Turkey: Certification Program for Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy

The Certification Program for Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy Course is an intensive course training medical professionals to successfully treat and manage Lymphedema affecting different parts of the body. Participants will also be trained to treat related conditions as listed below.

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Lymphedema

Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues and is a very common and serious condition worldwide. It has important pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated.

Secondary lymphedema is often caused by trauma to the lymphatic system, such as surgery, injury, scarring, infection and radiation therapy. Post-mastectomy lymphedema of the upper extremity caused by breast cancer treatment is very common in the United States.

Another cause for lymphedema is malformations of the lymphatic system (primary lymphedema). In such cases the swelling may appear after simple accidents such as sports injuries, which can suddenly overload the lymphatic system.

Course Objective

Each course participant will be trained in the four components of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDT/CDPT) and the management of lymphedema affecting a variety of peripheral body parts - upper and lower extremities, head and neck, exterior genitalia, truncal swelling, pediatric lymphedema, post-surgical and post-traumatic swelling, lymphedema caused by chronic venous insufficiencies and other pathologies, lipedema and more. Upon completion of this course participants will be able to differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas and understand the medical indications and contraindications of CDT. Furthermore the therapist will be able to establish a treatment plan for individuals with chronic extremity lymphedema and other conditions and perform the treatment accordingly.

Class Topics

Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the lymphatic system Basic and advanced techniques of MLD and CDT Treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema as well as related conditions Introduction to the treatment of pediatric lymphedema, head/neck and genital lymphedema Lymphedema bandaging techniques for upper and lower extremities Decongestive exercises for lymphedema patients Measuring techniques for edema (volumetric and circumferential) Measuring techniques for compression garments (with certification) Home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema patients Hygienic skin and nail care for lymphedema Indications and contraindications for MLD and CDT Also included: ACOLS provides free support of graduates (consulting services, therapist resource listing and more) ACOLS periodically offers advanced and review classes

Course Format

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. The Academy is now providing a more dynamic, accelerated course format which meticulously blends the optimal mix of online and classroom hours to provide our students with unparalleled quality of instruction.

Accelerated Hybrid Online Program

Due to overwhelming student demand, we have changed our traditional two week certification course format to the Accelerated Hybrid Online Program (AHOP). The Accelerated Hybrid Online Program (AHOP) allows students to become fully certified in Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy using a dynamic combination of Home Study/Online lessons and student-centered classroom sessions.

The Certification Program for Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy Course consists of 135 hours. Students will first complete a 45-hour Home Study Program, followed by the 90-hour class for their live lecture and hands-on instruction. The classroom time is taught over 9 consecutive days. It requires only 5 working days and 2 weekends to complete. Participants can also split the course, attending the first 5 days, then returning within 6 months to finish the last 4 days of the course.

Pre-requisites

To attend our Certification Program for Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy Course, participants must have a current, unrestricted license as a Physiotherapist (PT).

Registration Process

Contact:
Nilüfer Kablan, PT, MSc, CLT, WCC, MLD/CDT Instructor
niluferkablan@yahoo.com
+90 506 763 85 56
www.acolsturkiye.com

1. Students MUST register for the course at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. This is to ensure the student has adequate time to complete the Home Study Program prior to attending the course.
2. Once the registration is received and processed, we will mail the necessary home study materials, along with the online portal access information to complete the 45-hour Home Study portion of the course.
3. Students prepare for the theoretical portion of the program using our Home Study/Online Portal. Our online portal contains 7 learning modules with exams. Students study each module and complete the exam at the end of each module. Students must pass each exam with a grade of 90% or better to proceed to the next module and must have the entire home study completed no later than 2 days before the course begins.
4. Prior to attending the 90-hour live portion of the course, each student must complete and submit a Student Application, along with a copy of their professional license. These documents can be sent to the contact listed above.
5. Three additional exams are administered during the 9 days of classroom time. If the student successfully completes the 135 hours of study and passes all of the exams, the student will be a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT).

Included in Tuition

• Complete and Comprehensive Certification (135 hours)
• Comprehensive Course Manual
• Set of three posters on the "Lymphatic System
• Complete Compression Bandage Set for the Upper and Lower Extremity
• Certification for Compression Garment Fitting
• All Academy certified therapists qualify for a free lifetime listing as a preferred lymphedema therapist for patient referral on our website and access to an instructor via email for difficult patient cases or patient questions.

Duration

Our courses normally begin on a Saturday and will end 9 days later on the following Sunday.

The classroom hours are 8am – 7pm daily. The last day of class is testing day, so class will start at 8am, but the ending times can vary depending on the number of students to be tested. Please be prepared to stay up to 9pm on the last day and plan return flights accordingly. There will be approximately one hour for lunch every day.

Certificate of Attendance

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of attendance stating they are certified to perform Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) and Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy.