Lactation Consultant Schools in Ohio - OH

There are several ways to obtain training to become a lactation consultant in Ohio. Candidates who are just beginning their education and have no experience will need to take college-level courses in human biology, anatomy and physiology, sociology, counseling, nutrition, infant health and development, and other similar classes. Once the basic courses have been completed, specific coursework that focuses on breastfeeding (such as milk production, breastfeeding equipment and technology, ethical issues, etc.) is required. Finally, practical experience in a clinical and supervised setting is also necessary. Candidates with a background in a health-related field may already have some of the educational background required, but may lack the practical experience or the specific information on lactation. Still others may be peer advisors to other breastfeeding mothers, yet need the academic training to become a lactation consultant. Lactation consultant training fills in the gaps of education and experience.

Ohio has many state universities and community colleges, which offer the general coursework common to all lactation consultant training programs. Some classes may require attendance in a lab setting while others may be taken online. Coursework that focuses on lactation may be taken through seminars, conferences, and workshops offered by certified lactation consultants or sponsored by hospitals.

There are many hospitals in Ohio that are likely to offer practical experience opportunities for lactation consultants. A person who wishes to become a lactation consultant can contact a local hospital or clinic in order to find out whether the facility provides supervised training in partnership with Ohio schools.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring lactation consultants in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron and Dayton, Ohio 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 Akron City Hospital, The Cleveland Clinic and the many University Hospitals and Mercy Hospitals.