Program Overview

Introduction to the Lactation Consultant: Pathway 1 Program

The Lactation Consultant: Pathway 1 professional certificate program is designed to expand the clinical knowledge of breastfeeding professionals who interface with breastfeeding clients. This program focuses on understanding problems of clinical management and is based on objectives, guidelines, and competencies established by the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC).

Program Details

• Number of courses: 1
• Format: Online
• Duration: 6 months
• Total units: 12
• Cost: $1195
• The didactic material can be completed asynchronously, with weekly due dates for assignments.
• This course fulfills the 95-hour didactic requirement needed to take the IBCLC exam.

Required Course: Pathway 1 - Lactation Consultant Education

The required course, RMED-40030, is a 12-unit course that costs $1195. It expands the clinical knowledge of breastfeeding professionals and is based on LEAARC-established objectives, guidelines, and competencies.

Pathway 1 Qualifications

To qualify for Pathway 1, candidates must meet two requirements:

• Have an IBLCE-approved license or be a registered or recognized health professional, or have completed all 14 IBLCE Educational Requirements.
• Ability to complete 1000 clinical hours directly with breastfeeding dyads within a 5-year period prior to sitting for the exam, verifiable by an employer.

Certificate Guidelines

Although UC San Diego does not issue the credential of Lactation Consultant, they support the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). A Professional Certificate of Completion is available for a $95 fee, but it is not required by IBLCE to sit for the exam.

Program Benefits

The program benefits include:

• Expanding clinical knowledge as a breastfeeding professional
• Receiving a professional certificate of completion in lactation consultant education
• Studying objectives, guidelines, and competencies established and approved by LEAARC

Demand and Job Prospects

Lactation Consultants typically interact with patients in a role similar to nurse practitioners. They generally work independently to triage and manage clinical lactation concerns for mothers, babies, and family units. The hourly rate for Lactation Consultants parallels the RN salary range, from $20-$45 per hour. They may be employed in hospitals, manage hospital breastfeeding centers and boutiques, or work in private practices.

How to Apply

Students may enroll in individual courses without applying to the certificate program. There is a $0 application fee, and a one-time $125 certificate fee for students pursuing the certificate.

FAQs

• How do I become a Lactation Consultant? Please see the provided resources, "How to Become a Lactation Consultant" and "How to Choose the Right Pathway."
• What are the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies application requirements for Pathway 1? Pathway 1 candidates must meet the general education requirement and clinical hours requirement.
• How do I calculate my clinical hours? Instructions for calculating lactation-specific clinical care hours are provided, including a downloadable calculation form.

Advisory Board

The advisory board consists of professionals in the field, including:

• Kristina Chamberlain, CNM, ARNP, IBCLC, Lead Instructor
• Sandra Cole, RN, IBCLC
• Jamie Felice, BSN, RN, PHN, IBCLC
• Ruth Hammer, MSN, RN, IBCLC
• Michelle Lee, PhD, RN
• Maryann O'Hara, MD, MPH
• Christina Tenorio, IBCLC, CLC, ICCE
• Nadette Torres, MSN, RN, PHN, IBCLC
• Nancy Wight, MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP
• Rose deVigne-Jackiewicz, RN, IBCLC

Related Programs

Related programs include:

• Case Management
• Clinical Trials Design and Management Program
• Health and Wellness Coaching

Related Articles

Related articles include:

• Breastfeeding in the Workplace: How You Can Create a Culture of Support
• 10 Doulas Seek to Improve Breastfeeding in Black Community as Lactation Consultants
• Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Lactation Consultant
• Uyen Tran – How Obtaining a Lactation Consultant Certification Changed Her Career Path