ALERT Lymphoedema Accreditation Training Program

Delivered by

Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences

The ALERT Lymphoedema Accreditation Training Program meets the Australasian Lymphology Association’s (ALA) Competency Standards and includes all learning needed to be accredited as a Lymphoedema Therapist in Australia relative to participants' scope of practice. The program has also been designed to form units which comply with Macquarie University’s micro credentialling and curriculum architecture frameworks. 

Our integration with the treatment and research arms of ALERT means we have access to a team of highly qualified and experienced lymphoedema experts. Our training gives participants access to cutting-edge scientific evidence, resources and technology. 

The program includes a mixed-methods approach of lymphoedema education incorporating the two mandatory online foundational units and regional unit/s relating to your scope of practice: 

Foundational units 

• Principles of Lymphoedema Management 

• Contemporary Evidence in Lymphoedema Management 

  Regional unit 

• Lymphoedema Practice for the Upper Limb and Breast 

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes are aligned to the graduate capabilities. 

Principles of Lymphoedema Management: 

1. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system including principles of microcirculation (Scientist and Scholar) 

2. Define and differentiate between types of oedemas (Scientist and Scholar) 

3. Apply knowledge and skills to plan a comprehensive assessment for a person at risk of or living with lymphoedema (Clinical Practitioner) 

4. Interpret assessment findings and use clinical reasoning to develop an evidence-based person-centred intervention plan (Clinical Practitioner) 

Contemporary Evidence in Lymphoedema Management: 

1. Explain the revised anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and teachings from ICG lymphography (Scientist and Scholar) 

2. Describe the prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care in cancer rehabilitation and explain how this can be integrated into healthcare settings (Scientist and Scholar) 

3. Apply the latest evidence to develop a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan for a person at risk of or living with lymphoedema and chronic oedemas (Clinical Practitioner) 

4. Discuss individual and societal impact of lymphoedema and chronic oedema models of care (Engaged Global Citizen) 

Lymphoedema Practice for the Head and Neck Region: 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of scientific literature and evidence based best practice for the assessment and management of lymphoedema of the upper limb and breast (Scientist and Scholar) 

2. Demonstrate safe and effective, patient-centred skills and competencies in delivering high quality assessment and management strategies for lymphoedema of the upper limb and breast (Clinical Practitioner) 

3. Demonstrate effective communication skills in the context of patient-centred care and engagement with members of multidisciplinary teams (Clinical Practitioner) 

4. Adapt assessment and intervention plans to meet needs of individuals from distinct social and/or cultural groups to ensure culturally respectful care for people with lymphoedema of the upper limb and breast (Engaged Global Citizen) 

5. Use feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers and patients to inform self-evaluation and critical reflection of knowledge and skill development (Professional)

Skills

• Develop a comprehensive assessment plan and evidence-based intervention/treatment plan

• Clinical assessment skills 

• MLD clinical skills 

• Bandaging clinical skills 

• Garment prescription skills 

• Person-centred care 

Delivery Details

• Online learning and assessment

• Face-to-face practical learning

• Assessment 

Activities

• Forum Activities

• Case Studies

• Knowledge Checks 

Assessment

• Principles of Lymphoedema Management: 

  Assessment Task 1 – Quiz/Test (40%), Assessment Task 2 – Case Study Assessment (60%) 

• Contemporary Evidence in Lymphoedema Management: 

  Assessment Task 1 – Quiz/Test (60%), Assessment Task 2 – Case Study Assessment (40%) 

• Lymphoedema Practice for the Upper Limb and Breast: 

  Assessment Task 1 – Quiz/Test (20%), Assessment Task 2 – Case Study Assessment (20%), Assessment Task 3 - Clinical skills assessment (60%) 

Hours (volume of learning)

225 hours (205 hours of online learning and assessment, and 20 hours of practical learning and assessment) 

Recognised by

Australasian Lymphology Association 

Credit points and associated AQF Level/s

15 credit points at AQF Level 7