FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between this course and others?
Is this the VODDER technique?
FAQ’s for the Complete Certification Course
What does "Complete Certification Class" mean?
What is the difference between the Accelerated Hybrid
Online Program (AHOP) vs. the Traditional 2-Week Course certification
course?
Why is the new Accelerated Hybrid Online Program being
offered?
What are the benefits of the new Accelerated Hybrid
Online Program to the student?
What is the difference between the complete certification courses (135 hours) and the 4-day lymphedema management seminars (31 hours)?
Do I need to attend the Complete Certification Course in one session?
What are the prerequisites to take the complete certification class?
What is the LANA certification?
How do I enroll for a certification course or seminar?
How can I prepare for the certification course?
How long is the Complete Certification Class?
How many classroom hours can I miss?
FAQ’s for the Upper Extremity Certification Course
Why should I take the Upper Extremity Certification Course?
What are the prerequisites to take the Upper Extremity Certification Course?
What is the difference between the complete certification courses (135 hours) and the upper extremity certification course (86 hours)?
How long is the upper extremity certification course?
Do I need to complete the Upper Extremity Certification Course in one session?
How many classroom hours in the upper extremity certification course can I miss?
Can I become fully certified after attending the Upper Extremity Course?
Can I sit for the LANA exam upon completion of the Upper Extremity Certification Course?
Other FAQ's
Does the ACOLS offer CEU's (Credit hours for Continuing
Education)?
Do Insurance Companies pay for this treatment?
Are there any restaurants in the vicinity of the course
locations?
Does the Academy of Lymphatic Studies offer Financial
Aid?
Does the Academy of Lymphatic Studies offer courses at your location?
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.
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Q: What is the difference between the Accelerated
Hybrid Online Program (AHOP) vs. the Traditional 2-Week certification
course?
A:The Accelerated Hybrid Online Program uses the same syllabus as
the Traditional 2-Week Certification Course. The Academy of Lymphatic
Studies has a reputation for providing students with the highest quality
Lymphedema training. Our new Accelerated Hybrid Online Program format
enhances the quality of our course on many levels. The Academy has
meticulously blended the optimal mix of online and classroom hours
to provide our students with unparalleled quality of instruction.
There is no difference in the number of classroom hours (105 hours),
and therefore no compromise in the level of classroom instruction.
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Q. Why is the new Accelerated Hybrid Online
Program being offered?
A:Due to overwhelming student and employer demand we have changed
our traditional two week certification course format to the New Accelerated
Hybrid Online Program (AHOP), which requires only 11 days to complete.
This program is a comprehensive certification course (135 hours)
and is taught in only 7 working days; the course length is 11 days
in total, including 2 weekends.
The Academy of Lymphatic Studies pioneered research-based Lymphedema
training in the United States in the early 90’s, using our traditional
program that required students to spend two full weeks in off-site,
classroom training. It only makes sense that the Academy would pioneer
a more dynamic, accelerated course format that is both student and
employer friendly.
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Q. What are the benefits of the new Accelerated
Hybrid Online Program to the student?
A:Efficiency - Less time out of work. Our new AHOP
program only requires a therapist to be out of the office for 7 working
days, versus 10 in our traditional program.
Cost Savings – Often travel expenses can equal
or exceed the cost of tuition for a lymphedema program. Less time
off-site means less money spent on travel related expenses.
Family - Therapists spend less time in off-site
training and more time with their families.
Vacation - Employers often require therapists to
expend vacation time in order to attend training. Less time away means
more time saved for much needed vacations.
Flexibility – Students prepare for the theoretical
portion of the program using our Home Study/Online Portal. The student
decides which method of delivery they prefer.
Convenience - The Academy now offers more classes
in more locations than any other lymphedema program, allowing the
student to choose which location best serves their needs. In 2009,
you can choose from 26 different classes in 11 different cities.
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Q: What is the difference between the complete 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.
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Q: Does the Academy of Lymphatic Studies
offer certification courses at your location?
A: Yes, the Academy often takes the courses to facilities that need
a number of employees to be trained at the same time. If you are interested
in holding a course at your facility, please contact the Academy at
800.863.5935 or academy@acols.com
and we will consider your request.
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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 and ATC’s..
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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.
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Q: What does "Complete 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®.
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Q: How do I enroll for a certification
course or seminar?
A: To enroll in a certification course, a deposit of $850
($150 non-refundable, once students receive the textbook
for lymphedema management, the course manual and Home Study/Online
materials, $400 will become non-refundable), a copy
of your professional license and a completed registration form (click
here) 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 $895
needs to be received prior to the seminar. If you wish to enroll online
in a seminar, please click here.
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Q: Do I need to complete the Complete Certification
Course in one session?
A: No, the course curriculum can be split into two parts; part I:
first 6 days, part II: second 5 days. The cost for the Certification
Course if is split into two parts is $3,000. However, the entire course
must be completed within six months.
If you are interested in splitting the course into two parts please
contact the Academy at 800.863.5935.
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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.
Click here
to access LANA’s website.
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Q: Does the ACOLS offer CEU's (Credit hours
for Continuing Education)?
A: Yes, the following professions are eligible for CEU's (Accelerated
Hybrid Online Program participants): PT's, PTA's, OT's, COTA's, OTA’s
and MT's. CEU’s are issued through the FPTA, IPTA, AOTA, and
NCBTMB. CEU's are provided through the FPTA for Lymphedema Management
Seminar participants (31 hours).
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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.
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Q: How can I prepare for the certification
course?
A: The Students registers for a course, and specifies which method
of deliver they choose to prepare for the theoretical portion of the
course (Home Study/Online). A package is immediately sent to the student
which includes either the Home Study materials or the online login
information necessary to access the Academy’s Online Portal.
Students can begin studying for the theoretical portion of the course
at any time. The home study/online course must be completed before
the first day of class (certification course only). The home study/online
course will take 30 hours to complete.
The student attends the classroom portion of the curriculum in a city
of their choosing. The Academy now offers classes in more US locations
than any other provider. In 2009, choose from 26 different classes
in 11 different cities.
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Q: How long is the Complete Certification Class?
A: 135 hours (includes home study/online course) given over a period
of 7 working days (11 class days). The class room hours of the first
week are Saturday through Friday 8am – 6pm, and Saturday 8am
– 7pm, the hours of the second week are Sunday through Monday
8am – 7pm, and Tuesday 8am – 9pm with one hour for lunch
every day.
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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.
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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.
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Q: Does the Academy of Lymphatic Studies
offer Financial Aid?
A: Yes, The Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) offers Financial
Aid for the Certification Course in Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete
Decongestive Therapy. For more information, please contact the Academy
of Lymphatic Studies either via e-mail at academy@acols.com,
or by calling toll-free at 1.800.863.5935
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Q: Why should I take the Upper Extremity Certification Course?
A: There is a large number of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Centers in the United States. These centers specialize in the treatment of breast cancer and breast cancer related pathologies, such as upper extremity lymphedema. Lower extremity lymphedema is rarely seen in these centers.
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Q: What are the prerequisites to take the Upper Extremity Certification Course?
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, Massage Therapists (MT's must show proof of completion of a minimum 500 hour training program or be nationally certified), Chiropractors and ATC’s. MT's from other countries must show proof of equivalent program) and Chiropractors.
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Q: What is the difference between the complete certification courses (135 hours) and the upper extremity certification course (86 hours)?
A: While both courses cover the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system and the use of current up-to-date treatment techniques for lymphedema, the upper extremity certification course exclusively covers the treatment of primary and secondary (unilateral and bilateral) lymphedema affecting the upper extremity.
The complete certification course (135 hours) covers the treatment of lymphedema affecting all peripheral body parts, as well as chronic venous insufficiencies, wounds, pediatric lymphedema, lymphedema affecting the exterior genitalia, head and neck lymphedema, lipedema, and many other conditions that can be effectively managed by MLD and CDT
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Q: How long is the upper extremity certification course?
A: 86 hours (includes 30 hours home study/online course) given over a period of 3 1/2 working days (5 1/2 class days). The class room hours are Saturday through Wednesday 8am – 7pm, and Thursday 8am – 3pm with one hour for lunch every day.
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Q: Do I need to complete the Upper Extremity Certification Course in one session?
A: Yes, the 5 1/2 day Upper Extremity Certification Course needs to be completed in one session and cannot be split up.
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Q: How many classroom hours in the upper extremity certification course can I miss?
A: Participants are expected to attend 100% of the course. Should a participant miss more than four hours of the course, he or she may not be permitted to participate in the final exam. However, special circumstances will be considered.
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Q: Can I become fully certified after attending the Upper Extremity Certification Course?
A: Yes, graduates of the Upper Extremity Certification Course can become fully certified by attending the last six days of the complete certification course of 135 hours.
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Q: Can I sit for the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA®) Exam upon completion of the Upper Extremity Certification Course?
A: LANA® requires 135 (60 minute) hours of CDT training consisting of 1/3 theoretical instruction in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatics, and 2/3 significant hands on mentoring. Upon completion of the Upper Extremity Certification Course, graduates are not able to sit for the LANA® exam. However, Upper Extremity Certification Course graduates may upgrade to a complete certification course of 135 hours by attending the last six days of the complete certification course.
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Please feel free to call us should you have any additional questions.
1-800-863-5935