Lactation Consultant Schools in Montana - MT

Montana has very few practicing lactation consultants offering good potential career opportunities for newcomers. According to Montana’s Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, there were less than 2 certified lactation consultants for every 1000 births as of 2008.

Lactation consultant training in Montana includes both field training and academics. Look to community colleges as well as private universities to provide the required coursework. For the rural or self-supporting student, choosing an online school program to complete necessary courses may offer an easier alternative. Many hospitals in Montana may offer support for the lactation consultant student’s clinical training including Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and Northern Montana Hospital.

As of 2012 education certification requirements (for anyone who is not a state licensed healthcare professional or a person with hundreds of qualified hours of experience) will be more extensive for first-time applicants. Students will be required to take a minimum one-year program consisting of 14 courses focused on the sciences, occupational healthcare practices, and also complete 90 contact hours of lactation consultation experience in a live clinical setting. Some expected courses included in Montana lactation consultant training programs include:

• Nutrition
• Medical Documentation
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy
• Biology
• Physiology

Lactation consultant training in Montana also includes 300 documented hours of required clinical work in order to qualify for the IBCLC exam.