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Deciding on which PATHWAY
The 3 exam eligibility pathways are open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Each person must decide which pathway will work best for them. For more info, go here: https://ibclc-commission.org/step-1-prepare-for-ibclc-certification/lactation-specific-clinical-experience/
Pathway 1 involves using appropriately supervised clinical experience obtained through paid employment or volunteer service as a health professional or mother support counselor. The kind of supervision that is considered appropriate depends upon the candidate’s professional background and scope of practice.
Under Pathway 2 and Pathway 3, the candidate completes clinical practice in lactation care under the direct supervision of experienced IBCLCs. Individuals with no paid or volunteer experience in providing care to breastfeeding families or those who desire a more structured way of learning lactation care clinical skills may choose to follow one of these pathways.
Pathway 1
Many candidates use clinical practice they have obtained through paid employment or volunteer service to qualify for the IBCLC certification exam. If you fall into one of the following categories, Pathway 1 is a reasonable choice to make.
- Your current work or volunteer service includes providing care to breastfeeding families.
- In the past 5 years, you worked or volunteered in a position in which you provided care to breastfeeding families.
- Employment or volunteer experience in a position in which you will provide care to breastfeeding families is something you can reasonably expect to obtain.
Pathway 1 candidates must complete at least 1000 hours of clinical practice experience in lactation care that were accrued in the 5 years immediately prior to applying for the IBCLC certification exam.
- Clinical practice may be obtained through paid employment or volunteer service in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, birthing centers, medical practices, public health departments and mother support counselor organizations.
- Appropriate supervision of your clinical practice in lactation care is required. Providing breastfeeding support to family and friends and/or in a setting without appropriate supervision may not be used to qualify for the IBCLC certification examination.
For assistance in determining if you have sufficient clinical practice hours in lactation care to qualify through Pathway 1, use the Lactation Specific Clinical Practice Calculator found on this page.
Pathway 2
We don’t have a lot of information on Pathway 2.
Pathway 3
Individuals seeking qualification through Pathway 3 must have an approved Pathway 3 Plan on file with IBLCE. This mentorship plan must be developed according to the specifications found in https://ibclc-commission.org/ibclc-information/pathway-3-plan-guide/ and must be approved by IBLCE prior to beginning the mentorship.
The first step toward qualification for the IBCLC certification examination through Pathway 3 is to develop and submit a mentorship plan to IBLCE. Details about Pathway 3 Plan development can be found in https://ibclc-commission.org/ibclc-information/pathway-3-plan-guide/
Pathway 3 requires a minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience in lactation care that were directly supervised by experienced IBCLCs and accrued within the 5 years immediately prior to applying for the IBCLC certification examination.
If you are considering Pathway 3, you must locate and contract with one or more IBCLCs. These IBCLCs will serve as your mentors and will provide the direct supervision of your clinical practice in lactation care.
Listen to the podcast to find the best places to connect with others to obtain your clinical hours.
If you work with breast/chestfeeding families and are passionate about lactation support OR you want to turn your passion for nursing into professional practice, check out LactaLearning.com and consider following us on social media!
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