HEALTH PROFESSIONALS COURSE
Who we are
The Australasian Lactation Courses (ALC) has been actively promoting breastfeeding since 1989 through modules, seminars and distance education courses. During this time, over 2000 students have completed our lactation courses via workshop attendance or distance education. Many have gone on to sit the IBCLC International Exam to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Numerous other health professionals have gained breastfeeding knowledge through attending the seminars organised by Ellen McIntyre and Jen Byrne, the previous co-directors of ALC. While Ellen & Jen have now retired, Jen Gillett continues to conduct the courses, which are now offered online.
Aim
This course is designed for existing health professionals to prepare for the IBCLE exam, providing the 95 hours of Lactation-specific education required to register for the exam. The aim of this course is to expand existing knowledge through a self-directed learning process, while providing support for those involved in caring for the breastfeeding mother and her family. This course is suitable for any health professional wanting to upskill, prepare for the exam, or for existing IBCLC's who would like a refresher before re-sitting the exam.
Course delivery
This course is done entirely online and is self-paced, allowing for flexibility and providing adaptability to the needs and commitments of the individual. There are no assignment deadlines, and you have one year to complete the course.
It can be accessed from your desktop computer, smartphone or tablet, anywhere you are able to access the internet.
We see our aim to be that of supporting you in your learning, not in providing all the information for you but to encourage you to think critically about what you are reading and hearing from others.
Course content
The course consists of a series of 10 modules (120 hours in total) covering all key areas of breastfeeding and lactation knowledge and management:
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Early days to 12 months
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Anatomy & Physiology
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Sociology, Psychology & Counselling
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Endocrinology & Biochemistry
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Pregnancy, Birth & Nutrition
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Immunology & Pathology
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Pharmacology & Toxicology
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Prematurity / Technology
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Public Health/ Ethical & Legal issues
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Research
COURSE MATERIAL
Registrants receive a reading list, both study guide and case study questions, practice exam questions, information about relevant organisations and other resources, and more
Books and videos are also available for loan (for students based in Australia)
Please see our FAQ page for more information about course structure and assignments.
Note: A number of students around Australia are completing this course as part of a Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters Degree.
If you wish to use this course for university credit, you need to meet the following criteria:
Before commencing the course, you need to gain permission from the appropriate lecturer at the university you are studying, notify us in writing of the lecturer’s name, the course being undertaken and the units or points required.
Complete the required work as set out in the modules.
Reference all statements (including multiple choice questions), either footnoting or Harvard.
Case studies need to be responded to as you would to a mother. Dot points for some study guide questions are appropriate, but only when facts are required.
Students will be assigned to one of the teachers listed on our Staff page and invited into their Google Classroom. Submitted assignments will be marked by this teacher, who will offer feedback and give a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade for each module. If work is deemed unsatisfactory, registrants will be invited to resubmit that component of their work.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
A Certificate of Completion will be issued on satisfactory completion of this course. This does not mean you are a lactation consultant. To become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant you will need to sit the IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) exam.
CERPs (Continuing Education Recertification Points) - currently 120 hours
REGISTRATION
Registrations for the course will be accepted at any time during the year. Students have 12 months from registration to complete the course.