Become a Leader in Fibromyalgia Care
Accredited fibromyalgia education for professionals, patients, and advocates designed to improve real-world outcomes.
Train with the first coaching institute dedicated solely to fibromyalgia and learn to help others with the Fibromyalgia Wellness Framework℠.
In an ideal world, every fibromyalgia patient’s health care team would include a Fibromyalgia Coach or Advisor, along with a medical professional.
- ginevra liptan, md, author, The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor
Accredited, 100% remote online education
professional training designed with fibromyalgia in mind
The International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, LLC (IFCI) is the first and only coaching institute dedicated solely to fibromyalgia. We are the exclusive organization providing certification to become a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® using Tami Stackelhouse's proven Fibromyalgia Wellness Framework℠ — a model developed through lived experience and refined through decades of professional coaching.
Our training programs, accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), are client-centered, fibromyalgia-specific, and professionally rigorous, designed to be fibro-friendly, accessible, and realistic for bodies and brains living with chronic illness. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds — including healthcare, wellness, and lived experience — and no prior coaching experience is required.
Through our programs, participants learn how to support clients (and often themselves) in understanding a fibromyalgia diagnosis, navigating treatment options, implementing sustainable lifestyle changes, reducing symptoms, and working effectively within a complex medical system.
This is a professionally recognized training program and may qualify for ANCC-accredited continuing education contact hours for eligible health and wellness professionals, through IFCI’s partnership with the American Nurse Coach Association, an accredited provider of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Learn more here.
Looking for a shorter fibromyalgia continuing education program? Explore our Fibromyalgia Foundations Series here.
Choose the best program for you
A brief explanation of what distinguishes a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® from unregulated fibromyalgia coaching.
"Tami knows her stuff and is so good at explaining things. Her research is amazing — she always knows the answer to things based on the research she's done. It's really so comforting.
- shelly christianson, CERTIFIED FIBROMYALGIA ADVISOR®, CLASS OF 2025
Learn More In Our FREE "Be A Coach" Series
Sign up to receive this special FREE series delivered straight to your favorite podcast app! Tami covers:
- Who Makes A Good Certified Fibromyalgia Coach?
- Why Should You Consider Being A Certified Fibromyalgia Coach?
- How Do You Become A Certified Fibromyalgia Coach?
- Our most recent Virtual Open House
- Special bonus episode including details on our next class start dates, tuition, and more.
“The more you know, the better you are, and the more power you have to take control of your health. This class definitely made me feel more powerful and more in control of my situation.”
- ANGELA FRESCHOLTZ, CERTIFIED FIBROMYALGIA ADVISOR®, CLASS OF 2022
Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® Training Program
Our Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® Training Program focuses on fibromyalgia knowledge and includes instructional lectures combined with one-on-one coaching to help you improve your own fibromyalgia symptoms.
This two-part training is perfect for those who want to feel better while learning how to help others in their community. Students in this program include healthcare providers, support group leaders, and fibromyalgia patients who want to make a difference. It’s also the first step toward becoming a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®.
On average, Advisor students improve their Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) scores by nearly 50%*.
Part 1: Class & Group Coaching
Over three months, you’ll attend weekly lectures and group coaching sessions with Tami Stackelhouse covering fibromyalgia-specific topics such as:
- Current fibromyalgia science
- Medications and treatment plans
- Natural alternatives for fibromyalgia medications
- Complementary and integrative therapies
- Pacing and energy management
- Fibromyalgia-specific nutrition and exercise plans
- Stress-management strategies
- Improving pain, brain fog, fatigue, and sleep
- Adding more joy to your life
- Self-care and coping techniques
- Building a Fibromyalgia Flare Survival Kit
Part 2: Private Coaching
You’ll work one-on-one with your own Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® for six months, completing 18 private sessions focused on applying what you’ve learned and improving your personal wellness.
Students typically spend three to five hours per week on classwork, which includes 90 minutes of class lectures (via Zoom), one hour with your coach, and regular reading assignments or homework.
To earn your certification, you’ll complete weekly coaching sessions, all class lectures and assignments, and a final exam and interview with a passing grade.
Graduates may be granted up to 33.75 ANCC contact hours for completing the Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® Training Program.
Class Requirements
The following are the minimum requirements for full participation in IFCI training programs:
- A desktop or laptop computer
- Reliable internet access
- A Facebook account (for our private student group)
- A pedometer and heart rate monitor — this can be a simple app on your phone or a wearable device such as an Apple Watch, Fitbit, or Jawbone Up
This training program has done so much for so many women. I'm so thankful that Tami decided to create this opportunity for other women. Thank you. You helped me change my life.
- ANN GARNER, CERTIFIED FIBROMYALGIA COACH®, CLASS OF 2024
Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® Training Program
Students who have completed the Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® Training Program may apply to continue their education through our Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® Training Program.
Designed for those who plan to work professionally with fibromyalgia patients, this advanced program prepares you to coach others while building a sustainable business that supports your own healing. Students who are ideal for this program include fibromyalgia patients, healthcare providers, and wellness professionals who want to specialize in fibromyalgia care.
Our comprehensive program includes 18–22 months of live and recorded instruction, mentorship, and an “earn-while-you-learn” internship that provides real-world coaching experience working directly with fibromyalgia clients under instructor supervision.
Graduates may be granted up to 217 ANCC contact hours for completing the full Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® training path. (Includes 33.75 hours for the Advisor program plus 184 for the Coach program.)
Time Commitment
Students typically spend two to three hours per week on coursework, including two hours of live classes (via Zoom), along with additional recorded lectures, reading, and homework. Internship coaching hours are scheduled individually and may include both paid and unpaid sessions.
Course Topics
Building on the foundational fibromyalgia instruction from the Advisor Program, the Coach curriculum adds expert presentations on business-building and coaching-specific topics, such as:
- Applying the Fibromyalgia Wellness Framework℠
- Gentle goal-setting and action planning
- Strategies for coaching fibromyalgia patients
- Relationship building for clients and providers
- Connecting with your ideal client
- Sales and marketing for coaches
- Financial and legal best practices
- Building a business that supports your continued healing
- Creating an energetically sustainable coaching practice
Certification Requirements
To earn certification as a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®, students must:
- Fully participate in weekly live classes
- Complete all recorded lectures, readings, and assignments
- Pass a final exam and interview
- Complete at least 100 fibromyalgia-specific coaching sessions during your student-coach internship
Tami truly puts her heart into helping all of her students. She has an ability to nudge you in the right direction in a positive way. A year ago I thought you all were bonkers — today, I love my life.
— margo bedo, CERTIFIED FIBROMYALGIA ADVISOR®, CLASS OF 2024
Accreditation & Continuing Education
IFCI has partnered with the American Nurse Coach Association (ANCA) to offer ANCC-accredited continuing education contact hours for both the Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® and Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® training programs.
The American Nurse Coach Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Who this applies to:
ANCC-accredited contact hours may be earned through this program by professionals such as registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), physicians (MDs/DOs/NDs), physical therapists, licensed social workers (LCSWs), yoga instructors, and other healthcare or wellness professionals whose credentialing or licensing bodies recognize ANCC-accredited continuing education.
Acceptance of ANCC contact hours varies by profession and credentialing organization. Please check with your professional organization to confirm how these hours may be applied.
Compare Our Training & Certification Paths
Compare our professionally recognized training and certification paths, designed for real-world application.
CHOOSE YOUR PATh from two options | ADVISOR PATH(3-9 months) | coach PATH(18-22 months) |
|---|---|---|
Perfect for anyone who is... | A patient, health educator, health care provider, support group leader, blogger, etc. | Wanting to work as a Fibromyalgia Coach, plus coaches who wish better serve their fibro clients |
Private Coaching Sessions | 18 (with a Certified Coach) | 18 (with a Certified Coach) |
Group Lectures & Coaching | 11 (with Tami Stackelhouse) | 170+ (with Tami Stackelhouse) |
Training Hours Included | 40 | 370+ |
ANCC Continuing Education Contact Hours | Up to 33.75 | Up to 217 |
Certification Earned | Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® | Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® |
Financing & Payment Plans Available | ||
Between-Session Support Group | ||
100% Virtual Online Classroom | ||
IFCI Annual Alumni Retreats | Purchased Separately | 1 Year Included |
Alumni Association Membership | Purchased Separately | 1 Year Included |
Weekly Alumni Group Coaching Calls | Purchased Separately | 1 Year Included |
Fibromyalgia Training | ||
Monthly Continuing Education Classes | ||
Business Essentials Training | ||
Fibro-Focused Business Training | ||
Paid Coaching Internship | ||
Done-for-You Template Website | ||
Eligible for Client Referral Program | ||
Advisor Course Included FREE |
Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® Training Program
$6,800 or
3 payments of $2,500
Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® Training Program
$19,000 or
12 payments of $1,900
I SOMETIMES LISTENED TO CLASS WHILE I WAS EATING DINNER IN MY PAJAMAS, SITTING IN A PARKING LOT, OR DRIVING MY CAR. THE RECORDINGS ALSO HELPED WHEN I HAD BRAIN FOG OR FAMILY ACTIVITIES. YOU REALLY MADE THIS PROGRAM DO-ABLE FOR FIBRO WARRIORS. MOST OF THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS ARE COMPLETED AT YOUR OWN PACE — AND WE HAD SUCH A SUPPORTIVE GROUP OF CLASSMATES!
— MELISSA SWANSON, CERTIFIED FIBROMYALGIA ADVISOR®, CLASS OF 2016
Watch our most recent Virtual Open House
Hosted by Tami Stackelhouse, Founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, this Virtual Open House covers the six questions every one asks about our programs. Learn the differences between our Advisor and Coach training paths, which path is best for you, our tuition and payment options, and how our classes are perfectly structured for fibro brains and bodies.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Explore tuition details, scholarships, and policies below.
IFCI offers a variety of discounts and scholarships. At this time, we are unable to process other forms of financial aid beyond those listed below.
A pay-in-full discount is available to all students who pay their tuition in full and enroll during their Admissions Interview. The discount amount varies depending on the training path chosen.
Students who are already working with a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® may request a $2,000 tuition discount if coaching sessions are not included in their tuition.
The nine (9) required one-on-one Fibromyalgia Coaching sessions must still be completed within 90 days with a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®. Payment for these sessions is made directly to the coach, rather than through IFCI.
A $500 scholarship is available to all students living outside the United States. Your Student Advisor can provide additional details during your Admissions Interview.
We are deeply committed to diversity and believe every fibromyalgia patient deserves access to a coach who truly understands their experience.
To help broaden representation within the fibromyalgia coaching community, we offer a $2,000 scholarship exclusively for students enrolling in the Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® training program who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Residing in a country where there are currently no operating IFCI Certified Coaches
- Speaking a language not currently represented by any IFCI Certified Coaches
- Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC)
- Male
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or other non-heteronormative identities (LGBTQ+)
Our goal is to expand inclusivity and ensure that all fibromyalgia patients — regardless of background — can receive the understanding and support they need.
IFCI offers in-house financing and tuition payment options based on the training path you choose — Advisor or Coach. Your tuition deposit is applied to your first payment.
Payment Schedule
- First tuition payment: due at enrollment
- Second payment: due 30 days after enrollment
- Third payment: due 60 days after enrollment
- Subsequent payments continue every 30 days thereafter.
Students who do not meet the payment deadlines outlined in their payment plan agreement will be restricted from participating in the program until all outstanding financial obligations to the Institute have been met.
While IFCI does not issue refunds, we fully recognize that our students live with fibromyalgia.
When you’re accepted into one of our programs, it’s because you’ve demonstrated a clear commitment to completing your training and achieving certification. Because we place our full faith in your success as a student, we leave no room for you to quit on yourself or your dreams. Our no-refund policy simply affirms that neither of us accepts failure as an option.
At the same time, we understand that fibromyalgia doesn’t always follow a predictable schedule. That’s why our curriculum includes built-in catch-up weeks to provide flexibility when you need it most.
If fibromyalgia or other life circumstances interfere with your ability to complete the course, you may request a leave of absence. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, if approved, may include reinstatement fees.
Invest in yourself — and join a community committed to your success.
The difference between the podcast and the class, is that the podcast is the theory... in the end, if I just sit there and listen but don't do anything, it's not changing anything. In the class I can't just listen. I have to actually work on something.
- KERSTIN GOLDSTEIN, CERTIFIED FIBROMYALGIA ADVISOR®, CLASS OF 2023
What Are You Waiting For? Let’s Improve the Lives of People with Fibromyalgia!
Information given on this site should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consulting with a qualified physician or other health care provider. The views and opinions expressed by authors and guests are those of the individual author or guest and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Fibromyalgia Podcast®, The Fibro Compass℠, or the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, LLC.
Testimonials shown are actual students who have completed one of IFCI’s training programs and are in no way a guarantee of results. Results quoted are either a) the actual results for that individual or b) average results for students who have completed the training. Since each individual and their medical situation is unique, results may vary.
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“Certified Fibromyalgia Coach”, “Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor”, “Fibromyalgia Podcast”, and the IFCI seal are registered trademarks of International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, LLC. “Fibromyalgia Wellness Framework”, “Fibromyalgia Wellness Style”, "Fibromyalgia Wellness Summit", "The Fibro Compass", "Tami's Favorite Things", "Fibro Hierarchy of Needs", the IFCI tagline, and the Certified Advisor and Certified Coach seals are all service marks of International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, LLC.