Page Content
- What is a CLC vs IBCLC?
- Can a CLC work in a hospital?
- How much does a CLC get paid?
- What is the hardest certification exam to pass?
- What does a CLC do?
- Is the CLC exam hard?
- What is the highest level of lactation consultant?
- How much does a CLC make?
- What is the difference between a CLC and a lactation consultant?
- What is the difference between a certified breastfeeding specialist and an IBCLC?
Understanding the Distinction: CLC vs. IBCLC
In the realm of lactation support, two prominent certifications often come up: Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). While both play crucial roles in assisting breastfeeding mothers, they differ significantly in terms of training, certification processes, and the scope of practice.
Certification and Training
The IBCLC designation represents a higher level of expertise in lactation consulting. To become an IBCLC, candidates must complete a rigorous certification process that includes a minimum of 90 hours of lactation-specific education and a substantial amount of clinical practice—typically around 1,000 hours in a supervised setting. This extensive training equips IBCLCs to handle a wide range of breastfeeding challenges, from common issues to complex medical situations.
In contrast, the CLC certification requires less formal education and clinical experience. CLCs undergo a training program that generally includes 45 hours of lactation-specific education and a shorter clinical practice requirement. This makes the CLC credential more accessible, allowing individuals to provide support primarily for basic breastfeeding issues.
Scope of Practice
Both CLCs and IBCLCs are dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers, but their capabilities differ. CLCs are often found in community settings such as WIC clinics, Baby Cafés, and private practices, where they provide guidance on common breastfeeding concerns. They are well-equipped to educate and advocate for mothers but may not be trained to address more complex lactation issues.
On the other hand, IBCLCs are recognized as healthcare professionals with a broader scope of practice. They can work in various environments, including hospitals, private practices, and clinics, and are trained to manage intricate breastfeeding problems, such as those involving medical complications or special needs.
Conclusion
In summary, while both CLCs and IBCLCs are vital resources for breastfeeding support, the key differences lie in their training, certification requirements, and the complexity of issues they are prepared to handle. For mothers seeking assistance, understanding these distinctions can help them choose the right type of support for their breastfeeding journey. Whether opting for the more accessible CLC or the highly trained IBCLC, both professionals are committed to fostering successful breastfeeding experiences.
What is a CLC vs IBCLC?
How are IBCLCs different from CLCs? A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is a lower credential than IBCLC, appropriate for helping breastfeeding parents with simple problems. To obtain the CLC credential, a candidate only has to take a 4.5-day course and a test.
Can a CLC work in a hospital?
A career path for a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) can include working in a variety of settings such as hospitals, birthing centers, private practices, or public health clinics. They may also choose to work with mothers in their homes or in a community setting.
How much does a CLC get paid?
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Certified Lactation Counselor Clc Jobs
| City | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,303 | $33.80 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $70,081 | $33.69 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $70,034 | $33.67 |
| Livermore, CA | $69,994 | $33.65 |
What is the hardest certification exam to pass?
Here is the list of top 20 the toughest exams in world:
- Gaokao Exam in China.
- IIT JEE Advanced.
- Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC.
- All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam.
- USMLE.
- Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
- ICAI CA/ ICMAI Exams.
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
What does a CLC do?
The CLC – Certified Lactation Counselor
CLCs are clinical lactation care providers dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding and human lactation in their work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems.
Is the CLC exam hard?
The CLC examination is a challenging certification test. Many people retake one or both portions of the exam for a variety of reasons, including if they are making up time from a previous exam location.
What is the highest level of lactation consultant?
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
However, there is one certification that stands above the rest, the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). “The IBCLC is really the gold standard.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘meFnZ9GfB6C8wPAPl_-XEA__20′,’
How much does a CLC make?
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Certified Lactation Counselor Clc Jobs
| City | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,303 | $33.80 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $70,081 | $33.69 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $70,034 | $33.67 |
| Livermore, CA | $69,994 | $33.65 |
What is the difference between a CLC and a lactation consultant?
The main difference is the pathway to education. IBCLC’s have a more intensive certification process. CLC’s and IBCLC’S can both support, educate, advocate and counsel women in breastfeeding. CLC’s can be found in WIC clinics, Baby Cafe’s, Private Practice, La Leche League Leaders, and some hospitals.
What is the difference between a certified breastfeeding specialist and an IBCLC?
IBCLCs build on everything CLCs do and then some. They handle all the essential support that CLCs offer — like helping new parents with breastfeeding basics and guiding them through those early days — but with extra skills and knowledge for tackling more complex challenges.
