Becoming a Lactation ConsultantYou are interested in becoming a lactation consultant.... Perhaps you are an RN who has worked in maternity nursing for many years, and you are wondering if there is something more you can do. Perhaps you are a La Leche League Leader. You might be a dietitian, a physician, a midwife, a childbirth educator or a doula. Perhaps you are a mom that had a great breastfeeding experience, and you are wanting to share that with others. In any case, you are now exploring your options and want to find out just what it takes to embark on the path to this new profession. How to BeginStep 1: Look at the educational grid and see where you fit. If you don't have at least an associate's degree or higher, we recommend that you consider enrolling in college to complete either an associate's or bachelor's....taking courses that would augment the work you are going to be doing. This is not a requirement – but it will decrease the number of breastfeeding consultancy hours you need. Enroll in a Lactation Consultant Preparation Program, such as is offered by Lactation Education Consultants (LEC) that is at least 45 clock hours in length. This will give you a solid basis and preparation in lactation management and how to work as a lactation consultant. Step 2: Completion of, or a minimum of a 4 clock-hour overview of the following courses are required by the IBLCE to qualify to take the board exam: Anatomy & Physiology, Child Development, Nutrition, Medical Terminology, Sociology and Counseling. Those with a licensed health care background (RN, MD, LPN) have already had these courses. ALL exam candidates will be required to have 4 hours counseling/communication skills to qualify for the exam beginning in 2007. Step 4: Once you have completed your education and obtained your requisite number of breastfeeding consultancy hours, you can apply to take the IBLCE Board Exam. Once you pass the exam, you are then a qualified, bona fide, genuine international board certified lactation consultant, an IBCLC! Congratulations! What to Consider: What about the job market? What kind of pay can I expect? That's a great question, and the answer varies depending on where you are working, and in which part of the country you settle. Hospital based lactation consultants will probably make as much or slightly more than a staff nurse; clinic and physician-offices will pay slightly less. IBCLCs in private practice - well, it depends on how hard you work at developing your practice, the particular needs of your community, and what the market will bear. One study estimated that the median pay for an IBCLC is over $50,000/year. What are the costs involved in becoming certified? You are embarking on a whole new career path! While it may not be as costly or as time consuming as obtaining a four year degree in education, for example, it does require time, energy, money, and commitment. There is the tuition for your lactation consultant preparation program - a week long course may involve airfare to the city where it is being held, hotel and meal costs. Then there are the lactation management texts you will need to purchase, and finally, the cost of the exam itself. You may need to hire an experienced IBCLC to mentor you while you obtain your BC hours. It isn't cheap - but nothing that is worth having comes without a price and some sacrifice. Being an IBCLC should not be viewed as a hobby, or something you can do "on the side" while your children are young. This is a profession, and the rewards are terrific! |
Steps to Becoming an LC
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