About Dialysis Technician Training

Some dialysis technicians train on the job, but this is becoming less common as more employers look for applicants who have already completed a training program. The programs are taught at vocational colleges and dialysis training centers. They teach students to operate kidney dialysis equipment and to care for patients who need the treatment.

Identification

Dialysis technicians, also called hemodialysis technicians or renal dialysis technicians, work in hospitals, dialysis centers or ambulatory treatment services. These technicians work with people who have temporary or permanent kidney failure, operating the machinery which removes waste material from their blood. A technician prepares these people for the procedure, checks their vital signs, and monitors them during treatment, then makes sure patients are doing well before they leave. The techs are responsible for setting up, cleaning, and maintaining dialysis equipment and preparing the treatment solutions. They create reports and maintain patient records.

Considerations

Training programs require a high school diploma or successful completion of the General Education Development test. Many require cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification, and a full year of high school biology or a semester of college biology. Most are two semesters, but some offer an intensive 6-week or 12-week course.

Function

The programs prepare students for entry-level employment in a kidney dialysis unit. Students learn to operate dialysis machines, to provide direct patient care, and to respond compassionately to psychological and social issues of patients. Coursework includes medical terminology, psychology, anatomy and physiology, renal function, blood chemistry, principles of renal dialysis, laboratory procedures and a practicum.

All states require certification, which involves proof of training, along with a written exam in some states.

Types

Typically a patient will undergo dialysis three times a week, with each procedure lasting three to four hours. Another type provides eight hours of dialysis three times a week while the patient sleeps. A technician may perform several treatments at one time. Often they work 12-hour shifts, sometimes at night, some on weekends or rotating weekends.

Benefits

Median salary for dialysis technicians is about $27,000 as of 2008, according to salary.com. The Healthcare Resource Center finds the range of salaries from $20,000 to $35,000. Pay is significantly higher in large metropolitan areas, The positions are full-time with health insurance, paid vacation, and a 401(k) plan. Employment outlook is expected to be very good through 2012.

Resources

• Dialysis technician resources