Certificate in Human Lactation Consultant

Certificate Level: Undergraduate
Admission Requirements: Associate's degree or equivalent
Certificate Type: Certificate
Number of Credits to Completion: 16.0
Instructional Delivery: Campus
Calendar Type: Semester
Expected Time to Completion: 1 year
Financial Aid Eligibility: Aid eligible
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 51.0815
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 31-9099

About the Program

The Human Lactation Consultant program is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals interested in becoming Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to obtain the required 90 hours of didactic coursework and 300 hours of supervised practice to be eligible to sit for the certification exam. The courses are designed for current Drexel students, practicing health care and public health professionals outside of Drexel, and others interested in entering the health professions. There is currently a strong global and national emphasis on increasing breastfeeding to promote health at the population level, prevent acute and chronic illness and decrease societal health care costs. The United States Surgeon General, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy People 2020, the Institutes of Medicine, the Joint Commission, Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign and many professional associations include breastfeeding as a key health strategy.

The certificate program consists of four 2-credit didactic courses in lactation and two 4-credit supervised practice classes. The didactic coursework is offered in the classroom setting. The supervised practice is offered in clinical hospital and outpatient sites, as well as area WIC offices affiliated with Drexel.

Students who wish to become IBCLCs must complete all six courses. To be eligible to take the certifying exam given by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, they must have also completed coursework including anatomy and physiology, biology, child growth and development, nutrition and psychology, which may be taken at Drexel or other institutions. Drexel has accreditation as a Pathway 2 Program with the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of an associate’s degree or equivalent.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners requires education in 14 health science subjects in addition to education provided in human lactation and breastfeeding during the certificate program. Health sciences courses may be completed either prior to enrolling in the certificate program, or while enrolled in the certificate program. All sciences courses must be completed before the Certificate in Human Lactation Consultant will be awarded.

A minimum of one quarter, term or semester of each of the following academic subjects must be completed at an accredited college or university:

• Biology
• Human anatomy/human physiology
• Infant and child growth and development
• Introduction to clinical research
• Nutrition
• Psychology, counseling skills OR communication skills
• Sociology, cultural sensitivity OR cultural anthropology

The remaining six subjects may be completed at an accredited college or university, OR through continuing education courses:

• Basic life support
• Medical documentation
• Medical terminology
• Occupational safety and security for health professionals
• Professional ethics for health professionals
• Universal safety precautions and infection control

A detailed description of acceptable coursework to fulfill these requirements is available on the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners website.

Program Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

Part-time Sample Plan of Study

Additional Information

For more information about this certificate, please visit the Human Lactation Consultant Certificate web page.