Register

Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) Training Program

Empowering Healthcare Professionals through Comprehensive Education

The American Academy of Lymphatic and Wound Care offers an exceptional Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) Training Program, meticulously crafted to enhance your expertise and broaden the impact you have on patient care. This comprehensive program spans 127 to 135 hours, seamlessly blending in-person and online training to fit your busy schedule.

Program Options

  • Full CLT Certification: A total of 127 hours, comprising 45 hours of online training and 8 days of in-person training. This option equips you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in treating patients with lymphedema.
  • LANA Exam Preparation: A total of 135 hours, including 45 hours of online training and 9 days of in-person training (90 in-person hours). This extended option not only certifies you as a CLT but also prepares you to sit for the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) exam, ensuring you're recognized as an expert in the field.

Holistic Approach

The training emphasizes vital aspects such as nutrition and modifications required for home care or hospital environments, ensuring comprehensive and adaptable patient care. While the program is tailored for these settings, it remains applicable to all healthcare environments, empowering you to make a significant difference wherever you work.

Why Choose Our CLT Training?

  • Expert Faculty: Learn from leading professionals in the field who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience.
  • Flexible Learning: The combination of online and in-person training allows you to balance your professional commitments while advancing your education.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering everything from the fundamentals of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) to advanced techniques, our curriculum is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding and practical skills.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and mentors, fostering a supportive community and expanding your professional network.
Join the American Academy of Lymphatic and Wound Care’s Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) Training Program and take the next step in your career. Enhance your expertise, gain certification, and make a profound impact on patient care. Enroll now and become a leader in lymphedema management!
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.

Register:

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! 

Get Certified Register Here!

Partners

Site Map

Contact AALWM

Connect with AALWM

Facebook-f Linkedin
Course Portal