VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Lymphatic Drainage Massage

This course is for learners who want to add lymphatic drainage massage to an existing treatment practice.

• You must be aged 18 or over to train with Cosmetic College.
• VTCT recommends a Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, a Level 3 Diploma in Body Treatments, or an equivalent qualification.
• Before enrolment, admissions checks that your previous training, knowledge and practical skills are suitable for this certificate.

If you hold a different massage or beauty qualification, send admissions the details so we can assess your entry route. If you are starting without a massage qualification, discuss our VTCT Level 3 Award in Body Massage with an advisor first.

• Qualification: VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
• Qualification number: 603/4081/2. VTCT product code: iCT3C2.
• Mandatory unit: Lymphatic drainage massage (iUBT372).
• Delivery: online theory followed by tutor-led practical training at our Orpington clinic, case-study work and assessment preparation.
• Qualification workload: 50 guided learning hours and 128 hours of Total Qualification Time, including independent study and assessment preparation. These are qualification hours, rather than a count of clinic days.
• Assessment: an external practical examination, an external theory examination and a portfolio with nine treatments across three clients.
• Models: supplied by the college for practical training; you may also discuss bringing your own model.
• Fee: £1,500 including VAT.
• Location: Locksbottom, Orpington BR6 8NL.
• Training dates: speak with admissions to arrange your practical training and assessment schedule.

You build evidence during your training before taking your final examinations.

• Case studies and portfolio: document nine lymphatic drainage massage treatments, delivered as three treatments for each of three clients. Keep consultation records, treatment plans, client feedback and aftercare advice.
• Internal preparation: your tutor monitors your practical work and helps you prepare for the final assessment.
• External practical examination: demonstrate consultation, preparation, treatment technique and client care to a VTCT external examiner.
• External theory examination: demonstrate the knowledge that supports safe, professional treatment, under VTCT examination conditions.

The qualification is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. All required evidence and assessments must be completed successfully before certification.

Develop a structured approach to providing lymphatic drainage massage within a professional treatment setting.

You will learn how to:

• consult with clients, discuss their expectations and record relevant health information
• recognise contraindications, identify when treatment is unsuitable and refer appropriately
• understand the anatomy and physiology that underpin lymphatic drainage massage
• prepare the client, treatment area and equipment using safe working practices
• select suitable treatment mediums and plan a treatment for the individual
• perform gentle, rhythmic lymphatic drainage massage movements with appropriate pressure and direction
• adapt your technique and positioning to the client's needs
• monitor client comfort and response throughout treatment
• give clear aftercare advice and record treatment outcomes
• review a course of treatments through your case-study work.

The VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Lymphatic Drainage Massage develops both treatment knowledge and practical competence. It is suited to massage and body-treatment practitioners who want to extend their skills with an assessed qualification.

The course follows our blended training approach:

1. Study the theory online. Build your understanding of consultation, treatment principles, anatomy and physiology before practical training.
2. Train at our Orpington clinic. Watch tutor demonstrations and practise on models with guidance on technique, positioning and client care.
3. Build your portfolio. Record your consultation, treatment planning, outcomes and aftercare across the required case studies.
4. Complete your assessments. Prepare for and take the external theory and practical examinations.

Admissions will confirm your practical dates and assessment arrangements before you enrol. Read the VTCT qualification specification for the awarding body's requirements.

Use your qualification to add lymphatic drainage massage to your treatment menu in a salon, spa, wellness setting or your own massage practice, subject to your insurer's requirements.

Your training covers consultation, safe treatment planning and professional client care as well as practical technique. It supports you in offering a considered service to suitable clients within your scope of practice.

You can also discuss further massage training with admissions, including:

• VTCT Level 3 Award in Body Massage
• VTCT Level 3 Award in Indian Head Massage
• VTCT Level 3 Award in Massage using Pre-Blended Aromatherapy Oils

Each qualification has its own entry and assessment requirements. Admissions can help you choose the next step for your background and goals.

Train at a working clinic in Orpington with tutors who connect qualification requirements to day-to-day treatment practice.

• Online theory that you can study around your existing commitments.
• Practical training focused on consultation, technique and client care.
• Models supplied for your practical training.
• Tutor guidance with case-study records and assessment preparation.
• A regulated qualification with an external assessment process.
• Admissions support to check your entry route and plan your training.

You work towards an assessed certificate, building evidence of your competence as you progress.

On successful completion, you receive the VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Lymphatic Drainage Massage, qualification number 603/4081/2 and product code iCT3C2. The mandatory unit is Lymphatic drainage massage (iUBT372). This is a regulated, assessed qualification. Our CPD lymphatic drainage massage course is a separate training option.

VTCT recommends a Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, a Level 3 Diploma in Body Treatments or an equivalent qualification. Cosmetic College accepts learners aged 18 or over and checks your existing knowledge and skills before enrolment. If you are unsure whether your certificate is suitable, send it to admissions for an entry check. For a first massage qualification, ask about our VTCT Level 3 Award in Body Massage.

You study the theory online, then attend practical training at our Orpington clinic. Tutors demonstrate the techniques and guide your work on models supplied by the college. You also complete case-study records and prepare for external theory and practical examinations. Admissions confirms your practical dates, study plan and assessment arrangements before you enrol.

You complete an external theory examination, an external practical examination and a portfolio of evidence. The portfolio includes nine documented treatments: three treatments on each of three clients. Your records cover consultation, treatment planning, client feedback and aftercare. Your tutor supports your preparation, and you must successfully complete all the requirements to receive the certificate.

Yes. The college supplies models for practical training so you can develop your consultation and treatment skills with tutor guidance. You can also discuss bringing your own model. Admissions and your tutor will explain how practical sessions and the required case-study work are organised.

The course fee is £1,500 including VAT. You can pay in full or discuss a £250 booking deposit with admissions, with the £1,250 balance due 14 days before practical training starts. Klarna and Snap Finance options are subject to eligibility and provider terms. If you combine courses totalling £3,000 or more, ask about the college's in-house payment plan. Our team will confirm the arrangements when you book.

VTCT specifies 50 guided learning hours and 128 hours of Total Qualification Time. Total Qualification Time includes guided learning, independent study and assessment preparation; it is not a promise of 128 hours at the clinic. Your overall timeline depends on your training dates, study commitments, case-study progress and assessment arrangements. Admissions will help you plan these before enrolment.

You can add lymphatic drainage massage to a suitable salon, spa, wellness or independent massage practice, subject to your insurer's requirements and your scope of practice. Admissions can also help you choose further massage qualifications. This course develops professional treatment skills; it does not provide a medical qualification or specialist training in managing post-operative or clinical conditions.