FSU College of Nursing Earns Historic ACLM Approval for Full Academic Pathway Program

Lifestyle Medicine: FSU College of Nursing Pioneers Full Academic Pathway for Doctoral Students

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) serves as a catalyst for transformation in healthcare by advocating for and advancing lifestyle medicine as the foundation of a redesigned, value-based, and equitable healthcare system. ACLM represents, trains, certifies, and equips its members to address the root causes of chronic disease by optimizing modifiable risk factors. The organization is committed to filling the gap in medical education related to lifestyle medicine, including the concept of food as medicine, while advancing research, clinical practice, and reimbursement strategies. ACLM's work aims to add years to lives and life to years, all while reducing the unsustainable rise in healthcare costs.

ACLM has recognized the Florida State University College of Nursing as the first health professions program in the U.S. to offer a Full Academic Pathway for students to earn certification in lifestyle medicine after graduation. Doctoral students in the College of Nursing's lifestyle medicine speciality track will graduate having completed the prerequisites to take the lifestyle medicine certification exam. This certification, offered by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, recognizes expertise in treating, reversing, and preventing chronic diseases through evidence-based practices. Over 8,000 physicians and health professionals worldwide are currently certified in lifestyle medicine.

The university noted that earning these prerequisites during their education offers doctoral students cost savings and a competitive edge. To be eligible for the certification exam, candidates must attend an approved conference and complete 30 hours of approved online lifestyle medicine CME/CE courses. Health professions programs, including master's and doctoral levels, can be recognized by ACLM as Partial or Full Academic Pathway programs to help students meet these requirements.

Partial Academic Pathway programs must include a course covering 25% of the Interdisciplinary Lifestyle Medicine Core Competencies (2022). Graduates meet the conference attendance prerequisite for the lifestyle medicine certification exam. There are currently 72 such programs nationwide. Full Academic Pathway programs integrate lifestyle medicine into the curriculum, employ at least one certified faculty member, and have a Lifestyle Member Interest Group (LMIG) on campus. ACLM offers discounted rates for the "Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review" course and provides resources like the "Lifestyle Medicine 101 Curriculum" and "Taste of Lifestyle Medicine." These programs are listed in ACLM's Health Professional Program Directory. Graduates meet both the conference attendance and 30-hour CME/CE course prerequisites.

FSU College of Nursing is proud to be the first academic program in the nation approved by ACLM as a Full Academic Pathway program. Alicia Craig-Rodriguez, Clinical Professor and Graduate Coordinator, highlighted that this designation reflects the program's commitment to providing in-depth education and training in lifestyle medicine. Lifestyle medicine uses therapeutic interventions to treat chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, often reversing them. Certified clinicians apply evidence-based, whole-person lifestyle changes, focusing on six pillars: a whole-food, plant-predominant diet, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connections, and avoiding risky substances. The development of academic pathways was partially funded by the Ardmore Institute of Health.

Susan Benigas, CEO of ACLM, congratulated Florida State University College of Nursing for becoming the nation’s first Full Academic Pathway program, highlighting that graduates from the doctorate of nursing practice program would benefit from cost savings and a competitive edge as more employers recognize the value of lifestyle medicine. Ultimately, this collaboration promises to significantly enhance healthcare by integrating lifestyle medicine into professional education and practice.

Editor's Note:

The recognition of Florida State University College of Nursing as the first U.S. academic program offering a Full Academic Pathway to lifestyle medicine certification marks a significant milestone in the healthcare field. This innovative approach is set to equip doctoral students with the skills and knowledge to address chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. The collaboration between FSU and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) reflects a growing commitment to evidence-based, lifestyle-driven healthcare. By incorporating lifestyle medicine into the curriculum, this program offers cost savings and a competitive edge for graduates, contributing to the ongoing transformation of healthcare systems worldwide, focusing on prevention and holistic care. 

Skoobuzz believes that this initiative will set a precedent for other institutions, inspiring a broader shift towards integrating lifestyle medicine in healthcare education and practice.