Community Forum: General Discussion
Use this forum to discuss matters of interest to lactation professionals.
Hi I'm from the UK and confused
Posted 15th Mar By Clare Hesketh
Hi, i'm wondering if someone can help me. I'm from the UK and hoping to take the IBCLC exam within 5 years (I have no idea how long it will take but i'm giving myself 5 years from now as a guide).
I am a mother supporter which means I support women but I can't help with problems (the same as a peer supporter). I'm trained with the Assosiation of Breastfeeding Mothers - ABM in the UK.
I am attending a study day on how to become a LC in June and will get a lot of answers then but I'm confused about something I read on here just now.
I read that you have to take a course and not just collect the right amount of CERPS. I have never heard this before. I thought I could get my CERPS from Conferences and study/education days (but that I could pick and chose from different courses and not just have to stick to one course). Is this the rule from the whole world? being an international qualification I would assume the requirements would be the same...
Many Thanks
Clare
I am a mother supporter which means I support women but I can't help with problems (the same as a peer supporter). I'm trained with the Assosiation of Breastfeeding Mothers - ABM in the UK.
I am attending a study day on how to become a LC in June and will get a lot of answers then but I'm confused about something I read on here just now.
I read that you have to take a course and not just collect the right amount of CERPS. I have never heard this before. I thought I could get my CERPS from Conferences and study/education days (but that I could pick and chose from different courses and not just have to stick to one course). Is this the rule from the whole world? being an international qualification I would assume the requirements would be the same...
Many Thanks
Clare
Re: Hi I'm from the UK and confused
Posted 15th Mar By Denise Fisher
Congratulations Clare. Your plan sounds well thought out and achievable. Well done.
To sit the IBLCE examination you require clinical experience and the completion of a minimum number of hours of lactation-specific education that covers all of the topics examined (the blueprint).
A quote from the IBLCE website, "IBLCE strongly recommends that all candidates undertake a comprehensive lactation specific course that reflects the IBLCE Exam Blue Print of Skills and Knowledge. It would be expected that a comprehensive course would be around 120hrs+."
Conferences and study days will consolidate your knowledge and expand it - but you do need the foundation knowledge first that will allow you to understand the more advanced information being presented. A comprehensive course will also ensure you don't miss any of the basics, which are frequently neglected in conferences/study days. A comprehensive course will also give you an outline, a plan, on which to base your studies.
And of course, with a course you will also have access to a teacher and your fellow students. With our BreastEd program you'd be with us for at least 10 months and be able to ask your tutors lots of questions whenever you think of them during that time. Your colleagues will also share their questions, concerns, case studies, etc and you'll gain so much more from the experience.
Online study is the best of both worlds - no venues to travel to, but still a wonderful collegial sharing of the experience.
Have you read the information leaflet: Becoming an LC? health-e-learning.com
(Click on the link to be taken to it)
CERPs are what you will be required to accumulate after you are qualified. (Continuing Education Recognition Points).
Denise
To sit the IBLCE examination you require clinical experience and the completion of a minimum number of hours of lactation-specific education that covers all of the topics examined (the blueprint).
A quote from the IBLCE website, "IBLCE strongly recommends that all candidates undertake a comprehensive lactation specific course that reflects the IBLCE Exam Blue Print of Skills and Knowledge. It would be expected that a comprehensive course would be around 120hrs+."
Conferences and study days will consolidate your knowledge and expand it - but you do need the foundation knowledge first that will allow you to understand the more advanced information being presented. A comprehensive course will also ensure you don't miss any of the basics, which are frequently neglected in conferences/study days. A comprehensive course will also give you an outline, a plan, on which to base your studies.
And of course, with a course you will also have access to a teacher and your fellow students. With our BreastEd program you'd be with us for at least 10 months and be able to ask your tutors lots of questions whenever you think of them during that time. Your colleagues will also share their questions, concerns, case studies, etc and you'll gain so much more from the experience.
Online study is the best of both worlds - no venues to travel to, but still a wonderful collegial sharing of the experience.
Have you read the information leaflet: Becoming an LC? health-e-learning.com
(Click on the link to be taken to it)
CERPs are what you will be required to accumulate after you are qualified. (Continuing Education Recognition Points).
Denise
Health e-Learning