Required education
ADN or BSN
Average annual salary
$33k–$89k
Attributes
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
You can work for a hospital or for yourself, become an advocate for breastfeeding, design breastfeeding programs or teach continuing education classes.
What you’ll do
Advice
You’ll advise patients on successful breastfeeding and breast pump practices.
Education
You’ll teach people about the importance of breastfeeding and hold classes for expectant mothers.
Support
You’ll help patients who are suffering from postpartum depression.
Where you'll work
- Hospitals
- Doctors’ offices
How to become a Lactation Consultant
01
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), taking elective courses in neonatal nursing.
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
03
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining experience in Labor and Delivery and Neonatal nursing.
04
Get your Lactation Consultant Board Certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
05
You’re ready to work as a Lactation Consultant.
Join an Organization
Become a member of a Lactation Consultant organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
A Managed Care Nurse’s role is also structured.
A Gerontological Nurse Practitioner is another type of family nurse.
