Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certification
Course Description
This engaging 5½ day MLD Certification course is based on the techniques developed by Dr. Emil Vodder, Ph.D., MT. When skillfully applied, this therapeutic form of soft-tissue mobilization dramatically enhances lymph formation and promotes drainage within the superficial and deep systems of the lymph vascular network. MLD effectively reduces traumatic and post-surgical edema, and can provide symptomatic relief of migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), stress, fatigue, and more. MLD also induces general relaxation and detoxification.
During this course, students will be instructed in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and basic MLD treatment sequences will be demonstrated and practiced. In addition, MLD treatment sequences for mild, medically-uncomplicated upper and lower extremity lymphedema will be taught. Each day will be divided into two sections: theoretical and hands-on application.
The Klose Training MLD course moves at an intensive pace and covers anatomy, physiology, and hands-on techniques in depth. Please be ready to engage fully, study between sessions, and practice regularly. This preparation will help you get the most out of the course and feel confident applying your skills in both clinical and wellness settings. Because the content is more in-depth than many massage therapy continuing education courses, it’s a rewarding challenge that asks for your full commitment.
After successful completion of the MLD certification class, students will receive their MLD certification from Klose Training. Students will be able to use “Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist (CMLDT)“ as one of their professional credentials.
Course Educational Level: Introductory and Advanced
Instructional Methods: Hands-on lab and lectures.
In order to successfully pass this course, students must not be absent for any portion of the course, must pass a multiple-choice exam with a score of 80% or higher, and demonstrate proficiency in the techniques learned in the class as determined by the instructor.
course objectives
Participants will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and the relevant scientific terminology related to the lymphatic system.
Demonstrate an understanding of the differentiation between the normal and diseased states of the lymphatic system (physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system).
Demonstrate an understanding of the indications and contraindications related to the use of MLD.
Competently perform the techniques of MLD for all body areas.
Develop appropriate treatment strategies for indications such as post-surgical edema, post-traumatic edema, fibromyalgia, general detoxification and other conditions.
Competently perform MLD on clients after breast surgery for cancer (clients at risk to develop lymphedema).
Competently perform MLD on clients with mild, medically uncomplicated, primary or secondary lymphedema.
Class Times
A total of 45 hours of instruction over a 6-day period are provided in this MLD Course. Usual class hours are: 8:00am-5:00pm the first five days and 8:00am-2:00pm on the last day. Exact class times will be provided with your registration confirmation.
prerequisites
This course is designed for Licensed/Registered Massage Therapists who have completed at least 500 hours of massage training or are certified by the NCBTMB. The course is also open to PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, ATCs, RNs, and MDs but these professionals should first consult with Klose Training to ensure this is the appropriate class.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Perfection!
Nicola is a great teacher. The combination of her extensive knowledge and experience with her warm, witty nature is perfectly effective.
I felt Nicola's instruction was great! As a retired school teacher, I felt she did a fantastic job balancing her whole group instruction, then breaking it down into small hands-on demonstration with each pair, and lastly, giving feedback immediately to the attendees. She created a safe learning environment and was very attentive to our over-all needs. Her organization skills are amazing in addition to expertise in knowledge. I could not have hand-selected a better instructor! She is a jewel. I also feel welcome to reach out to her in the future should I need her expertise!
Excellent quality instruction. Thorough, very knowledgeable, great sense of humor, beautiful technique, helpful, patient, and a wonderful role model/mentor to look up to.
Nicola is the most amazing instructor I’ve had since massage school and I’ve taken a lot of massage CEUs. She is patient, concise in explanation, and very clear in details of complicated subject matter. I would say that she is better at explaining many things than some nursing professors years ago.
At first, I didn’t understand why this class was 6 days in length. However, as the class progressed, I now understand. It’s a vast body of information and the techniques need to be exact and precise. So thank you for the detailed training. I appreciate this.
Nicola is an amazing instructor. Her passion and knowledge of the material shines through in her teaching. She’s incredibly patient and kind and caring.
The study was perfectly paced.
I was blown away. I love the work and so appreciate the KLOSE training.
The instructor was very well versed on all topics, understanding of contents, and was compassionate to my specific challenges during the class.
[The best part was] getting enough time hands-on to really be able to practice strokes and sequences with instructor and peer feedback.
Nicola is extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter and presented it in an easy to understand way. She took the time to thoughtfully answer questions and made sure each student understood the information or the technique demonstrated. She provided quality instruction.
Watching Nicola was like watching a choreographed dance. Such beautiful flow. Her knowledge was so very helpful. She was available and happy to answer question. Her patience with our learning was gentle and encouraging.
Nicola was an amazing instructor! You can tell she has a gift of teaching and providing a positive learning environment for her students. She was hands on, attentive and personable. She gave examples of her own client experience which I know I really appreciated (as did others). She was able to openly and thoughtfully answer any questions we had, while still being able to jump right back onto the topic that we left off on to continue teaching necessary information. She gave great feedback and areas where each of us could improve on in our hands-on skill.
Hello!! I just wanted to send a hello, and also I had my very first MLD session tonight and it went amazing and I just wanted to tell you again how grateful I am for everything that you were able to teach us and for this career path, I owe it all to you!! You’re an amazing teacher and also an amazing therapist and I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for everything!!
I wanted to reach out to express my heartfelt gratitude for the inspiration you’ve provided throughout our Manual Lymphatic Drainage training. Your gentle, caring touch and deep understanding of MLD have not only been impactful in my learning but have also inspired me to take the step to renew/reactivate my nursing license. Seeing how much positive impact this work can bring, I am excited to incorporate MLD into my practice and use it to help those around me. Thank you again for being such an inspiring mentor.
Can’t thank you enough for all your generosity and inspiration during our training. I am enriched and inspired by your skills, passion and commitment to healing, research and leadership.
Nicola, Thank you so much for being such an amazing inspiring teacher. Everyone in SD appreciated your expertise and support in every way. You should be SO happy to know you are doing exactly what God sent you here to do! Seriously, just watching you was hypnotic!
Good morning Nicola!
I wanted to let you know that I am continually amazed at the progress my clients are making. One in specific has had a former breast reduction, then silicon implants that began to leak, removal of said implants, and has been recovering from the removal…AND she is a local MDs wife. (No pressure for results, right?!) Long story shortened, at her 1st monthly follow up, her surgeon said that I had been doing an amazing job. I started seeing her weekly, we are now spaced out to every 3 weeks. She is maintaining really well. Thank you for your passion and dedication! I am forever thankful I took your class!
Tuition Fee
$1550.00
Two part payment plans are available
UPCOMING CLASSES
2025 Schedule
Hyde Park VT - October 17-22 - Green Mountain Massage School
Everett WA - November 7 to 9 and 14 to 16 (Over 2 Weekends) - CLASS IS FULL WAITLIST ONLY - North by Northwest School of Massage
2026 Schedule
Atlanta GA - February 23-28 - The Heal Center, (Sandy Springs)
Davis, CA - March 14-19 - Hyatt Place, UC Davis
Chicago IL - April 20-25 - Pacific College of Health and Science
Philadelphia PA - April 28-May 3 - The Philadelphia School of Massage and Bodywork
Missoula MT - June 19-24 - Sacred Roots Massage School of Montana
Seattle WA - June 27-July 2 - Discovery Point School of Massage
San Diego CA - August 17-22 - Pacific College of Health and Science
Louisville KY - September 8-13 - Hyatt Regency Louisville
Lafayette CO - September 24-29 - Visit https://klosetraining.com/mld/mld0926co/ to register for this class
Beaverton OR - October 12-17 - Hilton Garden Inn Portland/Beaverton.
We are currently working on classes in Hawaii and Austin TX in 2026. Details will be available shortly. For further information on those classes and locations please contact us at admin@nicolamcgill.com or call Geri Ruane on 512 758 3811
