Therapist Training Program

Join us in our new modular training program updated in 2020 

For excellence in training and quality results, the Dr. Vodder School offers the best possible combination of didactic and practical experience.  Through careful, systematic training of your hands and a thorough training in the scientific basis of lymphology you will gain all the skills necessary to excel in this work.

The post-graduate training offered by the Dr. Vodder School is the most extensive and thorough program on Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD®) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). The Dr. Vodder School - International teaches the original Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage, a full lymphedema management program and many more applications for MLD.

The Therapist Training Program offers health-care practitioners the best available education in the original Dr. Vodder method of MLD and CDT.  Our teachers have a passionate, caring focus that will help you to realize the best possible outcomes for your patients.

The courses are open to licensed or certified health care practitioners who have graduated from a practitioner training program.  Please click acceptable qualifications for full list.

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Course description

We have streamlined the training process to cater more specifically to the needs of health care practitioners to offer a modular training.

Level 1 Basic. This is the foundation course and is divided into an online theory component and in-classroom practical component.

• Level 1 Theory is an easy-to-follow, online PowerPoint slide format prepared by physicians from the Dr. Vodder Academy. All students entering our training program will take this component first. This requires reading, studying, and an exam, all of which should take between 20 – 45 hours to complete. It is available in English, German, French, Italian, Mandarin and Japanese. Successful completion of the online exam enables continuation to the Level 1 practical course.  Required Text is Dr Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage A Practical Guide.  Click here to purchase.

CLICK FOR LEVEL 1 ONLINE THEORY COURSE

• Level 1 Practical. This 4-day classroom course covers the original Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) strokes and their application to each body part, including neck, face, arms, legs, nape, back, buttocks, chest and abdomen.
  
  

CLICK TO REGISTER- CANADA

CLICK TO REGISTER- USA

Level 2 Applied MLD. This 4-day classroom course can be taken after Level 1 is complete. It is designed for those therapists whose primary focus is not patients with lymphedema. There are many applications of MLD, apart from those for patients with edema and in this course, clinical indications for MLD are taught for patients with a functional lymph vessel system. These include whiplash, burns, migraines, tinnitus, CRPS, stroke, supination trauma for the ankle, knee arthroplasty, cruciate ligament repair, adhesive capsulitis and hip pathologies. A practical exam is given at the end of this course and successful completion enables certification in Applied MLD from the Dr. Vodder Academy/School – International. After completing Level 2, you can attend Level 3.

Level 3 Lymphedema. This 9-day classroom course is designed for those interested in lymphedema and edema management. It is taken after completion of Level 1 or Level 2 and comprises theory and practical segments. (You can go directly from Level 1 to Level 3.  Level 2 can be taken at anytime as long as Level 1 has been completed.)  Lymphedema Diagnosis and Therapy text book's first 3 chapters will be provided to the Therapists prior to the class as the book is now out of print.  Dr Weissleder gifted Dr Vodder School those chapters when the book went out of print in 2024.  Thank you Dr Weissleder.  

• Level 3 Lymphedema Theory. This 2-day segment is taught in class by a medical doctor or PhD-level lymphologist. The pathophysiological background of edemas, in general, is covered as well as lymphedema and lipedema. Indications, contraindications and differential diagnosis of edema is explained. A theory exam is given during the Level 3 course.
• Level 3 Lymphedema Practical. This 7-day segment includes the correct application of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). This includes MLD, compression therapy (bandages & garments), edema exercises and skin care. Applications include treatment of upper and lower extremity lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency edema and head & neck edema. A practical exam is taken at the end of the 9 day course.

Successful completion of theory and practical exams enables certification in Lymphedema management from the Dr. Vodder Academy/School – International.

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Therapy Update (former Vodder Review/Recertification). The Dr. Vodder School provides a Therapy Update, the best quality assurance program for therapists and patients seeking therapy. These advanced training courses are available for therapists to update their skills.  We ensure that therapists listed on the Dr. Vodder website have updated their manual skills and theoretical knowledge by attending this course at least every two years and demonstrate continued competence. Expert guest speakers are invited to present the latest research and methods, such as Dr. Anna Towers, Prof. Neil Piller, Dr. Jane Armer and other leaders in the field from around the world. Therapists learn new skills and stay current with the latest in the field. Currently-certified therapists maintain their certification by attending one of these classes.

Our advanced courses bring innovative, advanced techniques and instruction to all therapists who have completed recognized MLD/CDT training programs.

Professional development is the hallmark of the Dr. Vodder School. Learning is achieved in a positive and interactive environment where you are encouraged to actively participate.

Our goal is to bring you the highest quality education available and you will find it in these advanced classes for certified lymphedema therapists.

CLICK HERE FOR THERAPY UPDATE REGISTRATION FORM

Available to therapists with at least 135 hours of MLD training, we offer Lymph Taping.

ARRANGE A CLASS IN YOUR CITY: contact the Dr. Vodder School to arrange a certified Dr. Vodder instructor to come to your city if you do not see your location on the schedule.