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Learn how to become a dialysis technician in just five steps. This guide will tell you everything you need to know in order to get started in this rewarding career.
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Introduction
If you’re interested in becoming a dialysis technician, also known as a renal dialysis technician, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, you need to make sure you have the appropriate education and training. Then, you need to get certified by passing an exam. Finally, you need to keep your certification up-to-date by renewing it every few years.
Let’s take a more detailed look at each of these steps:
Step 1: Get the Appropriate Education and Training
You can become a dialysis tech in as little as nine months if you attend a vocational school or community college that offers certificate or Associate’s Degree programs in dialysis technology. These programs will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform your job, including how to operate dialysis machines, how to care for patients, and how to safely handle dangerous chemicals.
Step 2: Get Certified
Once you have completed your education and training, the next step is to get certified by passing an exam. The most common certification for dialysis technicians is offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA), which offers the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) credential. To earn this credential, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as patient care, dialysis procedures, and safety precautions.
Step 3: Renew Your Certification
After you have obtained your initial certification, you will need to renew it every two years by taking continuing education courses and passing a recertification exam. This ensures that you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of dialysis technology.
By following these steps, you can become a certified dialysis technician in as little as five months.
What is a Dialysis Technician?
A dialysis technician, also called a certified hemodialysis technician (CHT) or renal dialysis technician, is a medical professional who helps care for patients with kidney failure. The technician operationally manages and provides direct patient care while performing all aspects of hemodialysis treatment.
In order to become a certified dialysis technician, one must complete a certification program that has been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). There are currently more than 200 CAAHEP-accredited and ABHES-accredited programs throughout the united states
CAAHEP and ABHES are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as national accrediting agencies for dialysis technician education programs.
The 5 Steps to Becoming a Dialysis Technician
A Dialysis Technician is a vital role in the medical field. They provide a life-sustaining treatment for patients with renal failure. If you are interested in becoming a Dialysis Technician, there are a few steps you need to follow. In this article, we will outline the 5 steps you need to take to become a Dialysis Technician.
Step One: Research
Research is the first and most important step in becoming a dialysis technician. There are many schools that offer certification, but not all of them are accredited. Make sure you choose an accredited program that will be recognized by employers. Also, research the different types of dialysis machines and procedures so that you can make an informed decision about which program to enter.
Step Two: Complete an Educational Program
The next step is to complete an accredited educational program. These programs typically take between 8-12 months to complete, and they will prepare you for the rigors of working as a dialysis technician. Many programs offer both classroom and clinical training, so you can get real-world experience before you start your career.
Step Three: Get Licensed or Registered
In some states, dialysis technicians must be licensed or registered in order to work. requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your state’s Board of Nursing for more information.
Step Four: Find a Job
Once you have completed your education and training, the next step is to find a job. You can search for open positions on job boards or directly with dialysis clinics in your area. Many clinics require that applicants have at least one year of experience, so it’s important to get started as soon as possible.
Step Five: Maintain Your Certification
Dialysis technicians must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be earned by taking courses or attending seminars related to dialysis technology. Additionally, many employers require that their employees maintain their certification in order to keep their jobs.
Step Two: Prerequisites
Prerequisites for certification programs vary, but most basic requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, although some programs may require certain college coursework as well. Most programs will also require you to have a current CPR certification as well. Some certification programs may also require that you have a certain amount of clinical experience working with patients before you can be accepted into the program.
Step Three: Certification
Regardless of whether certification is required in your state, becoming certified as a dialysis technician can give you a professional advantage. The two primary agencies that offer certification are the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) and the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO). To be eligible for either certification, you must have completed an approved training program and have at least six months of full-time employment as a dialysis technician.
The BONENT exam covers infection control, safety, patient assessment, dialyzer reprocessing, water treatment, machine operation, emergency procedures and more. The NNCO exam covers many of the same topics but also includes questions on hemodialysis access, patient care coordination and machines used for peritoneal dialysis.
Both exams are multiple choice and cost around $200 to take. Certification is valid for four years and can be renewed through continuing education or by retaking the exam.
Step Four: Training
While some clinics or hospitals may provide on-the-job training to help you learn how to perform the duties of a dialysis technician, most require that you complete a formal education and training program before you can begin working.
There are several types of education and training programs available including certificate, diploma, and degree programs.
Most programs take between 12 and 24 months to complete, and include both classroom work and clinical experience.
Classroom work will cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, safety procedures, and ethical issues.
You will also learn how to use dialysis equipment and machines, how to sterilely insert catheters into patients’ veins, how to operate the dialysis machines, how to monitor patients during treatment, and how to provide post-treatment care.
Clinical experience will give you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, under the supervision of a licensed dialysis technician or nurse.
Step Five: Job Opportunities
With the proper training, you will be eligible for a variety of positions in the dialysis field. The most common position is that of a certified hemodialysis technician, or CHT. CHTs work directly with patients during treatments and are responsible for setting up and monitoring dialysis machines.
There are also positions available for those who want to train other dialysis technicians, or those who want to work in a management capacity in dialysis clinics. With experience, you may also be able to work as a traveling dialysis technician, which can be a great way to see different parts of the country while still working in your chosen field.
Conclusion
Becoming a dialysis technician takes hard work and dedication, but it can be a rewarding career for those who are up for the challenge. If you’re interested in helping others and have a passion for medicine, then this may be the perfect field for you. Follow the steps above and you’ll be on your way to becoming a certified dialysis technician in no time.
