Pathway 2: Didactic

We are currently accepting applications for Spring 2025 for students who wish to complete clinical hours via the use of techology.  If you are interested in completing clinical hours in our immersive simulation lab, please submit an application prior to February 15, 2025. If you would prefer to complete clinical hours in-person, the next opportunity will be in Fall 2025.

Great news!  The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) has approved the use of simulation to complete clinical hours through September 2025! This is an excellent opportunity become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), especially for international students, students who live in rural areas, and students who have a hectic schedule and may not be able to complete clinical hours in-person. 

The Spring 2025 Pathway 2 course will run from March 3 - August 16, 2025.  The cost to enroll is $7500.

With the exception of the Foundations of Lactation Education (FLE) course, all prerequisites must be completed at the time you submit an application.  The FLE class must be completed prior to the start of the Pathway 2 program. Enrolling in the FLE class that begins on January 2, 2025 is acceptable.

This Lactation Consultant Pathway 2 professional certificate program expands the clinical knowledge of the breastfeeding professional who interfaces with the breastfeeding client by understanding problems of clinical management.

Certification as a lactation consultant is approved preparation for healthcare providers who interact and triage infant nutrition problems and concerns. The course of study is based on objectives, guidelines and competencies established by LEAARC.

Although UC San Diego does not issue the credential of Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), this program complies with the IBLCE guidelines.

Pathway 2 Qualifications:

Pathway 2 candidates are defined as having completed all of the requirements below, prior to the start of the program in March:

• Completion of all 14 “General Education Courses” as defined by the IBLCE –or– be an approved Health Professional (IBLCE Approved Health Professions: Dentist, Dietician, Degreed Nutritionist, Midwife, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist, Physician or Medical Doctor, Speech Pathologist or Therapist)

• These course requirements can be reviewed at
  IBLCE.org 

• Completion of the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Foundations of Lactation Education, Course Number: RMED-40040

• AP classes are accepted on a course-by-course basis

Pathway 2 Required Courses

Pathway 2: Didactic                                              RMED-40032                             12 Units 
Clinical Competencies Internship I                       RMED-40033                             15 Units
Clinical Competnecies Intership II                        RMED-40034                             15 Units         

To receive the certificate, students must complete 42 credit hours.     

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies uses Canvas as our learning platform for all courses. Canvas is not compatible with smart phones or tablet devices. We recommend students plan to use a lap top or desk top for our courses.    

IBCLC Exam Pass Rates
 

Class Year	Percentage Passed
2021	78%
2022	83%
2023	84%

The IBLCE code for our program is 164875.

Please note that the IBLCE exam is administered only twice a year, typically during the spring and fall. However, you must apply for the exam 4-5 months before the exam dates when the IBLCE exam application window opens. Students are not eligible to apply for the exam until they have graduated from the Pathway 2 program. For more information about the exam schedule, please refer to the IBLCE Commission.

The Pathway 2 professional certificate program expands the clinical knowledge of the breastfeeding professional who interfaces with the breastfeeding client by understanding problems of clinical management. Certification as a lactation consultant is approved preparation for healthcare providers who interact and triage infant nutrition problems and concerns. The course of study is based on objectives, guidelines and competencies established by LEAARC.

Contact Hours: 120 hours. Contact hours are awarded for the completion of assignments and a final grade of Pass/80% (B-) or higher. The instructors for this course have no conflicts of interest to disclose. This course was last updated 2023. Content is reviewed and updated as needed but no longer than 3 years. The expiration date for this course is December 31, 2026.