Any questions or concerns you may have can be directed to our email address. We may not be able to answer each question individually, so the most frequently asked questions are addressed here on this Web page.

Q: What are the requirements to be eligible to sit for the LANA exam?

A: As of Spring 2003, the eligibility criteria for taking the exam are:

• 135 (60 minute) hours of CDT training consisting of 1/3 theoretical instruction in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatics, and 2/3 significant hands on mentoring.
• 1 year of documented experience AFTER receiving CDT training
• Current, unrestricted licensure as an RN, OT, COTA, PT, PTA, MD, DO, ATC, DC or Massage Therapists who have completed 500 massage school hours and/or National Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Certification.
• 192 hours college level human anatomy, physiology and/or pathology. (this requirement is automatically met with evidence of current professional licensure of: RN, OT, COTA, PT, PTA, MD, DO, ATC, and DC disciplines).

Q: How long after my training course may I take the exam?

A: A minimum of 1 year of experience in direct patient care, utilizing hands-on CDT techniques is required, following the completion of the 135 hour course, to be eligible for the exam. Physicians understandably may not experience hand-on treatment but are required to complete 1 year of diagnosis and management of patients with lymphedema to be eligible.

Q: Where can I find more information about the exam?

A: The Candidate Information Brochure (CIB) is an informational document created to provide comprehensive information about the exam and the exam application procedure. The CIB is available to be downloaded from the website free of charge.

Q: What is the benefit to taking the LANA exam?

A: Passing a national certification exam will acknowledge the training you have had as being of a reputable standard and protect the investment you have already made in your career. It will identify lymphedema treatment as a specialty that requires advanced training and provide a basis from which insurance companies can establish more consistent reimbursement guidelines for Medicare and other US health insurance providers. In addition, credibility is gained through the North American medical establishment. The ultimate goal, of course, is to protect the consumer by assuring a high quality of care.

Q: Which schools have been approved or are recognized as having adequate training?

A: LANA is not in a position to approve or accredit schools. LANA can only set standards. Identifying the schools that meet these standards is not a part of the national exam project. It will be the responsibility of each applicant to provide the application committee with the information needed to insure that the applicant meets the requirements; regardless of what school he or she attended.

Q: How much will it cost to take the exam?

A: Currently the test fee is $275.

Q: When and where is the exam given?

A: The exam is administered twice yearly for a 3 week period by Schroeder Measurement Technologies (SMT) throughout North America. Once your exam application has been approved, you can locate a testing site in your area and schedule to take the exam at a date and time that is convenient for you. Check LANA the website for the upcoming test dates.

Q: Is there a hands-on (practical) component to the exam?

A: No. The LANA certification exam is a computer based testing tool designed to assure a basic standard of qualification for lymphedema therapists. LANA is concerned with testing the applicants’ proficiency over the body of knowledge that exists in the current literature.

Q: If I do not pass the exam, how soon am I eligible to re-take the test?

A: Any candidate who fails to achieve a passing score on the exam may apply to retake the exam after six (6) months. The candidate must reapply to SMT and must pay the $275.00 (U.S.) fee again. Understand that by applying 6 months after the original exam, you may not be able to sit for the exam until the following test period. This may result in a one-year delay in re-taking the exam. You may sit for the exam up to 3 times in a 24-month period to achieve a passing score. If you do not successfully pass at this point, LANA strongly recommends that you complete additional CDT training.

Q: If I am already a CLT-LANA therapist do I ever need to re-certify?

A: YES! LANA certification expires six (6) years after successful completion of the exam. Candidates will re-certify by taking the exam again and/or providing proof of completed CEU’s. LANA is currently busy developing these guidelines. Check the CIB frequently for updates as these procedures are solidified

Q: How can I get involved with LANA?

A: LANA is in the process of creating a membership organization that will benefit therapists who are CLT-LANA certified and those who are eligible to become certified. LANA has selected representatives from different regions of the country, separate from the board of directors (BOD), who are charged with developing the membership organization. Check the website frequently for updates on the membership organization. We hope that you will become a member! Currently LANA is comprised of a 14-member board. These are elected positions. If you are interested in applying to the LANA board, contact LANA for an application and to review position requirements.

Q: Can LANA recommend treatment centers in different parts of the country?

A: LANA is not a referral service, nor are they in a position to make recommendations. LANA’s goal is to provide a means by which qualified lymphedema therapists interested in taking a national examination can obtain board certification from the Lymphology Association of North America.

Q: Can LANA offer any scholarship assistance for lymphedema training programs or for the exam?

A: At the present time, LANA is not able to provide scholarship assistance to students enrolling in lymphedema training courses, nor is it not their role to endorse or approve individual training schools. In addition, they are unable to provide financial assistance to apply to take the exam. The National Lymphedema Network (NLN: www.lymphnet.org) has a Resource Guide that lists training schools. You can contact them directly to compare curricula and aid you in selecting the most appropriate school.