Professional practice

1. Eligible for accreditation with the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA)  or international equivalent.
2. These units are taught in English, so all students must be proficient in English. For more information, students can visit Macquarie University’s guidelines on English Language Requirements.

At the successful completion of this online training program, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based best practice and clinical reasoning for the assessment and management of lymphoedema and chronic oedemas
2. Demonstrate safe and effective, patient-centred competencies and communication skills in delivering high quality assessment and management strategies for lymphoedema and chronic oedemas
3. Adapt assessment and intervention plans to meet needs of individuals from distinct social and/or cultural groups to ensure culturally respectful care for people with lymphoedema and chronic oedemas
4. Work effectively and professionally with members of a multidisciplinary team to achieve optimal patient outcomes
5. Use feedback from teachers, clinicians and peers to inform self-evaluation and critical reflection of knowledge and skill development.

A/Prof Louise Koelmeyer

BAppSc(OT) Usyd, PhD Macq

Louise is an occupational therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience in both public and private settings specialising in breast cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema management. As Director of the Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) program Louise is involved in strategically managing and developing the education, research and treatment arms of the innovative multidisciplinary program. Louise has lead the ALERT Education Program’s redesign and development of their educational offerings to conform the ALA’s Competency Standards and Macquarie University’s microcredentialling and curriculum architecture frameworks.

Louise was awarded her doctorate at Macquarie University in April 2021 in “Enhancing the prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care for women at high risk of developing breast cancer-related lymphoedema.”

Louise has been leading and teaching in the ALERT Education Program since its inception including offering ALA accredited programs under the ALERT banner. She develops and presents education workshops and advanced skill-based units on all aspects of assessment and management of lymphoedema locally, nationally and internationally.

Dr Belinda Thompson

BExSpSc UON, MClinExPhys CSU, PhD UON

Belinda Thompson joined the ALERT program in 2019. In her role as lecturer, Belinda forms part of the ALERT education teaching staff and has led the development of the new online interactive content. She also conducts and supports research into methods for early detection, diagnosis and intervention for lymphoedema and lipedema. In 2020 Belinda became an accredited lymphoedema practitioner having completed the ALERT Level 1 Lymphoedema Accreditation Training Program.

Belinda has been involved in research since 2012 and has completed a PhD in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Newcastle. She has also completed Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation) and is an accredited exercise physiologist with more than six years of experience providing exercise interventions in a clinical setting. Belinda combines her research experience and clinical skills to provide evidence to support best practice to improve outcomes in patients with lymphoedema.

Belinda is a member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, Australasian Lymphology Association, International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, and Sports Medicine Australia.

The unit fee is $1,100 plus GST. Fees must be paid in Australian dollars by credit card or by invoice on request to alerteducation@mq.edu.au.

1. Click on the 'register here' link to make the payment.
2. Once we have received the payment students will receive a registration survey email. Students are required to upload their current AHPRA Certificate as part of this process.
3. Once we have received the completed registration survey, students will receive their official registration letter and their ProLearn login instructions to commence their online learning.

Cancellations will not be considered if a student has already commenced their online learning and assessment. If a student wishes to transfer to another session, they will incur a transfer fee of $100 plus GST.