Dialysis technicians work to remove excess fluid and waste from a patient’s bloodstream using a dialysis machine. When the kidneys fail and are unable to do this, patients are put on either Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis does the complete job of the kidneys using a machine. Peritoneal dialysis uses special filters within the body to exchange wastes. Some of these processes can be done at the patient’s home, specialized dialysis centers and in the hospital.
If you have a desire to work in the medical field, and a dialysis technician job sounds interesting to you, use these tips to become a dialysis tech. Dialysis technician training is often offered through online schools as part of their general medical career training programs, and you may find that online learning options give you more flexibility with scheduling and payment. Also, you can receive in-house training at some commercial dialysis centers.
Here's what you need to know about dialysis technician careers.
- Job description. Primarily, dialysis technician jobs are centered on utilizing a dialysis machine to get rid of toxins in the patient’s blood. Dialysis technicians do this by taking the vital signs of a patient before and after the dialysis, preparing the dialysis fluid, attaching the machine to the patient, operating the machine, monitoring the patient’s condition during the process, reporting to the physician or nurse any critical observations, and responding to emergency situations during the dialysis. Additionally, a dialysis technician is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the dialysis machine.
- Educational requirements. In order to become a dialysis technician you will need to have at least your high school diploma or GED and complete a dialysis technician training program. The coursework for dialysis training includes principles and procedures of dialysis, patient care, administration of local anesthesia, cannulation (inserting of tubes), dialysis fluid (dialysate) preparation and filter (dialyzer) reuse. Training programs usually last from six weeks to one year and are offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Students are exposed both to classroom teaching and practical training in laboratories, clinics and hospitals. Admission requirements for training programs include a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Certification. National certifications for dialysis technicians are offered by the Board of Nephrology Examination for Nurses and Technicians, Nephrology Certification Organization, and Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission. A passing score on the certification exam and one year of professional experience are usually requirements for certification in this medical career. To remain certified, a dialysis tech should be involved in continuing education.
- Licensing requirements. A dialysis technician is required to obtain a license to legally practice his profession in the state of his choice. Licensure requirements include a passing score on the exam, educational training and professional experience. In many states, a national certification is also required. Renewal of your license is usually set after two to four years. In order to renew your license you will need to complete continuing education.
- Work environment. Dialysis technicians work in hospitals, patients’ homes, and dialysis centers. You will need to be fit and able to push the heavy dialysis machines to the patient’s bedside. Also, you will need to be quick thinking and able to handle emergencies with the patient, thorough and detail oriented and good with mathematical calculations in order to set the machine up properly for each patient’s needs. You will also need to be prepared to spend four hours or more at each patient’s bedside. During this time you will run the machine, converse with the patient and perform teaching about diet, fluids and lifestyle.
- Salary. The salary rate for a dialysis technician varies according to education and training, years of experience and work setting. Salary for dialysis technicians ranges from about $26,000 to $42,000 per year. Working for a hospital or corporate based dialysis center may offer full benefit packages with health, vision and dental insurance. Plus, generous retirement packages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for dialysis technicians are likely to continuously grow in the coming years. Check out this website for more information on what dialysis technicians do.
A dialysis technician is expected to be a fast thinker, detailed-oriented and responsible in every sense. So if you plan to be a dialysis technician, begin to develop these kinds of traits before seeking dialysis technician employment. Working as a dialysis technician, you can enjoy a prestigious career helping others have a better quality of life, make new friends and even advance further into the medical field. One of the main dialysis centers offers training and help with job placement. If becoming a dialysis technician sounds interesting to you, start looking for a training program today.