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Lactation Consultant: Pathway 2

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Applications for Fall 2021 will be accepted from March 29 - May 15, 2021.  Please note the following: 
 

With the exception of the Lactation Education Counselor (LEC) course, all prerequisites must be completed at the time you submit an application.  The LEC course must be completed by the time the Pathway 2 program starts in September, 2021.


This Lactation Consultant Pathway 2 professional certificate program expands the clinical knowledge of the breastfeeding professional who interfaces with the breastfeeding client by understanding problems of clinical management.


Certification as a lactation consultant is approved preparation for healthcare providers who interact and triage infant nutrition problems and concerns. The course of study is based on objectives, guidelines and competencies established by LEAARC.

Although UC San Diego does not issue the credential of Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), this program complies with the IBLCE guidelines.

Program Benefits:

Students who complete this certificate will:

  • Expand their clinical knowledge as a breastfeeding professional who interfaces with the breastfeeding clients by understanding problems of clinical management

  • Receive a professional certificiate of completion in lactation consultant education, which is approved preparation for healthcare providers who interact and triage infant nutrition problems and concerns

  • Study objectives, guidelines and competencies established and approved by LEAARC

Pathway 2 Qualifications:

Pathway 2 candidates are defined as having completed all of the requirements below, prior to the start of the program in September:


Demand and Job Prospects

  • Lactation Consultants typically interact with patients in a role similar to nurse practitioners, as advanced practice clinicians. They generally work independently to triage and manage a clinical lactation concern for mother, baby, and family unit. In most areas, they are paid an hourly rate that seems to parallel the RN salary range which is from $20-$45 per hour.

  • Lactation consultants do not have to be RN’s to function in their role, although some hospitals may have an additional requirement that the IBCLC be an RN.

  • May be employed in hospitals and manage hospital breastfeeding centers and boutiques. In this role they may facilitate other lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, triage phone calls and warm lines, and manage breastfeeding stores that rent breast pumps and sell breastfeeding clothing and products.

  • Frequently hired by WIC, the federally funded Women, Infant, and Children program. These lactation consultants are usually also dieticians, although that is not a requirement.

  • Some UC San Diego Extension Lactation Consultant graduates have chosen to establish private practices. In this role they do lactation consultations with patients and their families either in a business setting or in the patient’s home. The fees are set by the individual lactation consultant. The business may also include retail products, breast pump rentals, support groups and classes.

Lactation Consultants are generally employed part time although more full time positions are becoming available. Currently, UC San Diego Extension does not offer job placement assistance, however most graduating students who have sought employment as Lactation Consultants have secured positions.

Pass Rates

Testing Date     Number of Candidates     Number Passed     Percentage Passed    
April 2019 10 10 100%
October 2019 54 48 89%

Industry Certification

CAAHEP.pngThe Lactation Consultant Program provided by UC San Diego, Extension is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC).  The program earned its initial accreditation on November 17, 2017 and is current until November 30, 2022.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

UC San Diego Extension supports IBLCE as the credential and certification board for practicing Lactation Consultants. The IBLCE Exam is given twice a year in September and April. Students must complete the IBLCE requirements as currently defined at www.IBLCE.org.

Students may meet the certification exam requirements by any Pathway, however, UC San Diego only supports Pathway 1 and Pathway 2. All UC San Diego Extension students who successfully complete the training program and its requirements are eligible to sit for the IBLCE exam.

Military spouses are eligible to use My CAA $4000 scholarship. Apply at MyCAA.
logo-mycaa.png

APPLY NOW
APPLICATION FEE: $50

There will be a $95 fee upon acceptance into the program

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