Academy of Lymphatic Studies

What Academy of Lymphatic Studies does

The Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) is a privately held, for-profit medical education company founded in 1994 and headquartered in Sebastian, Florida. It operates as the first U.S. school to offer lymphedema management training based on the European curriculum, certifying healthcare professionals — primarily physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, massage therapists, physicians, and speech-language pathologists — in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) using the Vodder Technique and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Its flagship offering is a 135-hour Complete Lymphedema Certification course (tuition $3,350), alongside a 40-hour MLD certification, an Advanced Lymphedema Management course, and a portfolio of specialty modules covering oncology, post-plastic surgery procedures, head/neck lymphedema, lymphatic cupping, and elastic taping. Delivery is split across in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats, and its graduates are positioned to sit for the LANA National Exam, which the company markets as the gold-standard certification for lymphedema therapists.

ACOLS monetizes through two distinct revenue streams. The primary stream is tuition-based professional education and certification, including alumni discounts, interest-free financing on flagship certification, and refundable deposits. The secondary stream is a wholly-owned retail subsidiary, The Lymphedema Store (formerly Academy Bandages), an e-commerce storefront at store.acols.com selling compression garments (Juzo, Lymphedivas, Xpandasox, Sigvaris, Medi, JOBST), custom garments, bandage kits, wound care supplies, skin care products, donning/doffing aids, orthopedic supports, and educational materials at price points ranging from approximately $4.50 to $328.49. The company reaches customers through direct website registration, phone inquiries, professional organization partnerships (APTA, AOTA, LE&RN), industry trade shows, SEO, email marketing, social media, magazine advertising, and word-of-mouth referrals from alumni.

Internationally, ACOLS delivers its curriculum through channel partners in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India, and Spanish-speaking markets, offering localized Complete Lymphedema Certification and MLD programs. The company also operates a Find-a-Therapist directory that connects patients with certified practitioners, reinforcing network effects across its alumni base. No external funding, M&A, or parent-company ownership has been disclosed in the available data, and leadership is led by CEO Shannon S. Yerkic. The firm competes in a niche, highly specialized medical-education category where regulatory recognition (LANA) and curriculum authority function as the principal competitive levers.

Name

Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Legal name

Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Website

https://acols.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) is a private medical education company, founded in 1994 and based in Florida, that certifies healthcare professionals in lymphedema management and Manual Lymph Drainage using the Vodder Technique, while also retailing lymphedema supplies through a wholly-owned subsidiary, The Lymphedema Store.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Professional Certification Training

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Other Schools and Instruction (6116)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047)

akta.pro primary industry

Healthcare Clinical Professions (CME/CE for Nurses, Allied Health, Pharmacy) (EDAAALAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Compliance, Certification & Continuing Education LMS (EDAFAAAD)

Keywords

• Lymphedema certification training
• Manual lymph drainage courses
• Complete decongestive therapy
• Healthcare professional education
• Lymphedema management certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Sebastian

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Education and Certification Courses: Revenue generated from tuition fees for various certification and training courses including Complete Lymphedema Certification, Manual Lymph Drainage certification, Advanced courses, and seminars. Pricing varies by course with standard tuition and alumni discounts available.
2. Lymphedema Product Sales: The Lymphedema Store sells compression garments, bandages, medical supplies, and accessories. Products include Juzo brand items, wound care supplies, skin care products, orthopedic supports, and donning/doffing aids. Operates as a separate e-commerce storefront.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ACOLS delivers certified continuing-education coursework for licensed healthcare professionals in the screening, treatment, and management of lymphedema, anchored by a 135-hour Complete Lymphedema Certification course, a 40-hour Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) course, and a portfolio of advanced, refresher, and specialty courses delivered in-person, online, or hybrid. It complements the education business with a wholly-owned retail e-commerce arm, The Lymphedema Store, that supplies compression garments, bandages, wound care, and skin care products for lymphedema treatment and post-surgical recovery.

Product overview

Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) operates as a dual-branded education and e-commerce platform focused on lymphedema management training and supplies. The education arm offers a comprehensive portfolio of certification and training courses including the flagship 135-hour Complete Lymphedema Certification, Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) certification, Advanced Lymphedema Management, and various specialized courses covering oncology considerations, post-plastic surgery procedures, and lymphatic cupping therapy. These are delivered through in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats, with international partnerships in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and India. The complementary e-commerce arm, The Lymphedema Store (formerly Academy Bandages), is a dedicated supply store offering branded compression garments (Juzo, Lymphedivas, Xpandasox), custom garments, bandage kits, wound management supplies, skin care products, orthopedic supports, educational materials, and donning/doffing aids. The company also provides a therapist finder directory connecting patients with certified lymphedema therapists.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Complete Lymphedema Certification Course An intensive 135-hour certification training course delivered in-person, hybrid, or online formats that trains licensed healthcare professionals to treat and manage lymphedema affecting different parts of the body; graduates are eligible to sit for the LANA National Exam for Lymphedema Therapists.
• Manual Lymph Drainage Certification (Vodder Technique) A 5-day, 40-hour certification course teaching Manual Lymph Drainage techniques as developed by Emil Vodder, Ph.D., delivered in-person, hybrid, or online, with treatment sequences for post-traumatic and post-surgical edema, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, and chronic pain reduction.
• Advanced Lymphedema Management (ALM) Certification Advanced course that extends CLT education with elastic taping, advanced bandaging techniques, head and neck lymphedema management, and wound care for skin damage associated with lymphedema; leads to the CLT-ALM designation.
• Lymphedema Management Seminar Introduction course covering management of upper and lower extremity lymphedema (primary and secondary) with a focus on understanding Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) and Complete Decongestive Therapy; explicitly NOT a certification course.
• Oncology Considerations for Manual Lymph Drainage Advanced MLD course teaching how to safely perform manual lymphatic drainage for people with cancer and those with an oncology treatment history; delivered in a hybrid format with two in-person hands-on practice days.
• Advanced MLD - Management of Post Plastic Surgery Procedures 28-hour Advanced MLD course teaching treatment sequences and protocols for post-surgery recovery from liposuction, breast surgeries, tummy tucks, and Brazilian Butt Lifts, including techniques, contraindications, risk factors, and protocols.
• Lymphatic Cupping Therapy A 20-hour self-paced online training in lymphatic cupping combining interactive online lessons, focused readings, technique videos, and step-by-step practice labs.
• CLT Refresher Certification Refresher course for Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) to maintain and expand their competency after initial certification.
• Management of Lymphedema Affecting the Head and Neck Specialized training for management of head and neck lymphedema, typically relevant for SLPs and oncology therapists.
• Lymphatic Correction Using Elastic Taping Method Advanced course on lymphatic correction using elastic taping techniques for lymphedema therapists.
• International Lymphedema Certification Programs Certification Program of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy delivered through partner organizations in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India, and Spanish-speaking markets (including Spanish-language Complete Lymphedema Certification and MLD/Vodder Technique tracks).
• Online Continuing Education Courses Self-paced online classes (5–12 hours each) covering Anatomy of the Lymphatic System, Complications in Lymphedema, Billing for Lymphedema, and related topics for healthcare professionals seeking targeted continuing education units.
• The Lymphedema Store (formerly Academy Bandages) Wholly-owned e-commerce storefront selling compression garments, prepackaged bandage kits, compression wraps, wound management supplies, custom compression garments, skin care, orthopedic supports, donning/doffing aids, post-surgical garments, and pain management products for lymphedema treatment and recovery, with phone-based expert support.
• Find a Therapist Directory Online directory that helps patients locate ACOLS-certified lymphedema therapists; complements the certification business by directing patients to credentialed providers.

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Partner Organizations (Turkey)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorACOLS partners with organizations in Turkey to offer the 135-hour Complete Lymphedema Certification course. Certification Program of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy delivered locally for Turkish healthcare professionals.
• International Partner Organizations (Saudi Arabia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorACOLS partners with organizations in Saudi Arabia to deliver Complete Lymphedema Certification Course (Complete Decongestive Therapy) for Middle Eastern healthcare professionals.
• International Partner Organizations (India)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Indian organizations to offer Complete Lymphedema Certification Course (Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy) for healthcare professionals across India.
• International Partner Organizations (Spain)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpanish-language certification programs including Complete Lymphedema Certification and Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) certification using Vodder Technique delivered through Spanish partner organizations.
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional organization partnership for marketing and professional networking among physical therapists seeking lymphedema certification.
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional organization partnership for marketing and professional networking among occupational therapists seeking lymphedema certification.
• Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit organization partnership for lymphedema awareness, education, and research collaboration.
• JuzominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJuzo is a major supplier of compression garments and medical supplies sold through the Lymphedema Store. Products include arm sleeves, gauntlets, compression stockings, and soft compress products.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy: Norton School is one of the leading US providers of Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) training and offers a 135-hour certification program very similar to ACOLS' flagship course. It is a direct competitor for the same practitioner-student pool across the same healthcare segments.
• Klose Training & Consulting: Klose Training offers CLT certification courses as well as advanced and refresher training in lymphedema management. It directly competes with ACOLS for PT, OT, and massage therapist certification students in the US market.
• Dr. Vodder School International: The Dr. Vodder School is the originator of the Vodder Technique for Manual Lymph Drainage that ACOLS teaches and is a primary international certification provider for MLD/CLT. It is a direct peer on curriculum and competes in North America and Europe.
• BrightLife Direct: BrightLife Direct is an online retailer specializing in compression garments and lymphedema supplies, directly comparable to ACOLS' Lymphedema Store subsidiary. It competes for the same patient and therapist customer base on the same product categories (Juzo, Jobst, Sigvaris).
• Lymphedema Products (Bandages Plus): Lymphedema Products / Bandages Plus is a long-running e-commerce retailer of compression garments, bandages, and lymphedema care supplies, directly comparable to The Lymphedema Store in product mix and target buyer.

Broad incumbents

• MedBridge Education: MedBridge is a large continuing-education and patient-engagement platform serving PTs, OTs, and other allied health professionals with online courses, including some lymphedema-related content. It is a broader incumbent that competes for healthcare CE wallet share rather than head-to-head in-person CLT certification.
• Relias: Relias is a major healthcare workforce education and compliance training provider serving hospitals, post-acute, and behavioral health organizations. It overlaps with ACOLS on healthcare CE/CEU delivery but operates at much greater scale and across many specialties.

Regional players

• Juzo USA: Juzo is a major manufacturer of compression garments and a key supplier to The Lymphedema Store. As a brand owner with growing direct channels, it is a regional player that could shift from supplier to competitor in the US lymphedema supply retail market.
• BSN Medical (Jobst): Jobst is a leading brand of medical compression garments sold through The Lymphedema Store and competing retailers. It is a major upstream supplier and potential vertical competitor for lymphedema supplies in the US.

Emerging players

• Physiopedia Plus: Physiopedia Plus is an emerging online continuing-education platform for physiotherapists globally, with growing course catalogs in specialty areas. It overlaps with ACOLS on practitioner CE/CEU delivery and could expand into lymphedema-specific content over time.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lymphedematoday
• Facebookfacebook.com/AcademyofLymphaticStudies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/academy-of-lymphatic-studies-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Academy of Lymphatic Studies