The School of Applied Functional Medicine™

Introduction:

There are numerous functional medicine training program available, but how do you choose which one is right for you? This articles seek to provide an overview of SAFM, one of the most well known programs, so that you can make an informed decision before investing your time and money.

If you're just beginning your functional medicine journey, we'd strongly encourage you to check out the Functional Medicine Pharmacist Bootcamp: a 10 week business + clinical immersion to become a Functional Medicine Pharmacist to set you up for maximum success before you spend 2-5 years on a more expensive certification.

Now, let's dive in! 

 What is The School of Applied Functional Medicine™?
SAFM is an advanced Functional Medicine Training Program designed for licensed healthcare and wellness professionals who want to deepen their clinical skills through a rigorous, systems-based, applied approach to care.

SAFM’s Full Access program provides a progressive educational pathway through Levels 1, 2, and 3, combining:

• Hundreds of hours of in-depth functional medicine education
• Real-world case analysis and clinical application
• Ongoing clinical and practice implementation support
• Practice-building and mentorship resources
• Certification-track learning
• A collaborative practitioner community

Students move through the program at their own pace while applying what they learn directly into practice.

What bonuses do I get by signing up for SAFM through FMPhA's partner link?
Since FMPhA is a partner for SAFM and Lauren is a graduate of the program, we offer a private SAFM Pharmacists Circle to give you additional support and guidance through the program. To access this benefit, enroll in SAFM using our link, then reach out directly to Lauren to be added to the group.

Who can enroll?
Active medical and wellness professionals who meet SAFM’s eligibility requirements. (This includes pharmacists!)

How long do practitioners remain students at SAFM?
That depends on your goals and stage of professional growth.

While the initial enrollment commitment is one year, practitioners may continue engaging with the program in a way that aligns with their professional goals, stage of growth, and desired level of support. 

Most students spend approximately 8–12 hours per week studying toward certification and implementing what they learn. The program is structured with intentionally release stages, creating a layered and deliberate learning experience. Students progressing at a consistent pace typically complete the program within 2 - 3 years.

The SAFM program is designed to provide ongoing education, clinical and practice support, resources, tools, and professional development that continue to support practitioners throughout the evolving needs of their careers and practices. 

Beyond certification, many students remain actively involved as they continue refining clinical skills, participating in case-based learning and discussions, accessing evolving educational resources, earning continuing education credits, and growing alongside the SAFM practitioner community. 

For many practitioners, SAFM becomes more than a certification pathway alone. It serves as an ongoing professional home for continued learning, collaboration, and support throughout their functional medicine journey.

What is the tuition?
$3,600 per year, with payment plan options available.

Who is this for?
Those who are ready to: 

• Grow your practice
• Dramatically improve patient/client outcomes
• Looking for  heightened confidence in assessment of “dis-ease”
• Learn more about functional medicine science and testing
• Attain a deep understanding of additional “applied” instruction
• Connect with  a community of like minded practitioners

Is the SAFM Program eligible for CPE Credits?

Yes, you can see more details here.

Who is SAFM not for:

• Practitioners who are brand new to Functional Medicine. 👉 Instead, we'd recommend you join FMPhA Annual Membership to get started or the Functional Medicine Pharmacists Bootcamp to create your business plan first. 
• Those who want to just dabble in Functional Medicine rather than fully commit to years of study and ongoing certification maintenance.
• Those who have not yet experienced the SAFM teaching style through the available free content.

How can I see what the the teaching style is like?
Here are free resources below to get started on your SAFM journey today:

1. Medication Mayhem for Practitioners: explore nutrient depletions, interconnected side effects, and downstream consequences of NSAIDs, OCPs, PPIs, and more.
2. What Functional Practitioners are Missing Most Often: Explore top patterns of disease dynamics, managing medications, understanding symptoms, and how to read optimal lab values.