Why 55 Hours? Why 5 Weeks?

Most massage therapy programs touch on the lymphatic system briefly — if at all. MLD asks you to learn and apply an entirely new body system with its own anatomy, physiology, pathology, and hands-on technique.

That depth takes time. This program is intentionally structured over five weeks so that new information builds on itself progressively, with space for repetition and genuine integration between sessions.

Rather than cramming 55 hours into a weekend or a compressed five-day intensive, you'll absorb this material the way the body learns best — in layers, over time.

By the time you complete your hands-on training, the goal is for you to feel confident discussing the lymphatic system with your clients and ready to apply these skills in practice. Every learner's timeline is their own, but the structure of this course is designed to give you the strongest possible foundation from day one.

What Makes Our MLD Course Different

Designed for busy massage professionals, this hybrid program delivers exactly what you need — and nothing you don't. You'll get:

• Flexible scheduling — evening Zoom lectures plus a focused four-day intensive,

• Ready-to-use skills — start booking MLD sessions the day you earn your certificate

• Client-centered strategies for integrating MLD seamlessly into treatment plans and growing your practice

To earn your certificate, students must pass both a written exam and a hands-on practical assessment demonstrating competency in anatomy & physiology, pathologies, contraindications, and hands-on technique. Upon successful completion, you will receive two Certificates of Completion: 25 Hours for Webinar/Distance Learning and 30 Hours for Live Hands-On Training. Both portions must be completed to receive full certification.

What This Course Covers

This training provides a thorough and practical foundation in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, including:

• General full-body MLD techniques

• Lymphatic physiology and functional anatomy

• Client communication, education, and safety

• Contraindications and red-flag awareness

• Introductory protocols for special populations:

  • Post-operative clients (introductory level breast/chest protocols only — not an advanced post-op course)

  • Oncology-informed support

  • Prenatal adjustments

Accreditation

Samantha Nicole Oetting is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Approved Provider (ID: 1002991). She is also NCBTMB-sponsored to teach continuing education accepted by the State of New York for LMT license renewal.

About Your Instructor

I'm Samantha N. Oetting, BCTMB, LMT — founder and owner of Bodhi Work Massage Therapy in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I've been practicing massage for seven years, with four of those years specializing in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. My clinical background spans general MLD, advanced post-operative support, oncology-informed care, and prenatal and perinatal massage.

My advanced training includes:

• Oncology Massage

• Advanced Post-Operative MLD

• Prenatal & Perinatal Massage

Beyond my clinical work, I have taught MLD for a national massage education organization in cities including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Cleveland, and Ann Arbor; trained members of my own studio team; and regularly educated clients and community members on lymphatic health.

Over years of teaching and practice, I noticed the same gap again and again: weekend workshops and compressed 40-hour trainings simply don't give students enough time to truly understand, retain, and confidently apply lymphatic techniques. MLD is subtle and deeply physiological — it requires repetition, integration, and time.

That's exactly why I designed this five-week, 55-hour hybrid program: to give practitioners the space to absorb the material, refine their touch, and build genuine competence — not just get through the content.

My teaching style is:

• Science-driven and anatomy-focused

• Clear, sequential, and hands-on

• Trauma-informed and client-centered

• Rooted in practitioner confidence and clarity