How to Become a Dialysis Technician

Kidney dialysis means the difference between life and death for those who suffer from renal failure. Dialysis technicians are the medical personnel who administer this life-sustaining procedure. These technicians, also known as hemodialysis or nephrology technicians, maintain and operate the equipment used for dialysis, a process that cleanses the blood of metabolic waste products. Patients generally receive dialysis at a hospital or clinic, with an attending healthcare professional present while the technician operates the medical equipment.

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Dialysis technicians also prep patients, give local anesthesia, monitor patients’ progress and create written reports for the doctor. Without dialysis, patients with renal failure would have few options; dialysis technicians help these patients reclaim life, one dialysis at a time.

Workplace Details

Dialysis technicians work primarily in hospitals or clinics, and sometimes in patients’ private homes. They usually work 40-hour weeks, although they may also work part time with more flexible hours. Dialysis technicians must work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Those who work in 24-hour hospitals and clinics may have to work some evenings and weekends.

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In its report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual salary for all health technicians and technologists, including dialysis technicians, is $41,260. Pay varies by geographic location due to differences in cost of living. Salary.com reports that dialysis technicians, specifically, earn a median annual salary of $37,418 as of January 2017.

There are currently more than 460,000 people receiving dialysis in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for health technicians and technologists are expected to increase by 16% from 2014 to 2024, which is very substantial growth. Hospitals and large clinics will have the most jobs available.

Work as a dialysis tech requires a high school degree or GED as well as additional training in the operation of dialysis equipment.

Vocational and technical schools, community colleges and online programs offer dialysis certificate programs, as well as background courses to help the student understand renal disease, body chemistry and hemodialysis procedures. Typically, coursework is completed in 12 to 18 months. Dialysis technicians should also know emergency procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

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Dialysis technicians are required to work in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed doctor or nurse to gain experience with the dialysis machine and procedures. Internships and job-training programs provide these opportunities.

Every state has specific regulations regarding certification for dialysis technicians, so technicians should check the necessary requirements of the state where they want to work. Professional nephrology organizations set guidelines in this field and offer four types of credentials. Each of these certifications requires completion of a training program (along with some clinical experience, in some cases, depending on the program length) in addition to passing their exam.

• CCHT. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers a Certification for Clinical Hemodialysis Technicians (CCHT). CCHT must be renewed every three years; candidates must demonstrate that they have worked at least 3,000 hours as a dialysis technician and completed at least 30 hours of relevant continuing education and professional activity.
• CHT. The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) offers a Hemodialysis Technician Certification (CHT). CHT recertification is necessary every four years. There are three options for renewing the CHT: (1) Complete 40 hours of relevant continuing education and professional activity, (2) apply for a one-time waiver if 40 hours have not been completed, and (3) retake the BONENT exam.
• CCNT and CBNT. The National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) offers certifications in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT). Recertification is necessary every four years, and candidates must have 30 hours of continuing education.

A dialysis technician with many years of experience, as well as additional education and training, can advance to a position as head technician in a large hospital or clinic. Technicians who work in small clinics will have less opportunity for advancement. Dialysis technicians who continue their education might advance into more specialized careers such as nursing.

Some states allow dialysis technicians to train on the job on a provisional basis. Once you meet the experience requirements, you would sit for the national certification exam, which is mandatory. (This usually occurs after one year.)

In some states, dialysis technicians must complete a certificate program before applying for jobs or practicing.

You’ll find certificate programs in hemodialysis technology at hospitals, health systems, dialysis centers, and career and technical colleges. Some longer programs prepare students for dual certification in hemodialysis technology and phlebotomy, which can be quite attractive to employers.

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Unfortunately, education in the dialysis technology field is not well regulated. Here are a few resources you can use to choose a quality training program:

• The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) maintains a list of approved training programs on its website
• States that license dialysis techs usually provide a list of approved training programs (check the website of the state nursing board or department of public health)
• Ask employers in your area which training programs have a good reputation

Certificate programs in dialysis aren’t necessarily broken down into distinct courses. But expect to cover the following topics:

In addition to their coursework, students complete a practicum at a local dialysis center, where they practice their skills under supervision.

According to federal regulations, all dialysis technicians must be nationally certified within 18 months of hire.

The government recognizes the following three credentialing agencies, each with slightly different eligibility requirements. All three agencies require a high school diploma or equivalent for certification. Qualifying national certification tests are in bold. Advanced certifications are also listed.

National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO)

• Certification Examination in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) – to qualify, complete a 1-year certificate program (or a shorter program with additional work experience) and pass an exam
• Certification Examination in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) – for technicians who repair and maintain dialysis machines and water treatment equipment
• Certification Examination for Dialysis Water Specialists (CDWS) – for technicians with expertise in dialysis water treatment

Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) – requires completion of a training program with clinical practicum component, plus passage of an exam
• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced (CCHT-A) – for technicians with at least five years of experience

Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)

• Certified Hemodialysis Technician/Technologist (CHT) – requires graduation from a BONENT-approved certificate program OR 12 months of work experience, plus an exam
• Certified Hemodialysis Biomedical Technician (CHBT) – for technicians who primarily repair and maintain dialysis equipment