How much does IBCLC Pathway 1 cost?
If you’re drawn to becoming a lactation consultant, it’s likely not because you have dreams of becoming a millionaire (and don’t worry, there’s no risk of that!). Instead, it’s likely because you have a passion to help new families, you’re endlessly fascinated by the field of lactation, and you want to make this your work. But you also want to be realistic, especially given that it’s generally not a lucrative career. So it’s very fair that you’d wonder what your chosen pathway would cost. Is it affordable, and if so, how might you need to budget to make it happen? Specifically, how much would IBCLC Pathway 2 cost?
Costs can vary widely depending on which Pathway you take. This post focuses on the cost estimate just for Pathway 2. You can also find cost estimates for other Pathways here.
(Not sure which Pathway you would take? Read our overview of all the Pathways here. Still not clear, or not sure which pathway is right for you? Check out our free webinars on understanding the IBCLC pathways.)
We have done our best to break down costs for different components below. This can be confusing unless you have a good understanding of what each component of the pathways is – so go back and read the overview post if you’re not clear. Just to recap, the components common to all Pathways are:
- Health Sciences Education: Either be an recognized health professional OR complete 14 prerequisite health science courses
- 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)
HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION:
*If you are an approved health care professional (or will be by the time you become an IBCLC), then you can skip this section (given that you’ve already completed your education – even though it probably wasn’t cheap! – we won’t factor it in.) Go ahead and skip to Clinical Hours.
If you are NOT an approved health care professional, you will need to complete the health sciences prerequisites, listed below and on the IBLCE site:
Credit Courses:
Must be taken for credit through an accredited educational institution:
- Biology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Infant and Child Growth and Development
- Introduction to Clinical Research
- Nutrition
- Psychology or Counselling Skills or Communication Skills
- Sociology or Cultural Sensitivity or Cultural Anthropology
Start by determining how many of these you have already completed in your prior education – there is no expiration date for these courses, so even a course you completed many years ago can be eligible.
Now consider the courses you have remaining: the cost for these depends on where you complete your coursework. While the average cost per credit at a private university can be over $1000, at a community college average credit cost is around $140 (source), and many have courses available online. Keep in mind each course is usually 3 credits, so make sure you multiply cost per credit hour by number of credits you’ll need.
You can also find courses online through independent websites, which are often even lower-cost than community colleges. This Facebook group can be a helpful resource for finding online options for prerequisite education – frequently suggested include online resources like study.com and sophia.org (note that these courses must be taken for credit), and community colleges offering low-cost distance education.
COST: To calculate the cost of obtaining your prerequisites, determine: [Number of courses you need to complete] x [Cost per course] = Cost to complete prerequisites
Non-credit courses:
May be taken as continuing education (not for credit):
- 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
These may be taken at local community colleges, and some are offered online as a package by several different educational providers. We strongly encourage you to complete your Basic Life Support (CPR) course in person. These courses vary in cost but are often $100-$200 total.
COST: $100-200
CLINICAL HOURS AND LACTATION-SPECIFIC EDUCATION:
There is a growing list of programs, mostly based at universities and colleges, which provide a formal educational pathway to IBCLC training: Pathway 2. These programs bundle your lactation-specific education with your clinical hours, and you pay for the entire program as a package.
The cost for these is very dependent on the program, and some may also depend on factors like whether you are in-state or out-of-state (for public universities). However, you should anticipate costs of $6,000-$15,000 for the total program package.
While this may be more expensive than other Pathways, the fact that these are offered in accredited university and college settings may make them more accessible if you are able to qualify to receive financial aid and/or student loans. You may also get some or all of the cost paid if your employer offers tuition assistance/reimbursement. Note that not all programs are alike; before enrolling in a Pathway 2 program, verify that you will are guaranteed clinical mentorship sites and clarify where, geographically, your mentorship site(s) will be located.
COST: Varies, but anticipate $6,000-$15,000
OTHER EDUCATIONAL COSTS:
Textbooks/study materials
Each program’s requirements will differ, but it’s safe to factor in some cost for textbooks and any other required course materials.
COST: $100-200
Study materials/textbooks:
The class materials you use in your lactation-specific education usually serve as good study guides. Many people will also do additional online or in-person exam prep courses; consider budgeting another $100-$200 in exam prep materials.
COST: $100-200
OTHER EXPENSES:
Not all pathways/sites will require these, but they are “hidden” costs that are worth thinking about if you are considering a specific site and/or program.
Student liability insurance: Many programs and mentors will require you to purchase liability insurance (similar to malpractice insurance).
COST: ~$30
Background checks and/or drug screening: If these are required by your clinical site(s) prior to beginning work, you may need to pay for them yourself; this will vary depending on program, so investigate beforehand.
COST: ~$40-$70, highly dependent on the sites/services used
Required vaccinations: If you are not up-to-date on all required vaccination(s) for your clinical site(s), you will need to get them before you begin clinical work. Costs will vary significantly based on your health care plan, but generally are low for routine vaccinations. Note that you will likely need to update your flu shot yearly.
COST: Varies.
Clinical uniform: Your clinical site(s) may require you to purchase and wear a particular jacket, scrubs, or other uniform.
COST: $50-$100+, highly dependent on the site’s requirements.
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES:
Child care: if you need child care for taking courses, studying, going to volunteer trainings, and/or to earn your hours, calculate and add this cost as well.
Transportation: Factor in mileage if you will be driving to/from your clinical site(s), and any other associated transportation costs. Also consider travel to conferences, trainings, and meetings.
Finally…
EXAM
Exam fees:
The cost to apply to take the exam in the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe (as of 2020) is $660. Costs vary depending on region; check the IBLCE website for fees in your country/region.
COST: $660 (for those in the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe; may be lower depending on your country/region)
TOTAL COSTS SUMMARY:
- For those who are not recognized health professionals: Health Science courses for credit: Costs vary, and Health Science continuing education courses: $100-200
- Clinical hours and lactation-specific education: Varies, but anticipate $6,000-$15,000
- Other expenses (medical and background clearances, uniform): $0-$100+
- Textbooks/study materials and exam prep materials and courses: $100-400
- Exam fee: $660 (in the U.S./Canada as of 2020)
- Don’t forget additional expenses such as child care and transportation, if they apply to you.
To get a cost estimate for yourself, add up the items on the list above that would apply to you – that’s a ballpark of how much IBCLC Pathway 2 costs might be for you.
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