Become an IBCLC

Read this first!

 We cannot offer career counseling for becoming an IBCLC. The OBRC staff can only answer questions about our Pathway 3 (P3) Program.

Review our P3 Education and Program requirements pages to learn all things OBRC P3 & send all queries regarding OBRC's Pathway 3 Program via email to: OBRC@ouhsc.edu

Please use the below options to help you find the pathway that is best for you.

Which pathway is best for me? By Lactation Education Resources

Use this directory to find the IBLCE coordinator who can assist you.

OBRC’s Pathway 3 Clinical Training Program

At OBRC, we help prepare the next generation of lactation consultants by providing our own Pathway 3 Clinical Training program. This program helps those who qualify to obtain clinical experience hours through our 4-month, full-time, clinical rotation schedule. Trainees will gain experience in a variety of settings including: inpatient and outpatient areas, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank, as well as clinics out in the community. Completion of the OBRC P3 Program fulfills the clinical training requirement to be eligible to sit for the exam put forth by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) for designation as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). 

If you DO NOT work in one of the below facilities where you can obtain on the job clinical practice hours, then our program may be the one for you!  

  • Hospital
  • Birth Center
  • Community Clinic
  • Lactation Care Clinic/Practice
  • Primary Care Practitioner’s Practice/Office

Do I qualify to be an OBRC P3 Trainee?

Do I qualify to be an OBRC P3 Trainee?

I am an HSC RD student seeking IBCLC certification

I am a HSC RD student seeking IBCLC certification

I am a licensed RN or other HCP seeking IBCLC certification

I am a licensed RN or other HCP seeking IBCLC certification

What does an IBCLC do?

An IBCLC works in a wide variety of settings which may include an inpatient setting, outpatient clinics, or out in the community.  Others may choose to use their IBCLC certification in a variety of other ways including leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research in the lactation field.

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. An IBCLC is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE®). The IBLCE has 3 pathways to qualify for their exam.  Each pathway has three requirements: 1) General College Education Courses, 2) 90 hours of Lactation Specific Education and 3) 300-1,000 Lactation Specific Clinical Experience Hours (required hours vary by Pathway). 

Testimonials

I had already been working as an RN in Women's Health when I began thinking about becoming an IBCLC. I decided to do Pathway 3 so that I could get a better understanding of lactation. I'm so thankful that I did! With Pathway 3, I was able to focus solely on lactation rather than trying to learn as well as manage a full patient load.

- M.F. (2019 OBRC Pathway3 Graduate) 


I really enjoyed the pathway 3 program through Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center. I feel that I learned something new every day. I really liked that we got to spend time in labor and delivery, mother baby, NICU, outpatient and at the milk bank.  I felt very prepared in all areas. I enjoyed getting to go to other hospitals and experience the way that they do things. I feel that being a pathway 3 trainee opened up doors for my career and for me to be able to meet my goals as an IBCLC. I met a many different IBCLCs at various hospitals and it has helped me have more connections in the lactation world. Overall I felt very prepared and extremely happy with the pathway 3 program, I have made lifelong friendships and connections and I am very thankful. I would highly recommend the Pathway 3 program through OBRC!

- B.G. (2017 OBRC Pathway3 Graduate)