Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy
Lymphedema Treatment Courses
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The Full CDT Certification Course
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Course Objectives
Each student will be trained in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy. Upon completion of the class, the therapist will be able to differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas as well as understand the applications, medical indications, and contraindications of MLD and CDT. Additionally, the therapist will be able to establish a CDT treatment plan for individuals with primary or secondary lymphedema and perform the indicated treatment.

Online Home Study Courses Now Included with Registration!

Students registering for the Norton School Full CDT Certification Course have full access to our online Theoretical Preparation program - a $450 value! The program's nine courses allow students to thoroughly prepare for the theoretical components of the CDT course. All courses are narrated by the school's founder, Steve Norton, and contain a short quiz at the end to measure comprehension of the material. The Theoretical Preparation program contains the following courses: (1) Anatomy; (2) Physiology; (3) Manual Lymph Drainage Theory; (4) Compression Bandaging; (5) Compression Garments; (6) Diagnosis; (7) Therapy; (8) Complications of CDT; (9) Applications of CDT

 
Class Topics
•  anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
•  basic techniques and sequences of Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder technique)
•  indications and contraindications of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
•  differential diagnosis
•  treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema
•  lymphedema bandaging techniques for upper and lower extremities
•  remedial lymphedema exercises
•  hygienic skin and nail care for lymphedema
•  measuring and fitting techniques for lymphedema support garments
•  patient evaluation and weekly measurement
(circumference and volume)
•  home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema
•  medical billing and reimbursement for clinical lymphedema management
   
   
Course Materials & Services Included with Tuition
•  comprehensive course and reference manuals
•  "Textbook of Lymphology" textbook by M. Foeldi
•  lymphedema 5 DVD set
•  upper and lower extremity bandage kits
•  informational portfolio detailing current treatment product
•  Jobst Elvarex compression garment certification
•  lifetime listing in the Norton School therapist referral database
•  FREE lifetime access to LymphedemaJobs.com, the only dedicated career resource for the lymphedema therapy field
 
AVAILABLE WITH TUITION
 
 
 
Textbook of Lymphology
($200 value)
 
Lymphedema 5 DVD Set
($300 value)

Student  
Classroom Environment
Much of the praise received on Norton School certification course evaluations focuses on the classroom's unique educational climate. Students report an uplifting, enjoyable, and engaging environment that is highly conducive to learning. Our instructors strive to create an atmosphere in which every student feels capable of interacting with the class through lively discussion. The student body's eclectic mix of licensed professionals contributes a multilayered perspective to classroom discussions, enriching appreciation for the critical role this unique form of therapy plays throughout the modern healthcare system.
A balanced blend of didactic and practical work creates daily lessons that captivate and maintain student attention. Because manual techniques are regularly performed and received by all participants, the Norton School program is not only learned conceptually but is experienced and absorbed physically as well. Patient visitation, evaluation, and inspection, along with observation of treatment, provide exceptional insight into the precise delivery of patient care. It is this seamless integration of theoretical and practical components, while in a relaxed and intimate setting, that makes the course an invaluable and unforgettable experience for Norton School alumni.
 
     
 

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the most successful treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema. Post mastectomy lymphedema and other related conditions respond extremely well to this gentle, non-invasive, and highly effective therapy. CDT is sometimes referred to as Complete/Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). CDT consists of the following four steps:

 
 
Manual Lymph Drainage
 
 
1. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a very gentle manual treatment that improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. In the 1930s the techniques of MLD were first introduced by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT from Denmark. MLD is becoming widely recognized in the United States as a treatment for many pathologies including post surgical swelling, post traumatic edema (e.g., sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. MLD is further used to promote general relaxation and for cleansing (detoxification) of the skin and superficial fascia. In lymphedema therapy MLD is used to reroute the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels, which drain into the venous circulation.
 
  Complete Decongestive Therapy  
 

Photograph

 
  Lymphedema Certification Courses  
 
2. Compression Therapy
Compression therapy, through the use of multilayered bandages, increases tissue pressure and is applied between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of evacuated edema fluid. Compression therapy also increases the efficiency of the muscle and joint pumps and is used until the limb is sufficiently decongested to be fitted for compression garments.
 
 
Photograph
 
  Lymphedema Therapy Courses  
 
3. Exercises
Remedial exercises, with the bandages in place, are performed to activate the muscle and joint pumps of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and, over time, in further reduction of the swollen limb.
 
 
Photograph
 
  Lymphedema Therapy Courses  
 
4. Skin Care
Skin care and general hygiene are essential for eliminating bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas. Because infections are very common complications of lymphedema, meticulous skin and nail care are integral elements of CDT.
 
 
Photograph
 
  Lymphedema Courses  
 

Senior Faculty
Steve Norton, MLD/CDT Instructor, CLT-LANA, NCMT-NCBTMB
Andrea Cheville, MD, MLD/CDT Certified Therapist
Nicole Gergich, MPT, CLT-LANA
Joy Cohn, PT, CLT-LANA
See the Faculty/Testimonials Section

Pre-Requisites
The following professions are accepted for training: Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapists Assistants, Nurses, Massage Therapists.*
*Massage therapists must show proof of completion of a minimum 500 hours training program or be certified through the NCBTMB

Home Study Course
A Home Study Course will be sent to each participant prior to the class. This portion of the training consists of a Home Study Course manual, a video tape and a book about Lymphedema, Diagnosis and Therapy. Approximately 30 Hours of home studying are expected of each student prior to the first day of class. The Home Study Course will provide an opportunity for each student to develop a more extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as it will facilitate the smooth entry and progression of the training.

Class Times
A total of 135 hours of instruction is provided in the Full CDT Certification Course; 105 hours of classroom instruction are given over a 13 day period. Class hours for the first week are: Monday through Saturday 8:00am–6:00pm; second week: Monday through Friday 8:00am–6:00pm, Saturday 8:00am–2:00pm. In addition, the completion of a 30-hour Home Study Course is expected prior to the start of the course.

Certificate/Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
Participants will receive, upon successful completion (have passed the written and practical final exams), a certificate of completion confirming their status as a Lymphedema Therapist certified in Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique)/Complete Decongestive Therapy. CEUs are available for Physical Therapists through the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) and for Massage Therapists through the NCBTMB. For questions about receiving CEUs please call us toll-free at (866) 445-9674.

Tuition
The tuition for the Full CDT Certification Course is $2,600. A deposit of $500 is required at the time of registration and will hold a spot in the course until the remaining balance is received no later than two (2) weeks prior to the first day of class.

 
  Lymphedema Training  
  Click here to view the current Full CDT Certification Course schedule.  
  Lymphology  
 
©2003-2008 Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy - A Division of The Norton Salas Group, Inc.