Advance your expertise in lymphedema management with this comprehensive certificate designed for rehabilitation professionals like you.
This three-course program starts with Lymphedema I, which builds a strong foundation in treatment techniques such as complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and manual lymph drainage (MLD).
Lymphedema II and III build on this foundation, offering opportunities to deepen skills with advanced topics like head and neck, breast, truncal and genital edema, as well as spa-style lymphatic techniques.
All courses are hands-on and include time for discussion, case sharing and exploration of new products and resources.
By completing this certificate, you'll expand your treatment capabilities and enhance your professional credibility with a university-issued certificate. You'll also gain enough contact hours to apply for certification through the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA).
The following sequential modules may allow participants to apply for the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) exam: Lymphedema 1, Lymphedema 2, Lymphedema 3. Therapists who complete 135 hours of training in these three modules at UWM will be eligible to apply and sit for the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) national certification exam. To meet LANA requirements, participants must complete at least 135 hours of training from one institution. This training cannot exceed four consecutive or cumulative courses. The coursework provided by the training school must meet the following requirements:
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45 hours (⅓ of 135 hours) delivered: in-person or asynchronous remote or synchronous remote or a combination of in-person, asynchronous remote, and/or synchronous remote
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90 hours (⅔ of 135 hours) delivered: in-person or synchronous remote or a combination of in-person and synchronous remote
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In-person assessment by the program director or program instructor of psychomotor skills MUST occur in the same physical space; remote assessment will NOT be accepted. The assessment must include the following: Psychomotor skill check covering a minimum of:
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Upper and lower extremity MLD including pathways and truncal rerouting
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Upper and lower extremity bandaging
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Case-based practical examination to include but not limited to:
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Student is expected to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by critically reasoning through a medical case, followed by MLD and bandaging of that patient
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It is the applicant’s responsibility to keep updated on current LANA requirements.
Why Choose Lymphedema Courses through UWM?
Acquiring your lymphedema training through UW-Milwaukee's School of Continuing Education gives you the unique opportunity to build skills gradually, applying what you learn within your own practice before advancing to the next level. This time between courses means you walk into each session with more experience and more awareness of how these techniques work in real-world settings.
In addition, UW-Milwaukee issues the credentials to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) after completing all 62 hours of Lymphedema I and passing a clinical competency test. This credential increases your credibility as a therapeutic health professional, boosting your career potential.
Learning Outcomes
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Identify the structure and function of the lymphatic system, along with foundational lymphedema treatment techniques.
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Apply Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), manual lymph drainage (MLD) and compression strategies in clinical practice.
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Analyze complex cases and treatment approaches for challenging presentations such as head, neck, breast and genital edema.
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Evaluate best practices and emerging techniques to determine the most effective treatment plans.
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Create personalized, evidence-based care strategies that reflect current standards in lymphedema management.
Courses
To get started, enroll in Lymphedema I. Earn your Lymphedema Certificate by completing all three courses.
Note: To meet the minimum training hours required to apply for LANA certification, you must complete the 18 hours of additional coursework offered in Lymphedema I. This is not necessary if you only wish to earn the Lymphedema Certificate offered through UW-Milwaukee.