Lymphedema Certification
Klose Training continues to innovate without compromising the quality of its lymphedema certification. Our recently updated course program consists of 135-hour (75 hours online + 60 hours live) lymphedema education.
Course Description
This engaging 135-hour course teaches you the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively treat patients with lymphedema using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). You will learn Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, skin care, and patient-appropriate exercises. At the conclusion of the course, you will be certified in Lymphedema Therapy (CLT) and can immediately start working with patients.
The course begins with a 75-hour online Home-Study Module that can be completed at your own pace anywhere you have access to the internet. This Module is followed by 60 hours of classroom (lab) instruction over 6 1/2 days.
Educational Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Instructional Method: Online home-study followed by hands-on lab, lectures, case studies, and live demonstrations.
AOTA Classifications: OT Process: Evaluation, Intervention, and Outcomes
Klose Training is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. AOTA Provider #6530. This online course is offered at 135 CEUs, educational level is introductory/intermediate. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
CDT is the most effective treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema. Primary lymphedema (congenital) and secondary lymphedema (due to a damaged lymphatic system) respond extremely well to this gentle, non-invasive and highly-effective therapy. CDT is sometimes referred to as Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP).
CDT consists of the following four components:
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a very gentle manual treatment which improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. In lymphedema therapy, MLD is used to re-route lymph flow around blocked areas and into healthy lymph vessels which drain into the venous circulation. MLD is also an effective treatment for post-surgical swelling, post-traumatic edema (as with sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions involving edema.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy increases tissue pressure and improves the efficiency of the muscle and joint pump. Multi-layered compression bandages are applied between MLD treatments to help prevent re-accumulation of evacuated fluid. Once the patient’s limb is sufficiently decongested through repeated treatments, they can be fit with compression garments.
Exercises
Exercises are performed with compression bandages in place to activate the muscle and joint pumps of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and further reduction of the swollen limb over time.
Skin Care
Skin care and general hygiene are essential to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth which can cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas. Infections are very common complications of lymphedema so meticulous skin and nail care is a vital component of treatment.
Prior to the start of the classroom (lab) portion of the course, you will complete a 75-hr online Home-Study Module that introduces you to lymphedema and the techniques used to treat it. The lessons ensure that every student coming into the classroom has a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. The Module is composed of graphically-dynamic video lectures and demonstrations. Included is a lecture by Dr. Kathleen Francis, one of the few physicians in the U.S. specializing in lymphedema. An accompanying course manual reinforces the video presentations. The Home-Study Module MUST be completed prior to the start of the classroom (lab) portion.
Contact us for a free tour of our online Home-Study Module at info@klosetraining.com.
Topics covered by the Home-Study Module include:
- Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system.
- Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of lymphedema
(NOTE: These lectures are presented by the dynamic Dr. Kathleen Francis, an expert in the treatment of lymphedema.)
- Introduction to Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
- Introduction to lymphedema bandaging and compression therapy
- Indications and contraindications of MLD and CDT
- Exercises for patients with lymphedema
- Patient evaluation and weekly measuring (circumference and volume)
- Treatment of primary and secondary extremity lymphedema
- Treatment of head and neck, genital, and pediatric lymphedema
- Self-MLD sequences for all extremities
- Skin and nail care for patients with lymphedema
- Measuring and fitting techniques for lymphedema support garment
- Treatment of genital lymphedema
Instructional Methods: Self-paced online video lectures plus reading material
Testing Methods: Online quizzes (multiple choice)
After completing the 75-hr online Home Study Module, you’ll be prepared for the 6 1/2-day (60-hr) classroom portion that focuses on the instruction and practice of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and compression bandaging.
Topics include:
- Basic and advanced techniques and sequences of MLD
- Treatment of primary and secondary extremity lymphedema
- Treatment of head and neck, genital, and pediatric lymphedema
- Short-stretch bandaging techniques and compression therapy for lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities.
- Skin and nail care for patients with lymphedema
- Measuring and fitting techniques for lymphedema support garments
- At-home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema
Instructional Methods: Case studies, live demonstration, hands-on lab
Testing Methods: Final exam, case study presentation, evaluation of manual techniques
Each participant will be trained in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy. Upon completion of the class, the therapist will be able to:
- Identify the components of the lymphatic system and its function
- Identify various medical conditions that can lead to the development of edema and lymphedema
- Differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas and identify necessary treatment strategies for each condition
- Identify the application, medical indications, and contraindications for Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
- Identify various compression therapy application strategies for patients with lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency
- Attest to the importance of skin care and hygiene for patients with lymphedema
- Attest to the importance of a proper exercise protocols for individuals at risk for and with lymphedema
- Identify risk-reduction practices for patients at risk for lymphedema
- Distinguish between a variety of measurement techniques used in the evaluation of edema/lymphedema and custom-made compression garments
- Identify the most effective lymphedema treatment protocols based on current evidence
- Establish CDT treatment plans for individuals with primary and secondary lymphedema
- Effectively perform MLD sequences for patients with primary and secondary lymphedema and post-traumatic and post-surgical edema
- Competently apply short-stretch compression bandaging systems for patients with upper and lower extremity lymphedema
The following items are included in your tuition. Some of these materials will be mailed to you when you register. Others, you’ll receive in class or after class as a benefit of being a Klose Training graduate.
- Course Manual composed of 16 full color sections
- Lymphedema bandaging materials for upper and lower extremities
- Lymphatic system posters
- Manual Lymph Drainage videos
- Lymphedema Life Impact Scale and G-Code Calculator
- Jobst Elvarex compression garment certification
- Product samples, brochures, and catalogs from many companies that support patients with lymphedema
- Free listing on the Klose Training online Therapist Directory (Great for referrals!)
- One full year of complimentary access to the lectures, videos, and quizzes of our online Home Study Module following your class.
- Exclusive, lifetime access to 250+ reference articles, 75+ instructional videos, treatment forms, and other resources on Klose Training’s Graduates Page
- And more…
A total of 135 hours of instruction is provided in this Lymphedema Therapy Certification course.
75 hours of self-directed online home study; 60 hours in the classroom.
Usual class hours are 8:00am – 6:15pm, and 8:00am – 12:30pm on the last day.
Hourly Schedule
For a full list of dates and locations, please visit our Schedule Page.
This course is offered to all Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapist Assistants, Massage Therapists*, Nurses, Athletic Trainers Certified, Nurse Practitioners, Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, and Doctors of Chiropractic.
*Massage therapists must show proof of completion of a minimum of 500 hours of massage education or be certified through the NCBTMB.
NOTE: This course is geared toward enhancing the practice and knowledge of Physical and Occupational Therapists and Assistants treating patients with lymphedema; parts of this course may be outside the scope of practice for Massage Therapists. It is the responsibility of all health professionals to ensure that they work within the limits of their license.
All classes are held in accessible hotels or medical facilities. In addition, Klose Training is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individual students who have a disability. Students should call Klose Training directly (303-245-0333) to discuss your needs at the time of registration.
Tuition for the full Lymphedema Therapy Certification course is $3100. A deposit of $700.00 is required at the time of registration to hold your spot and allows us to send your Home Study Module course materials. The balance must be paid no less than three (3) weeks prior to the start of the classroom portion of the course. For our refund and cancellation policy, please refer to the
Student Agreement.
Please contact our office for information on discounts and payment plans.
We recommend that you register at least four weeks prior to the start of the classroom portion of the course so you’ll have time to complete the required 75-hr Home Study Module at a comfortable pace.
Register OnlineRegister by Mail By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the terms of the following Student Agreement which you’ll be asked to sign and submit on the first day of the class.
Klose Training Student Agreement - Lymphedema Therapy Certification
After successful completion of the course, you will earn the credential CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist).
This course totals 135 contact hours and has been approved for CEUs for Physical, Occupational, and Massage Therapists by the organizations and states listed here.
To successfully complete this course, the student must pass a multiple-choice exam with a score of 80% or better, devise an appropriate treatment plan in response to a case study presented to the student, and demonstrate competency in manual lymph drainage and compression bandaging for lymphedema patients. The student will then earn the credential CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist) and receive a Certificate of Completion in the class.
The content of our lymphedema therapy certification course has not changed. Our curriculum is stronger than it has ever been, however, due to the change in ratio of online to in-person hours, graduates of our lymphedema certification course no longer qualify to sit for the CLT-LANA exam. LANA certification is not required to practice lymphedema therapy, nor does it assure the quality of a therapist’s work.
After successful completion of the course, you will earn the credential CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist).
Directions and suggested accommodations for your class location will be provided with your confirmation packet. Course location details can also be accessed from the Klose Training
Schedule Page by clicking on the location name.
You may also contact our office at 303-245-0333 or email us at info@klosetraining.com.
