where to get college course for ibclc

How much does it cost to become an IBCLC?

The costs of becoming an IBCLC start mounting when you realize how many resources you will need. Of the thousands of IBCLC candidates I have taught, I’d say that most spend at least $500 to $1000 (USD) on books and resources to prepare for the exam. Some have spent much more.

What are the pathways to become an IBCLC?

The pathways are designed to ensure that all applicants have a health sciences background, a minimum of 90 hours lactation specific education as well as relevant clinical experience and adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs by attestation.

What is the IBCLC exam?

The IBCLC examination tests the application of knowledge in the disciplines listed on the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline. The IBCLC examination consists of 175 multiple choice questions.

What courses do I need to take to get IBLCE certification?

IBLCE College Courses Requirement. The IBLCE requires 8 college level courses to qualify for the certification exam: 8 college level courses required by the IBLCE if you have not already taken them. GlobalHealth by Keypath Education has arranged a package of IBLCE required classes that can be taken as a package or individually.

What is the first step to becoming an IBCLC?

The path to the IBCLC has four steps: choose a pathway, get your education, complete your clinical hours, and apply and sit for the exam. There are three pathways you can choose from to complete these requirements, depending on your background and education.

How long does it take to study for the IBCLC exam?

90 hoursThe IBLCE requires exam candidates to take 90 hours of lactation-focused education. I suggest that you schedule at least 3 hours of study for every hour of class time. (More for some people, less for others, as I'll address below.)

Is it hard to become an IBCLC?

Becoming an IBCLC is a lot of work. A LOT. There are three pathways to sitting for the exam, all which include 14 college-level health science courses, at least 90 hours of lactation-specific education, and from 300-1,000 hours of directly supervised clinical lactation practice.

What is passing score for IBCLC exam?

Test Results The IBLCE approved and adopted a final cut score of 129 raw score units (out of 175) for the 2018 April test form. Final results for the examination forms are shown in Tables 2 and 3, displaying means and pass/fail summary by certification status and eligibility pathway, respectively.

How many people fail the IBCLC exam?

Every year, approximately 500 people fail the exam. So, if this happens to you, remember that you are not alone. Don't give up and don't be afraid to reach out for help. Go back to the company that provided your exam prep tools and let them know you did not pass.

What if I fail the IBCLC exam?

If you don't pass the IBCLC examination, then you are eligible to receive a 50% discounted examination fee for the next three examination attempts or up to three years following the first time you don't pass. Both initial and recertification examination candidates are eligible for the discounted rate.

What is the difference between a lactation consultant and an IBCLC?

IBCLCs tend to come from a clinical background—many are doctors and registered nurses—while CLCs are usually more holistic-minded (think registered midwives and doulas). If you're more academic minded and feel better in the hands of someone with extensive certification, then an IBCLC might be the best fit.

Is a lactation consultant worth it?

Lactation consultants can offer peace of mind during a potentially stressful time by answering questions, giving advice, and helping to troubleshoot breastfeeding problems. Even if you're a seasoned pro, sometimes having a lactation consultant weigh in if feeding issues come up can be helpful.

How many hours do I need for IBCLC?

500 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practise obtained under the direct supervision of an IBCLC(s). Candidates MUST have these plans verified (includes an application fee) by IBLCE prior to earning the clinical hours.

What is on the IBCLC exam?

The IBCLC examination consists of 175 multiple choice questions. The examination is given in two parts, and once you have completed Part One, you may not go back to that part. Most questions in Part Two are associated with an image. The standard IBCLC examination is of four hours duration.

How many hours of lactation education do I need to complete IBCLC?

Common components of ALL Pathways. In each IBCLC Pathway, you must complete the following 4 components: Lactation Education: Complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education, and 5 additional hours of communication skills specific to lactation.

How many pathways are there for lactation consultants?

However, lactation consultants can choose from three possible pathways – and Pathway 1 is actually split into two different categories!

How many hours of lactation education is required?

Lactation Education: Complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education, and 5 additional hours of communication skills specific to lactation. Clinical Hours: Gain clinical experience in lactation care (number of hours varies based on the pathway) Exam: Take and pass the IBCLC exam (offered twice each year)

What is a breastfeeding counselor?

Breastfeeding counselor working in a birth center, supervised by midwives. After you complete all of your requirements, you will be eligible to apply to take the IBCLC exam.

How to get IBCLC certification?

Step 1: Prepare for IBCLC Certification. To sit the IBCLC certification examination, you are to meet eligibility criteria in the three areas below, as well as adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs. Health Sciences Education. Lactation Specific Education.

What is the IBCLC exam?

With respect to measurement, the IBCLC examination includes both metric weights and measures as well as US weights and measures, with the more prevalent metric measurement noted first, and with the US measurement noted second in a parenthetical, e.g,., 30 mL (1 oz).

How many pathways are there for IBCLC?

To be eligible to sit the IBCLC examination, you may pursue one of three pathways ( Pathway 1, Pathway 2, or Pathway 3) to meet the key eligibility components. You must meet the criteria through one of these pathways to be eligible to sit for the IBCLC examination.

How many questions are asked in the IBCLC exam?

The IBCLC examination consists of 175 multiple choice questions. The examination is given in two parts, and once you have completed Part One, you may not go back to that part. Most questions in Part Two are associated with an image. The standard IBCLC examination is of four hours duration.

Does IBLCE recommend lactation education?

IBLCE does not offer, approve, or accredit lactation education designed to prepare candidates for the certification examination. Nor does IBLCE recommend or endorse any particular programme or course in lactation education. For more detailed information, review the Candidate Information Guide. *.

Select Your Best Pathway 1, 2 or 3

Consider the pathway choice carefully. Each pathway has pros and cons. A candidates job or volunteer position can help determine the best pathway. Financial investment can also be a factor is selecting pathways. Each pathway has the same requirements, but how they are met and the number of hours vary.

Pathway 2: Accredited Lactation Academic Programs

Pathway 2 is currently only available in the United States. Students must complete a comprehensive academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding that is accredited by CAAHP (or another accrediting body with equivalent accreditation standards)

Pathway 3: Mentorship with an IBCLC

This pathway involves locating a current IBCLC that is willing to act as a chief mentor. Candidates can have several IBCLC mentors, but one must take on the role of chief mentor, complete the application and assume responsibility for the mentee. Mentors will require a time of shadowing prior to allowing mentees to perform consulting duties.

Requirement 1: College Courses

Good News! If you already possess a degree as a health professional recognized by IBLCE, you do not have to take additional college courses. The organization concurs that in order to obtain a license or certificate, professionals have already met the education standards.

Requirement 2: Lactation-Specific Education (90 Hours) and Communication (5 Hours)

Applicants must collect at least 90 seat hours (60 min hours) in human lactation and breastfeeding. In addition, 5 hours must focus on communication. These hours must be completed within 5 years of applying to sit the IBLCE Exam. The required hours can be completed in a variety of ways.

Requirement 3: Clinical Hours (Steps 2 & 3 can be completed simultaneously)

Applicants must earn their required clinical hours within 5 years of applying for the IBLCE Exam. Clinical hours are required for all three pathways. If a candidate selects Pathway 1 (working or volunteering as a breastfeeding support counselor), they are required to document 1,000 clinical hours.

How many hours does it take to become an IBCLC?

Requirements to Become an IBCLC. In order to complete the 90 hours required, LEC also offers six home study courses of 15 hours each. Completing three of these courses fulfills the second 45 hour requirement.

How many college courses do I need to become a health care professional?

If you are NOT one of the above mentioned licensed/registered health care professionals, you also need to complete eight college courses of at least one semester each.

Slide Links

Every attempt has been made to share accurate, up-to-date information as outlined by IBLCE, but the final authority is IBLCE and it is your responsibility to consult with and verify information with the current Candidate Information Guide and the IBLCE Website. Iblce.org

STEP 2 Pay

Registration is not complete until payment is received. Payment is final, no refunds. The room will open 10 minutes prior to start time and will close 10 minutes after we have begun. Late attendees will not be admitted into the webinar after the 10 minute grace period.

Step 3 check email

Every day I open my emails to find several requests for information about becoming an IBCLC. I spend hours dialoguing and answering many of the same questions. Now there is a complete guide to becoming an IBCLC.

Understanding the IBCLC Pathways

Many health care professions usually have a single clear pathway: take required prerequisite courses, enroll in an accredited academic program, graduate, and pass an exam.

Have more questions? Still not sure which IBCLC Pathway is right for you?

Still not sure how to become an IBCLC without being a health care professional? Join one of our free, live monthly webinars! Check out our Facebook events page and follow us on Facebook for announcements of upcoming dates. One of our expert instructors reviews the pathways in detail and answers questions from attendees.

The pathway you pursue

The pathway you choose can impact the total costs for becoming an IBCLC. If you choose:

Fees for healthcare science coursework (if you have not already completed them earlier)

If you are a healthcare professional as defined by IBLCE ™, the IBLCE presumes you have had the healthcare science courses. (Be sure to see my explanation of IBLCE’s requirements for the 14 healthcare sciences in a YouTube video. You may be all set. Otherwise, you’ll need to budget for completing those courses now.

The course fees for your lactation-specific coursework

In all likelihood, the largest costs for becoming an IBCLC are related to your lactation-specific course. I can’t go into all of the details, but again, I invite you to register for my free webinar.

The costs of books, learning resources, or materials

In my courses, I provide dozens of free, credible resources. I also provide some of those resources online. I’ve created many myself. However, that’s not nearly enough. (And despite what you might initially think, the Internet is not necessarily the most credible source of information

The fees for the IBLCE Exam

The fee for your IBLCE Exam depends on whether you’re a first-time test-taker or a re-certifier. And, the fee for the IBLCE Exam depends on what country you live in. Check IBLCE’s fee structure.

The costs for travel, if needed

As you anticipate the costs for becoming an IBCLC, remember that you might incur travel expenses to take the exam itself. Let me give you an example.

Other miscellaneous expenses

There are all sorts of expenses, great and small, that figure into the costs for becoming an IBCLC. Some people need to obtain and pay for transcript (s); some people need to pay for childcare; some people need to pay for parking at the exam site.