Linda Pohl, Lisa A. Marasco
>>>>>Is it true that the University discourages sitting the boards?<<
As a clinical instructor for the Lactation Consultant Program at ---- in Los
Angeles we do not discourage students from sitting for IBCLE board.
Information on the IBCLE board is given to every student in every program.
Please remember that ---- has two programs the CLE (Lactation educator) and
the CLC (Lactation Consultant). The CLE must be completed before they can go
into the CLC program. The difference between the two courses is somewhat like
an MD's  pre-med/interning and a residency. As for the comment  >>  "In
California the ---- credential is preferred over IBCLC."<< That is her
perception. IBCLC Certification is preferred by the majority of hospitals in
my area.
A majority of our Lactation Consultant students sit for the IBCLE board. I am
not sure about the CLE. (I will ask about that for you). I have found that
when a hospital sends a nurse to ANY  (LC related or otherwise) program, that
the nurse doesn't have the same vested interest/dedication  as those who pay
for a course themselves. There a quite a few who haven't completed the LE
course work
Lisa, I sympathize with your situation, unfortunately I have the same
problems in my area. However, I have to disagree with your statement
>>>....educator training program are encouraged to set up practice despite
having possibly only minimal experience.<<< Are they setting up practice as
an LC? If so, that is not what they are told about their scope of practice.
There is danger in misrepresentation by a hospital or an individual.

Marie Davis