History
Following extensive training in Lymphedema Management, which started in 1984, Joachim Zuther founded the Ulmkolleg/Department of Lymphology (University of Ulm, Germany) in 1990 after he received his degree as a certified instructor for Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD/CDT) from the German Physical Therapy Association. The Ulmkolleg is one of the leading schools for Lymphedema Management in Europe. He published the first textbook on Lymphedema Management titled "Textbook for Comprehensive Lymphedema Management" in 2004.

In 1994 he formed the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, the first school to offer Lymphedema Therapy Certification courses according to the European curriculum in the Continental United States.

The Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) conducts Certification Courses in MLD/CDT (135 hours) as well as Lymphedema Management Seminars (31 hours) throughout the year in the United States.

Many of these courses are held in Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities, Hospitals and Cancer Centers.

ACOLS also provides a bi-annual Refresher Conference to Lymphedema Therapists, in-service lectures to physicians, other health care professionals as well as local lymphedema support groups. Faculty members are frequent speakers and presenters at National and International Lymphedema Conferences.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Academy of Lymphatic Studies is to promote high professional standards and the continuing professional competence of health care practitioners by promoting the quality and integrity of continuing education to practitioners in the field of lymphedema management.

Our primary objective is to provide the highest quality education in Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD/CDT) and to advance the availability, quality, use and support of lymphedema management techniques through standard settings, terminology, education and research.

High Quality in Education
Consistent with our Mission Statement we are dedicated to provide the highest quality education. Direct patient contact during our certification courses, small groups, highly trained and certified instructors with many years of experience in education and treatment, as well as up-to-date teaching technologies assure a maximum learning experience for participants in our programs.

After Course Support of Graduates
ACOLS is committed to the ongoing support of its graduates. For the benefit of the therapists and patients, we provide the following services to the growing number of our graduates:

Free Therapist Resource Directory - ACOLS routinely receives phone calls and messages from patients in the U.S. and throughout the world looking for certified therapists. To manage these inquiries sufficiently we list certified therapists on our website www.acols.com by country, city and state. ACOLS graduates, who wish to be listed on our Resource Directory can do so free of charge - this service is optional and lists only the information provided by the therapist.

Free Consulting Services - Therapists run into "problem cases" once in a while. Graduates can contact ACOLS' faculty members via email, fax or phone with any therapy related questions; faculty members as well as members of the ACOLS Medical Advisory Board in different areas of specialization will answer these questions in a timely manner. Graduates may also use this complimentary service to consult on publication projects or have manuscripts reviewed.

Conferences and Advanced Classes - in order to keep our graduates and other lymphedema therapists informed and to maximize the benefit to the patient population, the ACOLS provides advanced workshops and conferences on a biennial basis. Lecturers in various areas of expertise present on a variety of lymphedema therapy related topics.

Educational Materials - Lymphedema Management is a very specialized but fast growing field. Oftentimes therapists are asked to provide in-services on the subject at their facilities or plan to present on conferences or support groups. The ACOLS makes available a variety of educational materials, such as posters, presentation slides (also on CD's), computer programs for limb volume measurements and patient information materials, to help and support therapists in all aspects of education.

Lymphedema Management Materials - an integral part in Lymphedema Management is compression therapy using specialized short-stretch bandage materials and support stockings or sleeves. To maximize the financial health of our graduates, we make sure that our graduates receive the lowest prices possible on these products.

Prices vary considerably in the industry; the unique pricing policy of Academy Bandages, a subsidiary of ACOLS, assures consistent and low prices for therapists and patients.