The LCTP was a training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for your continued support of the Johnson C. Smith University Lactation Consultant Training Program, an accredited Pathway 2 IBCLC program. This initiative proudly holds the distinction of being the first program of its kind in the nation established at an HBCU.
Over the past five years, we have taken immense pride in this accomplishment. Through our program, we have made meaningful strides toward diversifying the field of lactation, successfully adding 15+ women of color to the profession.
After thoughtful evaluation, we have made the decision to transition from an IBCLC Pathway 2 program to a Pathway 3 mentorship model. During this period of transition, we will not be accepting new applications for the Pathway 2 program.
We anticipate launching our Pathway 3 program in July/August 2026. To stay informed about updates and upcoming opportunities, please follow our social media pages for the latest announcements.
We remain deeply committed to supporting our community in reaching their goals of becoming International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and continuing our mission to promote diversity, equity, and excellence in lactation care.
With gratitude,
The Johnson C. Smith University Lactation Consultant Training Program Director
Help diversify the field of lactation to include more people of color, positively impact health outcomes and help address breastfeeding and health disparities and inequities
Provides supervised breastfeeding support education in the context of clinical lactation services and public health practice. Students receive didactic and clinical training and earn a minimum of 300 clinical hours and 90 didactic hours required for program completion and to comply with the requirements of an IBLCE-Approved Pathway 2 Program. Content considers equity, population and program-based applications, the social determinants of health, and factors and barriers specifically affecting people of color.
This program requires you to be a North Carolina resident.
At least 1, 8-hour day per week at a designated clinical site (in Charlotte, NC or surrounding area hospital, outpatient clinic, or WIC office.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of eligibility to then sit for the IBLCE exam to become an IBCLC.
The required courses are NOT included in the program but all courses are offered at Johnson C. Smith University.
These courses include:
The Program Director or Manager cannot inform a student if their prerequisites will be accepted by IBLCE. Please visit their website and review the criteria for acceptance.
It is highly recommended that students only take 1-2 of these during the course of the program and complete the rest beforehand.
The required subjects are included in our program:
These subjects include:
School Year Fees subject to change. Payment plans are available. Financial aid is available if the student is also enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
|
Item |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
|
Tuition ($610 per credit hour) |
$3,660 (for 6 credit hours) |
$3,660 (for 6 credit hours ) |
|
Program Fees |
$185 |
$185 |
|
Clinical Fees |
$2,132 |
$2,132 |
|
TOTAL |
$5,980 |
$5,980 |
57% , N=4/7**
**1 pending not included in the overall count
This program began in 2019. The numbers above reflect exam results since the program was initially accredited in 2019.
Application submission does not guarantee acceptance. All applications must undergo review by a selection committee.
To apply, please click here. We are accepting applications year-round on a rolling basis.
Transcripts – Unofficial or official transcripts can be submitted by email to lctp@jcsu.edu, or mailed to the Program Coordinator's attention to the address at the end of this web page.
Students must have completed the majority of the prerequisite courses as outlined by the Pathway Two Program guidelines set forth by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
Prerequisite courses:
An applicant may still be considered for admission if one or two of the listed prerequisite classes has not been completed prior to the beginning of the program. It is expected that individuals in this situation provide evidence of enrollment in the remaining prerequisite classes prior to beginning the LCTP, and must show proof of successful completion. Failure to successfully complete the outstanding class will result in dismissal from the program. It is imperative to recognize that transcripts submitted are reviewed only for application and admissions purposes, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that his or her prerequisite classes meet the requirements of IBLCE for the IBCLC exam.