Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Q: What is the difference between this course and others?
A: The Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) was the first school in the U.S. to offer research-based certification in Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy according to the European curriculum (since 1994). We provide comprehensive training (135 hours) in all disciplines of MLD/CDT. Our certification courses exceed the requirements for national certification for lymphedema therapists set by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). This organization sets the standards for certification of lymphedema therapists. Director and Founder Joachim E. Zuther has more than 20 years experience in the field of lymphology and authored the textbook "Lymphedema Management", which was published by Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers New York, NY in 2004. This textbook, in addition to an extensive course manual, a complete set of bandages and compression materials for the application of padded short-stretch bandages on the upper and lower extremities, certification for compression garment measurement (upper and lower extremity), all hand-outs, exam and registration fees are included in the tuition for certification courses. Also covered are the treatment and management of pediatric lymphedema and lymphedema affecting the exterior genitalia, billing and marketing issues and much more. ACOLS also provides the following services free of charge to all graduates: consulting and mentoring services, therapist resource listing on our website (www.acols.com), and continuous updates in the field of lymphedema management. Also available for students are specialized educational tools (posters, slides, CD-ROM's). ACOLS provides annual refresher and advanced courses for interested graduates.

Our instructors and assistants are expert clinician specialists and some of the most experienced experts in the field of lymphology. .

Q: What is the difference between the certification courses (135 hours) and the 4-day lymphedema management seminars (31 hours)?
A: The certification courses cover the entire spectrum of lymphedema management. Course work includes the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the lymphatic system, to include primary and secondary lymphedema on the upper and lower extremities (uncomplicated and with complications), the face, exterior genitalia, pediatric lymphedema, as well as other conditions, which can be treated successfully with CDT, such as chronic venous insufficiencies (CVI), lipedema, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), post-traumatic and post-surgical swellings, inflammatory rheumatism, fibromyalgia, migraine, and many more. The application of basic and advanced techniques of MLD, as well as basic and advanced techniques of bandaging is part of these courses. Certification in the measurement of compression garments, evaluation techniques, billing and marketing issues are covered. Successful completion of a final written and hands-on exam is necessary to achieve certification status. Upon completion of this certification course, the therapist is eligible to sit for the LANA exam. For more information please click here.

Q: Do I need to complete the Certification Course in one two week session?
A: No, the course curriculum is divided into two one-week sessions, which can be taken separately. However, we recommend that the entire course be completed within one year.

Q: Does the Academy of Lymphatic Studies offer certification courses at your location?
A: If you are interested in holding a course at your facility, please contact the Academy at 800.863.5935 and we will consider your request e

Q: What are the prerequisites to take the certification class?
A: The following professions are accepted for training: Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTA/COTA), Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Practical Nurses and Massage Therapists (MT's must show proof of completion of a minimum 500 hour training program or be nationally certified. MT's from other countries must show proof of equivalent program), Chiropractors

Q: Is this the VODDER technique?
A: Yes, the instructors are certified in the Vodder technique of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). However, the Academy teaches the advanced, or modified Vodder Technique. Our curriculum is based on solid scientific research and includes all components of MLD and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), i.e. Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression Therapy, Decongestive Exercises and Skin Care. The chief instructor is certified in the Vodder technique through the German Association of Physical Therapy and Internationally recognized; he has been teaching since 1985 and certified more than 3000 therapists (in the U.S., Europe and Asia.) in the Vodder technique. He published extensively on the subject of lymphology.

Q: What does "Certification Class" mean?
A: Graduates of the Academy of Lymphatic Studies are certified to perform the techniques known as Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) and Complete Decongestive Therapy and will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the 135-hour certification course. With this certification, course graduates are eligible and well prepared to sit for the national certification for lymphedema therapists administered by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). ACOLS certification classes meet the requirements set by LANA.

Q: What is the LANA certification?
A: The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) supports the standards and quality of training in the field of lymphology. LANA also established and maintains certification for medical professionals who provide services in the field of lymphology. Standardization serves to improve the quality and availability of lymphedema care and provides a foundation upon which the health insurance industry can establish consistent reimbursement guidelines. In order to be able to sit for the LANA exam, applicants need to complete a certification course (135 hours) at a reputable lymphedema training program. After completion of the certification course, applicants need to accumulate one year of clinical experience in lymphedema management prior to the LANA application. Upon successful completion of the computerized LANA exam, the lymphedema therapists are entitled to add the credentials “CLT-LANA” to their names. These credentials will identify the lymphedema therapists’ extensive professional background.

Q: Does the ACOLS offer CEU's (Credit hours for Continuing Education)?
A: Yes, the following professions are eligible for CEU's (certification class participants): PT's, PTA's, OT's, COTA's, OTA’s and MT's. CEU’s are issued through the FPTA, TPTA, AOTA, and NCBTMB (Category A). CEU's are provided through the FPTA for Lymphedema Management Seminar participants (31 hours).

Q: Do Insurance Companies pay for this treatment?
A: Yes, according to the Woman’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 Insurance Companies do reimburse for treatments of complications resulting from breast cancer surgery. Lymphedema therapy is billed using standard treatment codes (CPT codes), just like other rehabilitation services. Certification courses cover the CPT codes currently used, combination of these codes, as well as bundling issues.

Q: How do I enroll for a certification course or seminar?
A: To enroll in a certification course, a deposit of $500 ($100 non-refundable, once students receive the textbook for lymphedema management, the course manual and home study materials, $350 will become non-refundable), a copy of your professional license and a completed registration form (part of this information packet) is necessary. A faxed copy of check can hold a place in the class. The balance of the tuition is due two weeks prior to the first day of class. Participants may also enroll online. If you wish to enroll online in a certification course, please click here.

To enroll in a seminar, the full tuition of $785 needs to be received prior to the seminar. If you wish to enroll online in a seminar, please click here.

Q: How can I prepare for the certification course?
A: With your confirmation letter you will receive the textbook for lymphedema management, the course manual, and a home study course. The home study course needs to complete before the first day of class (certification classes only). Approximately 30 hours of home study are expected prior to the course.

Q: How long is the Certification Class?
A: 135 hours (includes home study) given over a period of 13 class days. In the first week class starts on Monday and runs through Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday is off. The second week starts on Monday and runs through Friday 8:00am-6:00pm; Saturday 8:00am to 2:00pm

Q: How many classroom hours can I miss?
A: Participants are expected to attend 100% of the course. Should a participant miss more than five hours of the course, he or she may not be permitted to participate in the final exam. However, special circumstances will be considered.

Q: Are there any restaurants in the vicinity of the course locations?
A: Yes, generally there is a variety of restaurants, deli's, grocery stores etc. in the vicinity of the of the class locations. In most hotels ACOLS contracts with, breakfast is included in the reduced room rate.

Q: What are the prerequisutes to attend the LANA exam preparation course?
A: This course is open to certified lymphedema therapists only. All participants need to show proof of completion of a CDT certification program from one of the recognized schools. This 16-hour course will cover all topics in the LANA exam outline. The tuition is $320, which includes the LANA Prep. Course manual. If you wish to include the textbook for Lymphedema Management authored by Joachim Zuther, the tuition will be $370. This textbook is on LANA’s list of recommended reading. This two-day program thoroughly prepares lymphedema therapists for the successful completion of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) National Examination. The course provides a focused and thorough review of the underlying theory behind the lymphatic structure, function, and pathology of the lymphatic system. Differential diagnosis and the rationale for current and classical treatment methods are covered in detail. Class room hours are from 8am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Course contents:

Please feel free to call us should you have any additional questions. 1-800-863-5935