Lactation Consultant: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals committed to advancing maternal and infant health, this program equips individuals with the specialized knowledge and clinical skills needed to support breastfeeding success across diverse healthcare environments. Graduates are prepared to serve as certified lactation consultants, delivering evidence-based care that promotes optimal nutrition and bonding during the early stages of life.
- Anatomy and physiology of lactation: In-depth study of the biological systems involved in milk production, breast function, and hormonal regulation throughout the lactation process.
- Nutritional science for lactating women: Exploration of dietary needs, nutrient transfer through breast milk, and the impact of maternal nutrition on infant development.
- Breastfeeding techniques and technologies: Training in effective latching methods, positioning strategies, and the use of modern tools such as breast pumps and nipple shields.
- Common challenges and clinical solutions: Identification and management of issues like low milk supply, nipple pain, mastitis, and infant feeding difficulties.
- Special circumstances in lactation: Focus on high-risk pregnancies, preterm infants, multiple births, and maternal health conditions affecting breastfeeding outcomes.
- Instructional methods and patient education: Development of communication strategies and teaching techniques tailored to diverse populations and learning needs.
- Professional ethics and legal standards: Understanding of scope of practice, confidentiality, credentialing, and regulatory frameworks governing lactation consulting.
- Advocacy and public health impact: Engagement in initiatives promoting breastfeeding rights, workplace accommodations, and policy change at community and systemic levels.
Lactation Consultant Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Lactation Consultant Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Lactation Consultant degrees, including Healthcare Support Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 103,650 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other 31-9099 | $46,050 | $32,450 - $68,180 | 103,650 | $22.14 |
Lactation Consultant Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,030 in Louisiana to $72,700 in District of Columbia—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alaska, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 103,650 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Lactation Consultant by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Lactation Consultant programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Lactation Consultant is found at Drexel University (16 graduates), Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) (13 graduates), Henry Ford College (HFC) (6 graduates), Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) (1 graduates), and Portland State University (PSU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 37 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Henry Ford College (HFC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | hfcc.edu |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) |
Other Award
|
1 | Denver, Colorado | Public | msudenver.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Lactation Consultant programs
How much can I earn with a Lactation Consultant degree?
Salaries for Lactation Consultant graduates vary by role and location. Healthcare Support Workers, All Other earn a median of $46,050 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $72,700 compared to $33,030 in Louisiana. Approximately 103,650 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Lactation Consultant programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Lactation Consultant degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Drexel University (16 graduates), Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) (13 graduates), and Henry Ford College (HFC) (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Lactation Consultant degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Healthcare Support Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 103,650 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Health Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Medical Clinical Sciences
Any program in medical clinical sciences or graduate medical studies not listed above.
Substance Abuse Counseling
A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and...
Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other mental health care professionals, to provide direct patient care...
Clinical Social Work
A program that prepares individuals for the specialized professional practice of social work, in collaboration with other health care professionals, in hospitals and...
Community Health Counseling
A program that prepares individuals to serve as facilitators, advocates, and referral professionals linking health care and related social services with affected recipient...
Marriage and Family Therapy
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of marriage and family therapy, involving the diagnosis of cognitive, affective, and behavioral...