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Comprehensive Lymphedema Management in the Home Setting

The Lymphedema Therapy Certification Course is a comprehensive 140-hour program that combines online learning with in-person training. It is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who treat patients with lymphedema using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) in various settings, including home care.
Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, each participant will be able to:

  • Discuss the circulatory and lymphatic systems and their importance in our overall health with patients, caregivers, and other healthcare providers
  • Differentiate between lymphedema, edema, and other associated pathologies
  • Describe the contraindications and precautions for lymphedema management
  • Apply the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for the management of lymphedema
  • Provide patient education, MLD techniques, appropriate compression management, therapeutic exercises, and mobility training for patients with lymphedema, with emphasis on upper and lower extremities and trunk
  • Demonstrate appropriate bandaging techniques for the upper and lower extremities
  • Measure and select appropriate compression garments for patients with lymphedema
  • Identify patient concerns, symptoms, side effects, and home setting issues that would warrant medical attention or a change in the treatment plan
  • Develop customized home programs for patients with lymphedema

Target Audience: PT, PTA, OT, COTA, RN, LPN

Accreditation of this course does not necessarily imply the FPTA supports the views of the presenter or the sponsors. 

Online Training Modules

The Course consists of 140 hours of Intermediate-level education. Students will first complete 65 hours of training in a Home Study Program. 

  • Introduction to the Course (0.5 hours)
  • Module 1: The Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems (4 hours). Topics: anatomy and physiology of the circulatory and lymphatic system, development of lymph and lymphatic load, and causes of insufficiency in the lymphatic system
  • Module 2: Anatomy and Physiology of the Lymphatic System: (6 hours) Topics: Anatomy of the lymphatic system, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
  • Module 3: Lymphatic and Vascular Disorders: (3.5 hours) Topics: Primary and secondary lymphedema and related vascular disorders
  • Module 4: Lymphedema Diagnosis and Associated Conditions: (6 hours) Topics: Lymphedema diagnosis criteria, stages and complications
  • Module 5: Performing a Lymphedema Evaluation (2 hours) Topics: History and physical, subjective and objective information, measurements
  • Module 6: Treatment Options (2 hours) Topics: Introduction to CDT, Phases of CDT, MLD, treatment plans, surgical options
  • Module 7: Skin Care and Wound Management (3 hours) Topics: Skin care, skin issues, general wound information, general wound management
  • Module 8: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (4 hours) Topics: History of MLD, Vodder technique, working and resting phases, indications, contraindications
  • Module 9: Compression Therapy (4 hours) Topics: Indications, contraindications, properties of bandages, compression bandaging, compression garments, Velcro alternatives, nighttime alternatives
  • Module 10: Compression Pumps (2 hours) Topics: Indications, contraindications, types, evidence-based interventions
  • Module 11: Therapeutic Exercises (2 hours) Topics: Importance, precautions, programs, myths
  • Module 12: Taping and Lymphedema (1.5 hours) Topics: indications for taping, properties and types of tape, application, precautionst
  • Module 13: Nutrition (6 hours) Topics: Nutrition and lymphedema, medical nutrition therapy, fluids, salts, nutritional lifestyle plans for lymphatic disorders
  • Module 14: Medications (1 hour) Topics: Medications for lymphedema management, antibiotics, potential side effects
  • Module 15: Surgical Options (1.5 hours) Topics: Vascularized lymph node transfer, Lymph-venous bypass, benefits and concerns
  • Module 16: The Treatment Setting (2 hours) Topics: Homecare, inpatient, outpatient, telehealth
  • Module 17: Self-Management of Lymphedema (6.5 hours) Topics: Self-MLD of arm, leg and deep breathing
  • Module 18: Documentation (3 hours) Topics: Evaluation and treatment documentation, measurements, garment recommendations
  • Module 19: Billing, Reimbursement, and Practice Management (3 hours) Topics: Coding, billing, reimbursement and denials
  • Module 20: Final Exam Online (1.5 hours)

Each module features quizzes and exams that must be completed to progress to the next stage. To successfully conclude the online training, a passing score on the final exam is required. Upon finishing all modules and exams, students will be eligible to participate in the 75-hour in-person lab portion of the course. 

Hands-On Training Modules
After the home study is completed, the course consists of 75 hours of Classroom (Lab) Instruction.
  • MLD for the Upper Extremities: MLD hand placement, pressure, and positioning, node clearing, breathing, self-MLD, exercise
  • Compression for the Upper Extremities: Skin care, multilayered short-stretch compression bandaging with foam padding, measurements and selection of compression garments and alternatives
  • Group Upper Extremity Case Studies
  • MLD for the Trunk and Lower Extremities: MLD hand placement, pressure, and positioning, node clearing, self-MLD, exercise
  • Compression for the Lower Extremities: Skin care, multilayered short-stretch compression bandaging with foam padding, measurements and selection of compression garments and alternatives
  • Group Lower Extremity Case Studies
  • Lymphedema Management for Special Patient Populations: Wound care, infections, scrotal lymphedema, bariatric patients, patients with limited mobility
  • Vendor Presentations
  • Comprehensive Final Written and Competency Exams: Encompass skills assessments on upper and lower extremity Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), including pathways and truncal rerouting, upper and lower extremity bandaging, and an independent case study practical examination.

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Start your journey to becoming a certified lymphedema therapist by enrolling in our hybrid Certified Lymphedema Therapist training program today. Join a community of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in lymphatic and wound management.

Unlock your potential with our CLT Certification program and take the next step toward a successful and fulfilling career. Register now to open doors to new opportunities! 

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