirements) and you will receive an 'International Functional Wellness' Diploma accredited by the International Institute of Complementary Therapist with an iTEC certificate.

Both certificates enable you to apply for governing body membership and insurance to practice in your country which are important benchmarks of a professional coach.

Webinar on Wellness Coaching

Learn more about our wellness coaching courses in this webinar. We cover what is wellness coaching, what is involved in the course and cover the commonly asked questions we get asked. 

Try before you buy

We host zoom classrooms every month on topics such as Endometriosis. You can join these drop in classes for £20 or purchase one of our previously recorded lectures so you can experience our style and see if this training is right for you.

Book in for a Clinic Appointment

If you are struggling with hormone, menopause or health issues and would like to experience what it is like to be coaches by an experienced wellness practitioner, check out our sister company Hormone Wellness.

Hormone Wellness is a hormone, menopause and natural HRT clinic specialising in our whole health approach. They offer nutritional programmes, lab hormone testing including DUTCH testing, body identical HRT recommended by independent nurses and emotional coaching with retreats.

What is the course format?

This is an online home learning course. There are two options available

The UK accredited diploma comprising of 450 hours of study

1. Live Zoom classrooms 48 hours
2. Online portal with recorded lessons 210 hours
3. Homework and projects 194 hours

Or the internationally accredited diploma comprising of 700 hours

1. Live Zoom classrooms 78 hours
2. Online portal with recorded lessons 210 hours
3. Homework and projects 412 hours

How long will it take me to complete?

The UK diploma is estimated to take 12-24 months to complete. The international diploma is estimated to take 12-36 months.

Module completion involves online lessons, homework, case studies, zoom classrooms, zoom workshops and mentoring groups. If you need to take your time with this training, don't worry, you can study at your own pace.

When are the zoom classrooms?

Live zoom classrooms happen regularly on a Monday 9.15am / 7.15pm and Wednesday 9.15am / 7.15pm UK time. We also have a monthly Saturday 5.15pm class UK time. You will be given a zoom link to attend the classrooms and they are interactive and designed to embed the knowledge you learn in the home study. They are flexible and designed for you to attend the ones you can attend. You do not need to attend all the classes, just the ones that work with your schedule.

Do I need any previous experience or qualifications?

No, this course is designed for beginners. If you have previous health or fitness training, that's great! But it is not necessary.

Is this a trustworthy qualification?

Yes, very much so. This diploma is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists, the International Institute of Complementary Therapists, iTEC and VTCT.

The course is insured by Balens Ltd and BGi the syllabus is in line with the National Occupational Standards in the UK.

What happens if I need to defer?

We can accommodate students who need to defer and can give a break depending on your needs. Payment for the course will be required in the timeframe originally agreed.

What does a wellness coach do?

Wellness coaches are able to conduct professional one to one sessions with clients and coach on issues and make recommendations on food and supplements. 

Wellness coaches are able to go into corporate settings and support staff with health issues.

Our trained coaches have the confidence to gives talks, workshops and host groups focusing on hormone health.

What is the difference between the Functional Wellness Diploma and Menopause Diploma?

We offer two subjects to study. Both courses have the same principles as many issues in health come from the same root. 

The Functional Wellness Diploma allows a student to study all stages of hormone health including puberty, pregnancy as well as understanding mens health.

The Menopause Diploma is targeted at female menopause health.

The course you choose will determine the special interest project you write, your books choices and the case studies you work with. 

Who is this course not for?

If you wish to be a dietitian, doctor or functional nutritionist who is trained to diagnose, treat, or prescribe treatments for patients, then this is not the qualification for you. This course can be taken in conjunction with medical training but it is not included as part of this training. 

Wellness coaches do not have this type of prescriptive, medical training, however they don’t need it to be successful in supporting diet, nutrition and lifestyle change for their clients, which will be your primary purpose of your coaching role.

Do you make allowances for learning challenges?

Yes we do. All the learning is in different formats, including written documents, images, diagrams and videos that are able to be watched on repeat. All the assessments are not time prohibited so you can go at your own pace and take your notes in. If you have particular learning challenges that you wish to discuss with us, please contact us directly and we would be very happy to help.

Is there an exam?

There is no exam with this course. At the end of each module there is an approx. 30 minute quiz to ensure you have understood the module. The pass rate is 70% and on successful completion, you move to the next module. If however, you don't pass, you will be given the option to resit. We also ask you to submit a video case study so we can see you in practice. The rest of the assessments are home based projects.

What qualification do I receive?

If you live in the UK, opt for the 450 hours 'Functional Wellness' Diploma which is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists plus an iTEC / VTCT certificate.

If you live outside the UK, for example in the USA, Australia or Africa, you will opt for the 700 hours 'International Functional Wellness' Diploma accredited by the International Institute of Complementary Therapist  plus an iTEC certificate. 

Our wellness diplomas are equivalent to higher education level 5 diplomas. 

When can I start?

The joy of studying this home study course is you can start right away! As soon as you have paid your deposit or paid in full, you can start learning. 

Are there any hidden charges?

No. Everything you need to become a Wellness Coach is included in the training cost. Once you have completed your training, there are no additional charges or membership costs from the college. The only areas you need to additionally budget for is governing body membership, insurance and to attend Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year (between 15-30 hours per year).

How is the UK and international diploma different?

The UK diploma is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists and is a 450 hour course.

The internationally recognised diploma requires 700 hours to meet the International Institute of Complementary Therapists criteria.

If you are based in the UK, it is recommended to study the UK diploma. If you wish to work outside the UK, it is recommended to study the international diploma.

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