Prerequisites: What You Need to Know

First things first, you need to complete your required prerequisite general education. According to the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (2023), “The rationale for requiring all examination candidates to complete education in these subjects is to establish that they have the foundational education necessary to function as valued, respected members of the maternal-child health care team,” (p. 3).

If you are one of the clinical healthcare professionals listed below, submitting your government-issued license license or registration or a copy of your diploma, transcript, or degree from your institution of higher learning.

    • Dentist
    • Dietician
    • Midwife
    • Nurse
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Pharmacist
    • Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
    • Physician or Medical Doctor
    • Speech Pathologist or Therapist

    Education Group 1:

    • Must complete a minimum of one course for each subject
    • Must demonstrate a passing grade in each course
    • Basic or introductory course is appropriate, Advanced course not required
    • Lab component not required
    • Course must be equivalent to one academic session (semester, trimester, quarter, etc.)
    • Course must be provided by an accredited institution of higher learning
    1. Human Biology
    2. Human Anatomy
    3. Human Physiology
    4. Infant and Child Growth and Development
    5. Introduction to Clinical Research
    6. Nutrition
    7. Psychology OR Counseling Skills OR Communication Skills
    8. Sociology OR Cultural Sensitivity OR Cultural Anthropology

    Education Group 2:

    • May complete courses offered by an institute of higher learning OR may complete continuing education credits
    1. Basic Life Support
    2. Medical Documentation
    3. Medical Terminology
    4. Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals
    5. Professional Ethics for Health Professionals
    6. Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control

    Options for Group 1 classes:

    Community College: Your local community college may be a great way for you to obtain these credits. Community colleges typically have lower tuition costs compared to four-year universities, often have more flexible admission policies, making higher education accessible to a broader range of students, including non-traditional students, and typically offer evening, weekend, and online classes.

    Online Course Providers: There are quite a few online accredited education providers that can be used to obtain your prerequisite credits. Here are a few:

    • University of New England Online– Human Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Intro to Clinical Research, Pyschology, Sociology
    • Walden University– Human Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Nutiriton, Sociology, Child Development,
    • Sophia.org– Human Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Intro to Clinical Research, Pyschology, Sociology
    • Study.com– Human Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Intro to Clinical Research, Pyschology, Sociology

    Options For Group 2 Classes: 

    • LER– “IBLCE Additional General Education Package”- Medical Documentation, Medical Terminology, Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals, Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control
    • LER- Communication
    • American Heart Association- Basic Life Support

    Once you’ve completed your prerequisites,

    you’re ready to start your lactation education and clinical hours.

    Click here to learn about your options for lactation education.