Today’s article is about specialized testing that Lymphedema professionals can take to indicate to their patients they are nationally recognized Lymphedema treatment providers. Those of you readers new to this Series, and all other interested persons, are encouraged to take the time to read about the other topics this Daily Column has detailed and to check back regularly for new articles to come.
The Lymphedema Association Of North America:
The Lymphedema Association of North America is composed of health care professionals, doctors, nurses, and therapists, who are experienced in Lymphedema. LANA also acknowledges that there is a need for a national certification examination for Lymphedema Therapists to test their Lymphedema treatment knowledge. LANA certification entitles the holder to become a member of LANA. A $55 one-year membership fee is included and offers them many perks.
LANA has regional representatives servicing the United States, that are available to assist patients who may have questions, or may be looking for local LANA Therapists in their areas. LANA does not provide a patient referral service nor do they make recommendations for treatment providers.
The States that are covered by these representatives include Deleware, Connecticut, Massachuesettes, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nevada, California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Hawaii.
2010 LANA Test Dates:
LANA Examination test dates for 2010 will be April 19 through May 8, 2010, with applications postmarked by March 27, 2010, to be eligible to take the examination, and September 20 through October 9, 2010, with applications postmarked by August 27, 2010. The cost for the LANA Certification Examination will be $300. Testing centers can be located on the website isoqualitytesting.com, and found under Testing Centers, then “locate a testing center”. LANA certification is currently valid for 6 years.
LANA Certification Requirements:
LANA certification is a computer-based testing tool designed to assure a basic qualification standard for Lymphedema Therapists that tests their proficiency. In order to take the LANA examination examinees must have completed 135 one-hour CDT training blocks of theoretical instruction in Lymphedema anatomy and physiology, with hands-on mentoring. Examinees must have a minimum of one year’s documentable experience after receiving CDT training, and must maintain unrestricted current medical licenses, with at least 500 completed massage school hours, or possess National Theraputic Massage and Bodywork Certification. They must also have completed 192 hours of college level human anatomy, pathology, and physiology courses. Meeting all these prerequistes, they must have obtained one year of direct patient care with hands-on CDT techniques, to be entitled to take the LANA examination.
Benefits Of The LANA Examination:
The LANA examination presents the holder with a national acknowledgement identifying them as having a Lymphedema Treatment Specialty requiring advanced training, provides them with additional credibility as a Lymphedema treatment provider, and patients can be more assured of a higher quality care.
The Lymphedema Association of North America can be contacted at:
L.A.N.A.
Post Office Box 466
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
773-756-8971
[email protected]
Previously: Lymphedema Compression Bandages.
Next Time: The Reid Sleeve Classic.
