Lactation Consultant Schools in Massachusetts - MA

Lactation consultant training in Massachusetts consists of two parts: education, which is considered to be the academic component; and the hands-on, physical, experiential clinical component. The best way to begin if you want to become a lactation consultant in Massachusetts is to earn a college degree in a field related to health care. There are many schools both online and within the state of Massachusetts that offer degrees beneficial to becoming a lactation consultant, in fields such as nursing, health administration, human services and medical technology. While a bachelor degree in a health care field is usually sufficient, most employers of lactation consultants within the state of Massachusetts prefer a master degree.

After receiving college training, lactation consultants also receive specialized training in order to earn their certification. This is specified in the Massachusetts Hospital Licensure Regulations, where it says all lactation consultants employed at hospitals within the state must have certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or have equivalent training and experience. Such training is offered online via distance courses and also in-person at brick and mortar schools. Coursework hours for programs range from 45 to 200, and include courses on anatomy, physiology, nutrition during lactation and maternal recovery. In addition, clinical experience is provided in some lactation consultant training programs, which involves gaining hands-on experience at a local hospital or medical facility within the state of Massachusetts.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Lactation Consultants in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge and Lowell, Massachusetts may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Massachusetts General Hospital, Winchester Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Marlborough Hospital.