IBCLC Health Science Education Requirements
The first step in the IBCLC process is obtaining your Health Sciences education. Health Sciences Education courses are required for IBCLC certification unless you are a Recognized Health Professional – List of recognized health professionals.
Students who are not Recognized Health Professionals must complete the college credit courses in the health sciences education topics plus a course in medical terminology before taking our Lactation Education courses. Medical terminology is one of the additional prerequisites and can be taken as a college credit course or as a continuing education course. See all the additional prerequisites listed below.
You must take 1 course from each section below and pass with a grade of C or better. For Human Anatomy and Physiology the full sequence (301, 302, 303) must be completed. Once completed, you will be eligible to register for the Lactation Education courses.
Students can take college credit courses that meet these prerequisites at any institution of higher education. The courses listed below are offered at PSU.
Human Anatomy & Physiology
BI – 301
BI – 302
BI – 303
Biology
BI – 207
Infant & Child Development
PSY – 311
Intro to Clinical Research
STAT – 243Z
PHE – 314
Nutrition
CH – 250
PHE – 325U
Psychology, Counseling & Communication Skills
COMM – 100Z
COMM – 218Z
PSY – 204
PSY – 350
Sociology, Cultural Sensitivity & Cultural Anthropology
ANTH – 103
SOC – 200
SOC – 250
COMM – 215
PHE – 452U
Additional Pre-Requisites
There are additional prerequisites that are not offered by the SPH. Students who are not Recognized Health Professionals must complete a course in medical terminology before taking our Lactation Education courses. The remaining topics can be completed concurrently with the Lactation Education courses, and must be completed before applying for the Pathway 2 Lactation Practicum.
You can obtain them online or you can find them at community colleges. Purchase online additional pre-requisite courses.
Courses include:
- Basic Life Support – can be obtained from your local hospital, fire department or Red Cross
- Medical Documentation
- Medical Terminology
- Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals
- Professional Ethics for Health Professionals
- Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control
Transferring Courses From PCC
Students can transfer in credits from other academic institutions. Here are Portland Community College (PCC) courses that meet the Lactation Education Pre-reqs:
Biology
BI 101
BI 112
BI 211
Human Anatomy & Human Physiology
BI 231
BI 232
BI 233
Infant & Child Growth and Development
HEC 226
PSY 215
Psychology / Counseling / Communication Skills
PSY 101
PSY 201A
PSY 215
PSY 222
COMM 101
COMM 214
Sociology / Cultural Sensitivity / Cultural Anthropology
SOC 204
SOC 205
SOC 213
ATH 103
ATH 207
Introduction to Clinical Research
STAT 243Z
Nutrition
FN 225
Have Questions About Our Program?
Request Information
Contact lactation@pdx.edu or schedule an appointment with our lactation advisors if you have more questions or would like to receive more information about our program.
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How Do You Obtain Your Health Science Education?
Watch our short videos about the IBLCE Health Sciences education requirements and PSU Lactation Training Program. These videos outline the health science topics, available courses, and online resources dedicated to helping you obtain your health science education.