Accreditation is an evaluative process that encourages self evaluation of lactation education programs according to the established criteria and standards of the profession. Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental, formal peer-review process in which the integrity and good faith of the program, its administration, faculty, and students are essential. Accreditation approval honors a diversity of educational models such as distance education, self-paced programs, programs within large and small institutions, university-based programs and those that are not-for-profit and for-profit.

Accredited education programs are the leaders in the field of lactation education. Accreditation provides a reliable indicator of educational quality to employers, insurers, counselors, educators, governmental officials, and the public, based on the fact that the education program adheres to established criteria and standards. Students are assured that an accredited education program covers essential topics and skills, has a qualified faculty, and portrays itself honestly in its advertising.

All accredited courses appear at the top of ILCA’s Directory of Course Providers.

ILCA is currently revising the accreditation process. A new application will be posted here soon. If you have questions, please contact Judi Lauwers, ILCA’s Education Coordinator at education@ilca.org.