GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Lactation Consultant Qualification Duration Statistics

The average duration of obtaining a lactation consultant qualification is approximately 1-2 years.

Last Updated: June 23, 2024

How we write

In this post, we will explore various statistics related to the qualifications, examinations, and career aspects of lactation consultants. From the duration of education courses to certification exam details and salary insights, these statistics provide valuable information for individuals interested in pursuing a career in lactation consulting.

Statistic 1

"In the United States, prospective lactation consultants usually complete a 90-hour lactation education course."

Statistic 2

"Candidates with backgrounds in healthcare can apply for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) examination after completing 14 business/communication/ethics education credits."

Statistic 3

"Applicants for the IBCLC examination with no background in healthcare are required to complete 90 hours of lactation education and an additional 28 hours of health sciences education."

Statistic 4

"It can take up to 3 years to meet the combination of education and clinical experience requirements to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant."

Statistic 5

"The IBCLC examination is administered twice a year, in April and October."

Statistic 6

"The exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant consists of 175 multiple-choice questions."

Statistic 7

"As of 2019, there were around 33,100 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in the world."

Statistic 8

"As of 2017, the highest number of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in the USA was in the state of California, with 1,331 consultants."

Statistic 9

"The average pass rate for the IBCLC examination in the year 2021 was 84.19% for the first attempt and 41.04% for subsequent attempts."

Statistic 10

"The course fees for lactation specialist training ranges from $600 to $1000 on an average."

Statistic 11

"The exam fee for the IBCLC is $660, as of 2022."

Statistic 12

"The recertification fee for the IBCLC credential is $270, as of 2022."

Statistic 13

"By pathway 2, institutions offer a curriculum that encompasses a 95-hour didactic component and 300 hours of supervised clinical practice."

Statistic 14

"Median salary for lactation consultants in the United States is approximately $79,000 per year as of 2022."

Statistic 15

"After certification, lactation consultants can specialize further, with training programs within these specialties typically taking less than a year."

Statistic 16

"In Australia, completion of a Certificate IV or higher in Breastfeeding Education (Counselling) is required to become a lactation consultant."

Statistic 17

"As of 2022, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) certifies lactation consultants in 110 countries."

In conclusion, the path to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant involves a combination of education credits, clinical experience, and passing a rigorous examination. The process can take several years to complete, with varying requirements depending on the candidate’s background in healthcare. Despite the challenging nature of the exam, the average pass rates indicate a majority of candidates are successful on their first attempt. With a growing number of certified lactation consultants worldwide, there is a strong demand for specialized training and certification in this field. The potential career rewards, such as a median salary of $79,000 in the United States, make pursuing this certification a promising investment for those passionate about supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

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