Functional Nutrition: Academic overview
Learning outcomes
Functional Nutrition is a year-long program consisting of two 6-month non-credit training certificates (Fall–Winter and Spring–Summer), which together qualify graduates to sit for the HNCB exam. The program exceeds the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) standards, and ensures that participants learn all that they need to successfully begin working in the field.
Our faculty and advisors review and update our program outcomes annually, ensuring that students are receiving the most relevant content possible. The current program outcomes and as planned for the 2024-2025 academic cohort are found on the Functional Nutrition Module Learning Outcomes webpage.
Curriculum
This is a cohort-based program with sequential coursework/progression required for all students to successfully earn the program certificates. Please see the modules outlined online at Functional Nutrition module learning outcomes for detailed, term-by-term content areas and accompanying Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
As a CEU program, all students must successfully complete all four terms to earn their program certificate and earn the educational requirements to sit for the HNCB exam.
Technical standards
The program exceeds the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) standards, and ensures that participants learn all that they need to successfully begin working in the field of nutrition and client support.
Grading
All term courses are graded as Successfully Complete (SC) or Not Successfully Complete (NSC). In order to earn a Functional Nutrition certificate, students must pass all courses with a SC grade.
The Functional Nutrition program assesses students using a variety of approaches, including: quizzes, exams, papers, and discussion posts.
Exams
Students who successfully complete the program meet the educational requirements to sit for the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB) certification exam and become nationally certified as Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
Advising and counseling
The Functional Nutrition program does not require students to meet with a faculty advisor. However, students seeking guidance can contact the program coordinator and lead faculty member for support.
As part of the capstone portion of the program during the final term, students will be supported and mentored by two different faculty members as they work with their volunteer clients.
Learning support
Students seeking learning support can contact the program coordinator and lead faculty member.
Withdrawal and re-entry
The program adheres to the college’s withdrawal timelines. Please note, tuition is not refundable after the college’s published withdrawal timelines. Students needing to withdraw from the program after the published program drop dates should contact the program coordinator.
Re-entry and re-admission procedures
The program is a cohort model in which modules/terms need to be completed in sequence. Re-entry in the program may be available in certain circumstances. Students who wish to discuss re-entry options should contact the program coordinator. Please note, re-entry decisions are based on a host of factors such as space availability and academic success in program courses.
Students who fail to successfully complete a class or modules may be eligible for re-entry into the program the following year. Please contact the program coordinator to discuss options.
Academic resources
The following are commonly used links that are helpful for the academic journey.
- Find these on the top bar of every college webpage:
- Academic Advising
- Bookstore
- Catalog
- Enrollment Services: Contact information to get help with registration.
- Register for classes: A guide on how to register.
- General Education/Discipline Studies
- Grading guidelines: Refer to this and the Catalog Grades and Transcripts guidelines. Note that in some programs, the grading standards are different from PCC’s guidelines. Certain programs must comply with standards set forth by national board exam and regional testing agencies.
- Student Records: Update your contact information, request transcripts, and get help with tasks such as:
- Advanced Placement
- Credit for prior learning
- Transfer credits to PCC: Students who are transferring coursework to Portland Community College must complete the following steps:
- Follow the instructions on the Transfer Credits to PCC page.
- Work with program admissions, program advisor, program director, or faculty department chair to submit requests for course substitutions as appropriate.
- University Transfer
- Transfer articulation agreements – check to see if there is an arrangement with your program of study and your transfer college.
- Steps to graduation: Includes information about accessing GRAD Plan.