I think one problem is that there are so many courses out there,
some of which confer "titles" and others that only give continuing
education credits (CERPs, CEUs, etc.).  These courses can certainly
upgrade one's breastfeeding competency.  One very useful outcome is
that a hospital can send a large number of nurses to such a course
(or in many cases have it given at their institution).  This will
greatly improve the help that is given to their breastfeeding
diads.  Such a course can certainly be a step towards being able to
be IBLCE certified.
The problem comes in situations like Chris H-E cited where those
giving the course represent it as an end in itself.  I understand
that at least one of the course completion certifications is done by
someone who is not IBCLC and never intends to become one, feeling
that they should have been the one given priority in certifying
Lactation Consultants!  I would personally recommend that someone
looking for a course stick to those which are taught by IBCLCs.  All
instructors dealing directly with breastfeeding topics should be
IBCLCs, while for some related topics within a course (e.g.
maternal nutrition) the lecturer may have credentials dealing with
that particular topic (e.g. RD).
I'm sure information given in courses taught by non-IBCLCs may be of
value, but one never knows the level of their expertise like you can
with IBCLCs as instructors.  While the ADN/BSN analogy doesn't
really fit, you could say that taking a college course in med-surg
nursing may give you good, useful information, but it is not the
same as a degree and registration.

Hope I've stated this diplomatically enough.
Winnie Mading, BSN, RNC, LLLL, IBCLC (each valuable in its own
right)

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html