This article will discuss how to become a certified dialysis technician. A few things to discuss are the typical education, experiences, and skills needed to become a practitioner.

Moreover, we’ll talk about the duration of programs and how much you’ll make in this sector. Let’s begin our discussion by highlighting the roles of these experts.

How To Become A Dialysis Tech

Dialysis means replacing the functions of the kidney with those of patients whose organs aren’t working perfectly. The procedure has to do with the removal of waste and toxins from the body.

When a person suffers from kidney disease, a dialysis technician will be called upon to provide such treatment.

These experts are trained to operate and maintain equipment used in patient treatments. They also apply their skills to ensure clients’ safety during medical procedures.

Duties of Certified Dialysis Technicians

You can also refer to them as hemodialysis technicians.

They are experts who serve under the direction of supervising nurses and nephrologists in clinical settings. Their scope of work is vast but involves critical or life-saving tasks.

One of their duties is to operate and monitor dialysis machines. These gadgets are typically used by patients undergoing kidney dysfunction or failure procedures.

Dialysis technicians’ additional duties include taking vital signs, drawing blood, measuring blood samples, and supporting patients.

They can also educate patients and give details on adequate clinical healthcare while receiving treatment.

Dialysis Technician Requirements

Growing into an expert in this field is a process that takes less time. You can start by acquiring the necessary academic qualifications from dialysis tech schools.

After that, you seek a license and certification. Then, finally, you secure a job and begin a fulfilling career. Allow us to look at these steps in detail.

Dialysis Technician Education

  • Start with a High school diploma.

To become an expert in this field, you must consider how much education you need. Generally, a high school diploma or GED is enough to get started.

You’ll offer courses in math, health, and science. These classes will provide a solid background to build your future education.

A secondary school certificate can easily fetch admission to a dialysis technology program. But that’s if you desire an advanced degree in the field.

You can take STEM classes and familiarize yourself with modern machinery.

  • Acquire an Advanced Degree or Certificate

There may need to be more than a high school diploma to succeed in this profession.

You’ll need to choose a training program to prepare you for certification. You can choose between an associate or undergrad degree and a certificate in nephrology or hemodialysis.

Most certificate programs in this area take 12 to 18 months to finish. But it all depends on which study option you choose.

An associate degree course focuses more in-depth on hemodialysis procedures. This makes it perfect for people considering a career in renal nursing, home dialysis, and other similar specialties.

The study syllabus contains thorough coursework on several essential skills.

They include how to comfort and ease patients with sterilization, safety requirements, and standardized documentation methods.

Others include dialysis machine use and maintenance, fluency in common medical terminology, and more.

You’ll be qualified for entry-level positions after acquiring an associate degree or finishing a certificate program. Entirely thanks to the soft skills acquired in the course of study.

They’ll help you make a massive difference in the patient experience.

Dialysis Technician Qualifications

  • Gain Clinical Experience

Having an educational background is indeed essential. However, having some clinical experience in the field will be best. You can acquire such competency in school through internships.

Most dialysis technology programs include practicum classes in their curriculum. The aim is to provide students with hands-on experience in the field.

Furthermore, you can take on entry-level roles and job shadowing opportunities. They are excellent ways to build your understanding of the clinical applications of dialysis and your work experience.

  • Seek for a State License

You may need a permit to work unrestricted in the country. While some states require experts in the field to hold such credentials, others still need to.

So, you must check with your local authority whether or not you’ll need a state-issued license. If yes! Find out the rules and regulations surrounding such authorization.

BONENT often provides a dialysis technician license. Before receiving such a document, you’ll be required to meet certain conditions.

These include finishing a certified program in the field and passing the professional test.

  • Get Certified

Getting a certification is optional to enter the industry.

However, it’s beneficial when searching for work possibilities. The credential will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field to prospective employers.

Moreover, it will set you apart from other applicants in a competitive job market.

Training for Dialysis Tech | Certifications

Some attestations you can obtain include CHT, CCHT, and CHBT. These qualifications are offered by recognized agencies such as BONENT and NNCC.

It would be best to satisfy certain conditions before laying a hand on either of these attestations. These include having an educational background, experience level, and state-issued permit.

The qualification test comprises 150–250 multi-choice questions to be answered within a specified timeframe. Moreover, you’ll be required to pay for the exams.

The fees run between $225 and $250 in addition to the cost of the study.

Once you pass the test, you’ll be awarded the certification of your choice. After a certain period, you must update it to continue operating smoothly.

How Long to Become a Certified Dialysis Technician

You must know how long it takes to grow into an expert in this field. It will help you make informed decisions as to which program will be right for you.

That said, how much time you’ll commit depends on a few factors—your choice of institution, schedule, and study route.

For instance, a certificate program takes 6–18 months to finish and apply for attestation. Associate degrees can be completed in under two years when taken full-time.

As a bachelor’s degree, it will take you an average of 4 years to round up.

How Much Do Certified Dialysis Technicians Make?

Practitioners in this field are earning an appreciable amount as a salary. Based on the reports from BLS, the median wage of these experts is around $60,921 as of 2021.

However, the average dialysis technician’s salary is subject to change based on some factors. They include your experience and education level, geographical location, work setting, and specialty area.

How to Be a Dialysis Technician | Conclusion

Consider becoming a dialysis technician if you want to help relieve pain. You’ll operate and sustain the equipment used in diagnosing and treating patients.

The guide above will guide you if you need more clarity about the steps to take on this career path. Ensure you have all that’s required to get started.