What is Basic Access?

When you first enroll at SAFM, you will have Full access status that allows you to progress to new coursework and all SAFM programs at your own pace. This includes access to all support activities (e.g. live Open Coaching Calls, Mastermind sessions) and to logging AFMC certification and re-certification requirements.  You must have Full access enrollment to continue forward progress in all curriculum in any program. You also must maintain Full access status for at least the first six months of enrollment at SAFM.

We appreciate that there may be times in your educational and career support journey when you need a break. We want all of our practitioner students to enjoy rich, balanced, satisfying lives. Both expected and unexpected life events may require making your functional medicine journey a lesser priority for a while. We support everyone in our practitioner community balancing life priorities over time, and you don’t have to walk away from your SAFM engagement (and access to valuable resources and our community platform) in order to do so. Basic access status (at this time: $29/month tuition*) will allow you to continue to access courses that you have already begun while you are pausing your Full Access.

While in Basic Access, you may continue to learn from your current/prior Functional Medicine coursework, access some key clinical resources (e.g. Q&A Treasure Chest), and also engage with colleagues on your community forum Hub. Specifically, you will not be able to access new courses, live sessions (e.g. Open Coaching Calls, Mastermind sessions), or Activator educational content or purchase additional Deep Dive Clinical Courses or Custom Consultations or register credits toward AFMC certification or re-certification.

Once you are ready and resume Full Access status, you will once again enjoy your unrestricted forward movement through all of SAFM’s coursework and programs.

Students may change their enrollment status to/from Basic Access ONLY via the Enrollment Access Tiers quicklink on their student home page. All changes in Access must be made at least 48 hours prior to the beginning of the next calendar month in order to receive a change for the upcoming month. Any and all changes registered within or after this 48-hour window will not be reflected until the following month. Please understand that exceptions to this billing policy cannot be granted.

*Pricing is subject to change.

I’m not sure what to do or where to start.

No worries! All Mentorship programs feel that way, because this isn’t a linear path to completion. Rather, we’re supplying resources and access to support to guide you in carrying out your next steps. No two Activator participants will be journeying through this program in the same way. Here are the top 3 quickest ways to get clarity and motivation:

1. Watch the Element Intensive replay “Inner Foundations: Mastering the Mindset for Success”
2. Look at your baseline metrics and find out which Element you were most deficient in (with the lowest score).
3. Download the Readiness Checklists and start exploring that specific Element
4. Keep an Activator journal to write down ideas, thoughts, questions and bring them to your next Mastermind session.

Visit each Element in the Activator Dashboard and download the helpful PDF resources

Where do I get Zoom links for upcoming events:

You’ll love this! In an effort to simplify and streamline the volume of emails that you receive, we have empowered our Activator participants to come to The Activator Hub as the “one stop” place to find everything. Access the Zoom event directly by clicking on the calendar in the right side bar.  Here in Activator, we give full permission for you to protect your energy: only attend those events that pertain to your next critical steps on your journey. It’s up to you to select which ones and reserve time in your own calendar. As a result, we will not be sending Zoom invitations en masse. Skipping an event is encouraged when you have other items on your agenda that are more important! 

How do I know when the next Element Intensive or Targeted Topic Q&A is occurring?

Easy! Go to The Activator Hub and look at the right sidebar to find the Calendar. All events are listed here, approximately 3 months in advance.  In an effort to simplify and streamline, we do not send Zoom invitations to your email.

How long are replays accessible?

As long as you are a subscribing member of Activator, you can access all replays indefinitely!

Where are the replays located?

Had to pick up the kids? Late night at the clinic?  No worries! We record everything and organize it for you inside your Activator Dashboard.  The recordings are nestled under their respective Element topic. If you don’t know which Element topic pertained to the missed event, then refer to the date of the event in the Activator Calendar (inside The Activator Hub) and glance at the title before returning to your Activator Dashboard.

I have a question about my business/life/goals, where do I get support?

There’s so many ways to find support inside Activator! Here are four suggestions:

1. Search the Activator Hub (upper right corner 🔍) to see if someone else has posted about this same topic.
2. If not, post your question on the main feed inside the Activator Hub
3. Take your question to your next Mastermind and get personalized feedback.

Attend the next Targeted Topic Q&A that pertains to your topic. You can search future Targeted Topic Q&A dates in the calendar inside The Activator Hub

How do I know which “Element” my question falls under?

You’re not alone! There’s so much packed inside the Activator Program!  Download the Readiness Checklists and keep them nearby. They’ll help you organize your thoughts so you’ll be able to find which Element to explore in order to find knowledge, resources, and clarity for your questions. Search the Activator Hub (upper right corner 🔍) to see if someone else has asked that question too!

What is the estimated time commitment for the Activator Program?

Each month, we offer three events (a two hour Element Intensive lecture, and two 60 minute Targeted Topic Q&A sessions). You will also be assigned to a Mastermind that meets monthly for 90 minutes. Also, there’s plenty of opportunity for self-study! Once enrolled, you will have access to our library of PDFs, worksheets, videos and guides to help you along your path, as well as a rich community experience inside the Activator Hub. It’s recommended to carve out at least 2-3 hours per week to dedicate to activation.

What is the Activator program? How long may I participate?

SAFM’s Practitioner Activator program is the fourth and final program in the progression of four programs that students experience at SAFM. It is designed to provide our practitioner community with the support they need on an ongoing basis in order to be capable, confident, fulfilled practitioners using applied functional medicine in clinical practice throughout their career. That is, Doing the work – with success and satisfaction! 

Activator program access automatically begins after successful completion of the Level 2 AFMC exam. Within Activator, you will find a rich diversity of SAFM students and stages of progession in both training and business growth/maturity – from those who completed their Level 2 AFMC exam just last month. to those who were AFMC-certified last year, to those who were AFMC-certified many years ago and are continuing to build and enjoy the practice of their dreams with the support of SAFM resources and our inspired community. You may remain enrolled at SAFM and benfiting from Activator as long as you wish, as long as you are professionally engaged in some type of active medical or wellness practice.

Our practitioners seek to apply their learning professionally in many different modalities, countries of practice, payment models, business structures, multimodality collaboration models, and service offerings. Hence, Practitioner Activator cannot and does not provide a single, step-by-step “how to” instruction on building a business.  Instead, you will find a continuously expanding toolbox of assessments, resources, and education to help you address the current gaps in your business creation and growth, as they evolve and change over time.  Plus mentoring via Targeted Q&A sessions, a community engagement Hub, and small group peer Masterminds to support You in wherever you choose to focus next.

Learn more here about the six educational Elements and featured components of this program. You can dive into any number of topics including marketing, practice efficiency and support, social media, programming and pricing guidance, advanced clinical education, clinical efficiency tools to help maximize your impact, and so much more!

Who is eligible to join Activator? When may I join?

SAFM’s Practitioner Activator program is only open to Full Access enrolled SAFM students who have passed the AFMC Level 2 exam (which requires completion of both the Level 2 Functional Medicine and Ignite Your Clinical Practice programs).

Activator will enroll students three times a year (spring, summer, autumn) following each of the yearly AFMC certification exam periods.  For each of these enrollment dates, a two week Activator registration window opens up the month prior.

What is the cost of SAFM tuition?

SAFM’s convenient, monthly tuition gives incoming and ongoing students Full Access to move through SAFM’s four programs at their own pace.  Enrollment is for a minimum of six months.#

Non-certified students*
For a non-AFMC-certified student, SAFM tuition is currently $297/month.*

AFMC-Certified Students*
For an AFMC-certified student, SAFM tuition is currently $197/month.*

Tuition pre-payment promotions may be available during some enrollment periods.

*As of June 2024. Tuition is subject to change.

# Basic Access is an option for students who need to take a pause in the forward progression of their learning and program completion.

I work in a conventional medical environment. Will I benefit from the Activator program, or do I have to own my own business?

The Activator program will benefit all practitioners including conventional, independent private practice, insurance based, cash based, or other models of practice. Activator will cover topics across a diversity of practice models, so that you can simply take what you need from each of the Elements that are relevant for your professional journey, and tailor a program that fits you!

You’ll learn ways to be more effective in applying Functional Medicine quickly and expand your reach and impact, with skills like: running group medical visits, capturing patient success and testimonials, billing and coding, motivational interviewing, and advanced functional medicine topics to expand your knowledge.

What is the estimated time requirement for the Activator Program?

Each month, the Practitioner Activator program currently offer three Live events for all participants (a two-hour Element Intensive lecture and two 60-minute Targeted Topic Q&A sessions). You will also be able to join a live peer Mastermind group that meets monthly for 90 minutes.

There’s also plenty of opportunity for self-study! Once enrolled, you will have access to our library of Element Intensive sessions, PDFs, worksheets, videos and guides to help you along your path, as well as a rich community experience inside the Activator Hub. It’s recommended to carve out at least 2-3 hours per week to dedicate to your activation.

Can Activator help me build my own practice, even if I have no business training?

Yes! You will have the opportunity to learn from experts on how to create your own business plan, shape your money mindset, and get the proper legal framework in place and so much more as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

This is a safe place to get a handle on the basics for running a healthcare business without committing to an MBA. We teach you to “ask who, not how” by introducing you to expert leaders in industries like financial, legal, marketing and more!

Learn more here about how the Activator program works.

What is the Ignite your Clinical Practice program?

Transforming health care means identifying opportunities for putting SAFM’s functional medicine training into practice. Ignite your Clinical Practice is a modular-based program, that you gain access to upon passing the AFMC Level 1 exam. It is designed to offer ideas and insights from some of the best and brightest leaders in both the functional medicine industry and the SAFM practitioner community, so you can begin to Activate a greater impact in your clinical practice. A rich diversity of topics are covered, all focused on maximizing your efficiency and effectiveness as a practitioner (e.g. time management, session organization, billing, collaboration, group programs).

Content for this course is organized into two modules, each focused on a specific clinical business model: Managed Care or Entrepreneurial Care. This course is not a practicum but rather an opportunity to learn how to integrate SAFM learning into practice across a variety of health care models, including a diversity of clinical settings, modalities, and appointment time constraints (i.e., managed and entrepreneurial care).

Completion of the Ignite Your Clinical Practice program is a pre-requisite requirement in order to register for the AFMC Level 2 Exam.*

* Students enrolled prior to June 2024, may have different requirements.

How do I access the Ignite Your Clinical Practice Program?

The Ignite your Clinical Practice program becomes available to you upon passing the AFMC Level 1 exam. You will then see a new course area for the program content on your student dashboard (just below the Open Coaching Calls section).

If you believe you have met the requirements for beginning this program, but do not have access, please select “Contact SAFM Support” via the Get Help option in the blue navigation bar above.

What are the requirements for the Ignite your Clinical Practice program?

Completion of all sessions from ONE of either the Entrepreneurial or Managed Care modules in the Ignite your Clinical Practice program is required as a pre-requisite for the AFMC Level 2 exam.*

Your course page will track each session you complete with a green check mark. When you have completed all sessions for one of the modules, you will then have visibility to a form to verify completion of this requirement. This verification will then reflect the respective module you have completed in your Journey Map.

While completion of only one module is required as an AFMC requirement, we encourage students to explore the nuances of both modules for a better perspective and understanding of different practice models. There is, of course, translational learning and wisdom across the two modules that can support your clinical practice success.

* Students enrolled prior to June 2024, may have different requirements.

What are the payment options for The SAFM Experience?

You may join SAFM with a monthly tuition of $297/month (six month minimum commitment followed by month-to-month- thereafter). Or, you can prepay for 20 months at a reduced tuition of $5497, a $500 savings. Students choosing the pre-pay option also receive five bonus Deep Dive Clinical Courses, a $1500 value. 

All payments are made as specified in the order form at the time of enrollment. The first payment is due at the time of enrollment if the student selects the monthly option and subsequent payments will be made on the first of  the following month. For students choosing the pre-pay option, payment is due at time of enrollment. At the end of the 20 months, payments will resume monthly at the then current monthly tuition rate.

*Tuition rates and pre-pay options are subject to change for each enrollment window.

What is the tuition cost for the program?

SAFM’s convenient, monthly tuition gives incoming and ongoing students Full Access to move through SAFM’s four programs at their own pace.  Enrollment is for a minimum of six months.#

Non-certified students*
For a non-AFMC-certified student, SAFM tuition is currently $297/month.*

AFMC-Certified Students*
For an AFMC-certified student, SAFM tuition is currently $197/month.*

Tuition pre-payment promotions may be available during some enrollment periods.

*As of June 2024. Tuition is subject to change.

# Basic Access is an option for students who need to take a pause in the forward progression of their learning and program completion.

 

Why can’t I view all the levels in My Journey Map?

The Journey Map view recognizes a student’s current level in the program and any past levels completed. A new Level 1 student, for example, will only be able to view progress made within that level. Once they successfully pass the Level 1 AFMC exam, Level 2 requirements will become their new page view and the Level 1 view will close and move to the bottom of the page.  Students may always look back at requirements from a previous level simply by clicking on the level details to expand the view.

My Journey Map shows that I’m ready to take an exam. When can I complete it?

SAFM offers three exam cycles annually. Registration is announced via email, the student Dashboard, and Facebook Forum Live announcements. Once a specific exam window opens, a registration button will be visible inside eligible Journey Maps until the window closes. To review exam cycle dates and register for notifications here.

My Journey Map isn’t showing an AFMC requirement I’ve already completed? How do I update my map?

Click on the Get Help header in the blue navigation bar at the top of the student Dashboard. Select Contact SAFM Support from the dropdown and complete the form for assistance.

I’ve already completed several of the Level 2 requirements but cannot access my Level 2 screen in My AFMC Journey Map. Why not?

Student must complete all requirements of one level of their Journey Map in order to access the next. For example, if a student has completed all AFMC Level 1 exam requirements but has not yet successfully passed the AFMC Level 1 exam, they will not be able to view Level 2 in the tool even if they have already begun fulfilling requirements for Level 2.

If you believe there is an error with the data reflected in your Journey Map details, please contact SAFM support using the Get Help menu at the top of your Dashboard.

Why don’t I see any Open Coaching Calls (OCCs) listed for my Level 1 and/or Level 2 programs?

OCCs were not required for AFMC exam registration until 2019. As a result, students enrolled prior to that year would not see these calls included in their requirements.

What is the Practitioner Incubator Program and how do I access it?

The Practitioner Incubator Program is a monthly membership available for purchase by students who may require time away from their studies but want to stay connected.  Membership provides for ongoing participation in monthly Open Coaching Calls, access to the SAFM Practitioner Forum, and ongoing access to all content available from the Student Dashboard.

To review the details of and pricing for this membership, click here.

My Practitioner Incubator Program membership expired? How can I renew it?

To renew your Practioner Incubator Program membership, please review programs details and pricing now.

Note: Membership is only available to previously enrolled students in good standing. If you have issues accessing the page above, please Contact SAFM Support for assistance.

What does the AFMC certification qualify me to do?

The Applied Functional Medicine Certification (i.e., AFMC) represents fulfillment of a set of rigorous requirements, defined by SAFM but guided by key functional medicine tenets, a demonstrated understanding of a unique body of knowledge, and competency in the application of that knowledge. The credential is intended to complement a practitioner’s existing licensure or certification. As such, achievement of the AFMC conveys the right for graduates, in good standing, to integrate SAFM’s teachings into their professional practice.  How each graduate chooses to implement is a professional decision that requires consideration of the individual’s scope of practice and their unique practice setting.

The SAFM community includes a variety of certifications, degrees, licenses, specialties, experience levels, geographic locations. We recommend that individuals seek qualified legal counsel and check with the governing body for their license/modality for further direction.

 

Note: There exists no functional medicine certifying body anywhere (in the U.S. or otherwise). For this reason, the AFMC credential, like those issued by similar educational programs, represents fulfillment of a set of rigorous requirements, defined by SAFM but guided by key functional medicine tenets, a demonstrated understanding of a unique body of knowledge, and competency in the application of that knowledge. The AFMC credential does not convey any additional modality, license, or title. Furthermore, these credentials are validated and awarded by a council of industry-leading health professionals who have demonstrated expert integration and application of functional medicine science and principles within their own unique area of licensure or certification and chosen to share their experience and passion for the purpose of developing other practitioners .

To review members of the SAFM Scientific Review Council, please visit our AFMC website.

Will I have access to all updated curriculum content as courses are revised?

Yes. Revised courses aligned to a specific program you have access to (i.e., what is included in tuition) will always be, automatically, updated and available for view by actively enrolled students via the student Dashboard.

When can I take my AFMC exams?

Does SAFM offer single courses or just the full program?

SAFM offers a full functional medicine training program (view syllabus here). We also offer separate clinical courses for purchase to active SAFM students and graduates.

If you are interested in just exploring SAFM, check out our one-day Advanced Practice Workshops here. They offer exposure to Tracy Harrison, our lead educator, the style of teaching, and the type of case practice you can expect with our program.

How do I obtain proof of completion for the Level 1 or Level 2 program (for CE/CMEs)?

If you choose to seek continuing education credit for either the Level 1 or Level 2 program, a certificate of completion is available by request upon passing the associated exam. 

Which courses have self-tests associated with them?

Self-tests are required for Anchoring Essentials and select Deep Dive Clinical courses for each of the Level 1 and Level 2 programs. Please refer to your Student Program Guide for courses aligned to your current program.

 

What are Custom Consults?

As an SAFM student, you can purchase a customized consult* with an AFMC-certified, advanced practitioner for one-on-one help. These 50-minute, one-on-one consultation sessions are an opportunity for you to privately review any course content clarifications, business strategy questions, specific client/patient case details, and/or personal wellness issues with an experienced, AFMC-certified practitioner.

This service is being offered exclusively to ONLY our current SAFM students and Practitioner Incubator Program members. We maintain our commitment to being the lowest-cost, highest-value advanced functional medicine education opportunity available to healthcare practitioners. We all have different learning styles. The Custom Consults program allows the individual student to seek the amount of dedicated, one-on-one support that they uniquely desire. The custom consultation recordings are just for your listening and cannot legally be shared with a client.

To schedule a custom consultation, please visit this page (while logged in to your SAFM account). https://www.schoolafm.com/ws_webinar/safm-custom-consultations-booking/

*Fee not included in tuition.

What resources does SAFM offer me to support a specific patient/client case?

There are a number of ways to get targeted support an individual case:

1. Custom Consultations: The most reliable and efficient way to get the detailed information you seek is by scheduling a 50-minute session with one of SAFM’s experienced Teaching Assistants. You may click on the green “Custom Consults” button on your student dashboard to schedule one of these as often as you wish.
2. Tribe Masterminds: You may use the Facebook private page within this group of your peers to ask questions. These should only be used for patient/client cases and not appropriate for inquiries regarding your own personal health. There is no guarantee that you will receive answers to all of your questions, but these platforms are generally quite active and supportive.
3. Practitioner Forum: Once you’ve been invited to join this private Facebook page, your peers can be a great source of insight and ideas. Just be sure to review the Forum guidelines to develop your post accordingly.
4. Treasure Chest & Clinical Tips Blog: Both of these resources contain hundreds of articles on various health concepts, conditions, and topics and are searchable by key words.

Please note that the course-specific Q&A tool is not appropriate for case questions and should be used only for clarification of concepts within the specific course.

What one-on-one help does SAFM offer me as a student?

In addition to the group environment of your Tribe Masterminds and the SAFM Practitioner Forum, there are two ways to get individual help at SAFM.

• Student Experience Coaches (SECs): SAFM alumni are available to help with curriculum related or logistical help. They have a clear understanding of your program and know how to best navigate the school to assure the best experience possible. Use an SEC if you feel overwhelmed, need to get back on track or need a pep talk. SECs are complementary and are intended for general guidance with your studies. Book an appointment with an SEC through the named area under Student Support on your student Dashboard.
• Custom Consults*: Get in-depth, one-on-one help with mentorship, coursework, and growing your business, or use a consultation for support with your own personal health issue (the only place you can do this at SAFM) or a client case you need help with. Staffed by advanced AFMC Certified practitioners, these are 50 minutes long and available for a fee. Sessions take place using ZOOM and are recorded for your future re-viewing. Schedule a Consult direct from the homepage of your student Dashboard.

*Fee not included in tuition.

I am already an AFMC-certified student. Am I eligible to receive retroactive continuing education (CE) credits for any of my SAFM Level 1 or Level 2 program coursework?

Licensed Practitioners

Unfortunately, no. We, repeatedly, asked this very question as we were moving through the process. Educational activities (like our Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Medicine programs) must be certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ before students begin participating in the activity.

National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs)

Yes. Completed and documented education may only be utilized for recertification after the date of your initial board certification. If you have successfully passed the national board exam offered through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and are still within your current, required three-year recertification window, each of SAFM’s Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Medicine programs may be eligible for use in fulfilling your CE requirements. Please consult the NBHWC Recertification Handbook or the NBHWC team at https://nbhwc.org/ for details regarding your personal situation.   SAFM’s NBHWC CEP Number is 100159.

Other Non-Physician Health Professionals

Please consult your accrediting body to determine equivalency and CE fulfillment guidelines. SAFM will continue to pursue partnership with accrediting bodies for other healthcare modalities to help make the process of fulfilling CE requirements as easy as possible for all students.

Can a medical practitioner that is not licensed in the U.S. (international) claim AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™?

If you are a physician – Yes! AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may be awarded to any physician (defined by the AMA as MDs, DOs, or international physicians with equivalent degrees from other countries). The requirements for awarding AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ to U.S. and non-U.S. licensed physicians are the same.

Otherwise, it depends on your license type and in what country you practice. To maintain and renew an active medical license in the country in which they practice, medical practitioners must meet the exact educational credits and number of CE hours required by that country. The good news is that, throughout the years, the ACCME has supported CME initiatives with government, health system, and CME representatives from a wide range of countries.

Please access or contact the accrediting body for your specific modality in your own country to confirm requirements.

When will I be receiving credits for completion of the Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Medicine program?

Individuals receive instructions via email to request “credits of completion” within a few weeks of the AFMC certification window closing. Eligibility requires that a student receive passing scores on the associated AFMC exam. A passing grade on the AFMC Level 1 exam confirms completion of the Level 1 program and a passing grade on the AFMC Level 2 exam confirms completion of the  Level 2 program.

What are eligibility requirements to register for an AFMC exam?

Eligibility requirements to register for each AFMC Level exam are tracked directly through your personal AFMC Journey Map. This tool can be found under the “My Account” menu option in the blue navigation bar at the top of your student Dashboard.

Once all requirements for a corresponding level have been met, you will be eligible for the upcoming exam cycle. As soon as the exam registration window opens, an exam registration button will be clearly visible on your journey map.

Please keep in mind that course self-tests and Open Coaching Calls credits  for applicable exam level requirements, are valid for 18 months from the submission date. Any exam requirements that have expired, must be submitted again before you are eligible to register for an exam window.

AFMC Level 1 Exam requirements:

• Self-tests for the required courses
• Six Open Coaching Calls

AFMC Level 2 Exam requirements:

• A passing score on the AFMC Level 1 exam.
• Self-tests for the required courses
• Six Open Coaching Calls
• Completion of, at least, one module of the Ignite your Clinical Practice program*

AFMC Level 3 Exam requirements:

• Passing scores on the AFMC Level 1 and Level 2 exams
• Completion of the AFMC Level 3 Practice and Sample Exam course assignment
• Submission of the Level 3 Exam Competency Case Study

• Exam Registration: Participants who do not have an active Full Access Enrollment status, at the time of exam registration, will be ineligible to register for the exam.
• Exam Access: After registering for an AFMC exam, Participants must maintain active status throughout both the exam preparation period and exam window. Participants who do not have an active Full Access Enrollment status at the time of exam window kickoff will not be granted access to the exam.

*For students who enrolled in the program from September 2021 to March 2024, this course will be required to register for the AFMC Level 3 exam beginning with the September 2023 exam cycle. At this time, however, it is not a requirement for students who enrolled in their Level 1 program, prior to September 2021.