Dialysis Technician

What it takes to be a dialysis technician.

The basic duties of a dialysis technician are to step up and operate dialysis machines and monitor kidney patients.

1. Job description - knowing what the job is about and learning about it is the first step forward that can help you in becoming a dialysis technician. The main idea here is to get the feel of things before you actually step into it. Try to check your local schools if they offer dialysis technician training and certification and they should have the information about the ins and outs of the job.

2. Duties - as a dialysis technician you are responsible for preparing solutions to sterilize the patient’s blood before the actual treatment begins. You are also responsible for recording the patient’s blood pressure, weight and other such signs before and after the treatment. There will also be times when you will be required to respond quickly during emergencies and often times you are also expected to clean, sterilize and maintain the dialysis machine.

3. Schooling background - for undergoing the dialysis technician training program, a diploma in high school or equivalent is the primary requirement. However, for post secondary studies, it might be a good idea to enroll in math, science and other health occupation classes.

4. Certificates - coupled with your diploma, a dialysis technician certification from a national organization is also needed. Organizations like the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)and National Nephrology Certification organization (NCCO) are highly preferred by employers. You can also opt to qualify for a state licensure and obtain a national certificate.

5. Training program - for undergoing the training program, you must be well informed about anatomy and physiology, CPR, assessment of a patient and first aid. In addition to that, knowing how to set up and operate the dialysis equipments, prepare prescriptions and perform venipuncture and attend to patients before, during and after the treatment will come in handy while you are being supervised at the training programs.

6. Education hours - you are also required to perform a specified number of education hours to renew your licenses and certificates. This can also come in handy for those aspiring to venture their career into a registered or a licensed vocational nurse.

7. Dedication - the last step and also the most important one is the amount of work and dedication you put into your career as becoming as a dialysis technician. You must be ready to carry out any amount of work your employer demands from you.

How much do you earn if you are a dialysis tech?

Dialysis Technician Salary - Is it worth it to be in this profession?

The average annual salary of a Dialysis Tech is on the range of $25,000 to $32,000. But it also depends on your experience, extra certifications that you will be able to negotiate a higher pay. The training program can usually can be finished in 2 semesters, that means within 1-2 years, you will be already making the average dialysis technician salary and work for more years then it will normally go up some more...read more

Dialysis Technician Training

Start off your search by looking at your local schools, colleges and universities for dialysis technician training program that they offer. There are a lot of community colleges that has the program. You can also check online where you can find the nearest schools in your area. The program itself lasts for 2 semesters ~ a year, then you can opt to get certified and licensed and take a written test. Getting certified will get you more jobs as a Dialysis Tech...read more