Course Details
Lead Instructor
Dr. Carrie Jones,
ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP
Course Length
8 Modules
Recommended Pace
1-2 Modules Per Week
Recommended Prerequisite
None
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced functional testing methods designed to elevate insight and enhance personalized plans.. Learners will gain an understanding of how to assess and interpret key biomarkers across multiple systems of the body—from foundational bloodwork and hormone analysis through DUTCH and ZRT testing, to in-depth stool, genetic, and specialty panels. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to integrate advanced testing into their practice for more targeted and effective outcomes.
Course Curriculum Outline
Module 1: Welcome
We’ll set you up with background information and a roadmap for your journey through the course, highlighting strategies for success.
Module 2: Bloodwork
This module provides an overview of key laboratory markers and their clinical relevance through a functional medicine lens. Learners will explore optimal functional ranges versus conventional reference ranges, interpretation of thyroid, cardiac, autoimmune, fat loss, and immune dysfunction panels, as well as when and why to test.
Module 3: DUTCH Testing
Dive into the DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) suite of tests to better understand hormone balance and metabolism. The module covers how to interpret key markers related to sex hormones, adrenal function, cortisol rhythm, and hormone detoxification pathways.
Module 4: Stool Analysis
Examine advanced stool testing methods, including the GI-MAP, Genova Stool Analysis, and Gut Zoomer. These tests provide in-depth insight into the gut microbiome—identifying beneficial and harmful bacteria, pathogens, parasites, enzyme function, inflammation, and other key markers of GI health. You’ll learn to interpret results, recognize test patterns, and apply targeted 5R strategies with confidence.
Module 5: ZRT Tests
Explore the wide range of testing options available through ZRT Laboratory. These convenient at-home collection panels assess key areas such as cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones, and heavy metals—providing valuable insights for clients who may not have access to traditional lab testing. The module highlights how to use these results to address hormone imbalances, weight loss resistance, toxicity, and stress, supporting more effective and personalized plans.
Module 6: Genetic Testing
Learn the principles and applications of genetic testing within a functional medicine framework. Learners will explore why and when to consider genetic testing, review leading test options, and develop the ability to interpret and apply genetic data in practice.
Module 7: Specialty Testing
Explore a range of advanced functional testing options that enhance clinical insight and personalized care. The module reviews organic acid, food sensitivity, micronutrient, mycotoxin, and omega-3 status testing—each offering valuable data for clients with autoimmune conditions, immune dysregulation, histamine intolerance, gut or mitochondrial dysfunction, detoxification challenges, and overall wellness optimization.
Module 8: Final Exam
Time to put your knowledge and skills to use! The final exam provides opportunities to make connections between the modules and apply what you've learned!
Course Learning Objectives
Students will be able to interpret key blood markers through a functional medicine lens—understanding optimal versus conventional ranges—and apply this knowledge to assess how the body is functioning.
Students will be able to identify when to use a DUTCH test and interpret DUTCH test results to evaluate sex hormones, adrenal function, cortisol rhythm, and hormone detoxification.
Students will be able to understand how to utilize stool tests such as GI-MAP, Genova, and Gut Zoomer to evaluate gut microbiome health, identify imbalances and pathogens, and apply personalized 5R-based gut restoration plans.
Students will be able to assess when and why to use genetic testing, interpret genetic variants within a functional context, and integrate insights into recommendations.
Students will be able to evaluate and interpret results from a variety of advanced functional and specialty laboratory tests—including ZRT, MRT Food Sensitivity, organic acids, micronutrient, and more—to identify underlying imbalances.
Course Curriculum Outline
Module 1: Welcome
We’ll set you up with background information and a roadmap for your journey through the course, highlighting strategies for success.
Module 2: Bloodwork
This module provides an overview of key laboratory markers and their clinical relevance through a functional medicine lens. Learners will explore optimal functional ranges versus conventional reference ranges, interpretation of thyroid, cardiac, autoimmune, fat loss, and immune dysfunction panels, as well as when and why to test.
Module 3: DUTCH Testing
Dive into the DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) suite of tests to better understand hormone balance and metabolism. The module covers how to interpret key markers related to sex hormones, adrenal function, cortisol rhythm, and hormone detoxification pathways.
Module 4: Stool Analysis
Examine advanced stool testing methods, including the GI-MAP, Genova Stool Analysis, and Gut Zoomer. These tests provide in-depth insight into the gut microbiome—identifying beneficial and harmful bacteria, pathogens, parasites, enzyme function, inflammation, and other key markers of GI health. You’ll learn to interpret results, recognize test patterns, and apply targeted 5R strategies with confidence.
Module 5: ZRT Tests
Explore the wide range of testing options available through ZRT Laboratory. These convenient at-home collection panels assess key areas such as cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones, and heavy metals—providing valuable insights for clients who may not have access to traditional lab testing. The module highlights how to use these results to address hormone imbalances, weight loss resistance, toxicity, and stress, supporting more effective and personalized plans.
Module 6: Genetic Testing
Learn the principles and applications of genetic testing within a functional medicine framework. Learners will explore why and when to consider genetic testing, review leading test options, and develop the ability to interpret and apply genetic data in practice.
Module 7: Specialty Testing
Explore a range of advanced functional testing options that enhance clinical insight and personalized care. The module reviews organic acid, food sensitivity, micronutrient, mycotoxin, and omega-3 status testing—each offering valuable data for clients with autoimmune conditions, immune dysregulation, histamine intolerance, gut or mitochondrial dysfunction, detoxification challenges, and overall wellness optimization.
Module 8: Final Exam
Time to put your knowledge and skills to use! The final exam provides opportunities to make connections between the modules and apply what you've learned!
Course Learning Objectives
Students will be able to interpret key blood markers through a functional medicine lens—understanding optimal versus conventional ranges—and apply this knowledge to assess how the body is functioning.
Students will be able to identify when to use a DUTCH test and interpret DUTCH test results to evaluate sex hormones, adrenal function, cortisol rhythm, and hormone detoxification.
Students will be able to understand how to utilize stool tests such as GI-MAP, Genova, and Gut Zoomer to evaluate gut microbiome health, identify imbalances and pathogens, and apply personalized 5R-based gut restoration plans.
Students will be able to assess when and why to use genetic testing, interpret genetic variants within a functional context, and integrate insights into recommendations.
Students will be able to evaluate and interpret results from a variety of advanced functional and specialty laboratory tests—including ZRT, MRT Food Sensitivity, organic acids, micronutrient, and more—to identify underlying imbalances.
