Lymphedema Therapy Online Certification

Step 1: Pre-course Study Module

Prior to the start of the Instructor-led portion of the course, you will complete a 45-hr online Study Module that introduces you to lymphedema and the techniques used to treat it. The lessons ensure that every student has a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, prior to the instructor-led Zoom sessions. The Module is composed of 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 Study Module must be completed prior to the start of the instructor-led Zoom sessions.

Topics covered by the Pre-course 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)

Step 2: Instructor-led Zoom Sessions and Self-directed MLD and Bandaging Practice

After completing the 45-hr online Pre-course Study Module, you’ll be prepared for the instructor-led, live Zoom sessions and the self-directed, skill-building homework assignments in between.
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, genitals, head & neck, and trunk
• Measuring and fitting techniques for lymphedema support garments
• At-home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema

• 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

• Course Manual composed of 16 sections
• Lymphedema bandaging materials for upper and lower extremities
• Lymphatic system posters (set of three)
• Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS)
• 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 access to the lectures, videos, and quizzes of our online initial Study Module after your course
• Exclusive, lifetime access to relevant research articles, 75+ instructional videos, customizable treatment forms, and other helpful resources on Klose Training’s Graduates’ Page

* Massage Therapists are requested to call the Klose Training office for additional details.

• Participant must have Zoom capability through a laptop, PC (with external camera, microphone and speakers), or standard size iPad.
• Participant must be willing to login with video throughout the live meeting, and consent to the recording of the Zoom sessions for future reference.
• Participant must have the ability to record a video, i.e. on a smart phone. An inexpensive cell phone tripod may be purchased at: Amazon, Walmart, or Home Essentials.
• To guarantee the best possible learning experience for all participants, the participant is committed to avoiding distractions during the meeting.
• Full attendance of all prescheduled Zoom sessions is required. Absence from the meeting will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. No participant can be absent in the first meeting.
• Participant must have a massage table available throughout the online training. An inexpensive massage table may be purchased at: Costco, Amazon, or Walmart.
• Have a volunteer person available for practicing MLD and bandaging techniques as needed. This part of the training is self-directed (the volunteer does not have to be available during the Zoom sessions) Note: Please don’t assume that your relative or friend is available for you to practice your hands-on skills. Please ask them and discuss the time commitment with your volunteer person before you register!
• Self-directed homework and practice of MLD and bandaging techniques is expected between Zoom sessions.

Take this quiz to find out if this course is for you!

To successfully complete this course, the student must pass a multiple-choice exam with a score of 75% 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 at the conclusion of the class.

Q: Is there a difference in course content, between the traditional and the online course formats?
A: No; the new online course format covers everything that is covered in the traditional format.

Q: What are the advantages of this new online-only educational format?
A: There are several advantages:

• The new online course format saves time and money.
• The new online course format reduces, and even eliminates, the person-to-person contact during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
• Online pre-recorded video lessons can be reviewed as many times as needed until the material is internalized by the student.
• Practice quizzes throughout the online module allow the student to assess their knowledge at their own pace and convenience, in a stress-free environment.
• All lectures are accessible and can be reviewed for one full year after completing the course.
• Questions about lecture content can be directed to a Klose Training Instructor at any time throughout the study process.

• Students registering in the online-only Certification course must be motivated! It takes dedication and discipline to successfully work through the self-directed learning and practice time required.
• Students must have stable, high-speed internet, an appropriate device with camera and microphone to connect by Zoom, and a massage table and available volunteer person to practice MLD and bandaging techniques throughout the time of the course.
• The online-only course currently does not make the student eligible to sit for the LANA exam (see below).

Q: Are the new course options approved by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)?
A: Currently, LANA does not recognize students who have completed the online-only lymphedema therapy certification as eligible to sit for the CLT-LANA exam. However, we are working closely with LANA and hope that this online course will become eligible and have asked for retroactive consideration.

Q: Am I able to practice lymphedema therapy without LANA certification?
A: Yes; LANA certification is neither a requirement for practicing lymphedema therapy nor a guarantee of the quality of a therapist’s work. The exam can only test factual knowledge. Effective therapy depends principally on the integrity and skills of the individual therapist and the support of her healthcare facility to ensure that treatment is provided at sufficient frequency to ensure efficacy.