In order to enrol in the Original Dr Vodder Method, you need to submit your application form along with the signed agreement of our terms and conditions, your deposit, and evidence of your existing qualifications. As soon as we receive your application and deposit, we will send you an online coupon to access the theory lectures.

Please download, print and sign our Terms & Conditions to bring with you on the day. Download here

Medical background

Proof of medical registration number is required with your application form for nurses, doctors, chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists. State-registered massage therapist training requires a minimum of 2,200 hours of training. 

Non Medical

Individuals who possess prior training in Facial & Massage therapy must complete a minimum of 344 hours of training and pass the required exams. 

The practical training must have been supervised for a minimum of 250 hours, and any case studies must have been evaluated by the course provider. Moreover, the theory of anatomy and physiology curriculum must cover a minimum of 94 hours, and evidence of exam success is required. 

If you are unsure whether your previous qualifications fulfil the requirements, please contact your previous course provider. 

Please note that Vodder UK is not authorised to verify your qualifications for you. 

Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage: A Practical Guide Paperback – 21 November 2018  - ISBN Number : 9783132411449

You can purchase on Amazon here

Dr Vodder Theory

The E-Learning has been designed by the Medical Doctors of the Dr Vodder Academie Austria, with easy-to-follow lectures.

It is recommended to spend between 30-45 hours studying for the exam, and in order to pass, you need to score at least 70%. You will have two chances to take the theory exam online. However, if you fail both times with a score slightly below 70%, you will have the option to take a paper exam in the classroom on the second day. 

The theory exam covers the in-depth physiology of the lymphatic system. It cannot be learned quickly, even if you have a medical background. 

You will receive 32 hours of practical instruction on the Dr Vodder practical sequences, accompanied by your personalised online code on the first day of the course. 

The course spans four intense days of hands-on demonstrations, where you will learn the original six precise movements of the Dr Vodder method. 

During the course, you will practise with other students.

There will be no practical exam at the end of the course, as you will understand the technique through learning. 

After completing the four-day course, you will only be able to practise the technique with friends and family who have healthy lymphatic systems.

However, you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will allow you to enrol in any UK or worldwide Dr. Vodder School Level 2 or 3. 

At this level, you will be required to pass a practical exam before you can start working with customers. 

Practitioners not continuing to Level 2 / Level 3 can attend a Skills Day course. Upon passing, you'll be qualified to offer paid MLD treatments for a range of health and wellness concerns involving healthy lymphatics. This includes facial treatments, hormonal support, fluid retention, migraines, sinus relief, sprains / strains, and more.

Once you have completed Level 3, you can apply directly to BUPA to become a provider. See link for details https://www.bupa.co.uk/healthcare-professionals/for-your-role/nurses/nurse-mld-network

To secure your place in our programme, we request a deposit of £500 along with your signed Terms and Conditions. Upon receipt of these, an access coupon for the online Theory will be sent to you.

If you decide to cancel your participation within 7 days of submitting your application, you will be entitled to a full refund, minus an administrative fee of £100. 

If you choose to continue, an invoice will be sent yo you for the balance to be paid prior to your course start date.

• One large and one medium towel
• One couch cover
• Dr Vodder book for reference
• Phone/iPad for video reference of techniques
• Notebook and pen

Jewellery, including watches and wedding rings, must not be worn during the practical treatments but may be worn at all other times.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very specific technique that cannot be performed correctly if you have long nails. Please ensure that your nails are short, neat and filed smoothly. 

LEVEL 2 - APPLIED MLD

This four day classroom course follows Level 1 completion. It's tailored for therapists whose focus isn't solely on lymphoedema patients and more musculoskeletal (MSK). This course covers various MLD applications beyond oedema treatment, including for patients with functional lymph vessel systems. Topics include advanced techniques, non-lymphoedema pathologies (e.g sprains, strains, sinusitis), and the role of MLD in these MSK conditions. Participants must pass a practical exam for certification. Successful completion leads to certification in Applied MLD from the Dr. Vodder Academy International. Those wanting to deal with compromised lymph systems, can then progress to Level 3.

LEVEL 3 - LYMPHOEDEMA

Level 3 Lymphoedema Management is a nine day classroom course for those interested in managing lymphoedema and oedema. It follows Level 1 or Level 2 completion and includes theory and practical segments. Level 3 consists of:

Level 3 Lymphoedema Theory: A two day segment taught by a medical doctor or PhD-level lymphologist covering pathophysiology, indications, contraindications, and differential diagnosis of oedema. This segment includes a theory exam.

Level 3 Lymphoedema Practical: A seven day segment focusing on Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), including MLD, compression therapy, oedema exercises, and skin care. Applications cover various types of oedema. A practical exam concludes the course. Successful completion grants certification in Lymphoedema Management from the Dr. Vodder Academy International.