The North American Lymphedema Education Association (NALEA) is specifically organized around training standards for lymphedema therapists. NALEA is currently an alliance of the major lymphedema therapy certification schools responsible for training the majority of Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) in North America according to standards set forth by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). NALEA member schools share the unified goal of setting and maintaining the highest standards of lymphedema education in North America. The current NALEA member schools are:

• Academy of Lymphatic Studies
• Dr. Vodder School International
• Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy

NALEA associate schools are in agreement regarding the minimum educational framework required to graduate lymphedema therapists. These specialized therapists must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge and refined manual skills based upon medically sound, evidence-based practice. As such the core curricula of all NALEA programs impart knowledge in the internationally-recognized gold standard of lymphedema treatment known as Complete or Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as per:

• International Lymphedema Framework (ILF)
• American Lymphedema Framework Project (ALFP)
• International Society of Lymphology (ISL)
• Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• National Lymphedema Network (NLN)

The North American Lymphedema Education Association was formed partly in response to current US legislative developments in the field of lymphedema management related to the "Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010" (former Bill HR 4662). NALEA fully embraces the established eligibility criteria for current Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) certification and intends to support and strengthen LANA's influence related to redrafts of the bill.