Pathway 2: Didactic

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026. Students who wish to complete all clinical hours online via our immersive simulation lab may submit an application by August 31, 2026.

The Fall 2026 Pathway 2 course will run from September 7, 2026 - May 30, 2027.  The cost to enroll is $8500.

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. 

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 September:

• 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                         RMED-40037                             30 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
 

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.