DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
This program prepares graduates for entry-level positions as Dialysis Technicians (DT) in dialysis centers, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
Additionally, this course is available as a continuing education or professional development opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their current roles in the medical field.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
- You need to be at least 18 years old
- Minimum High School Diploma or Equivalency Diploma (GED)
Additionally, applicants must have completed a graduation certificate from a recognized program, such as the Patient Care Technician (PCT) program (with Phlebotomy and EKG), Medical Assistant (MA) program, Nurse Aide/Assistant (CNA) program, or another comparable medical training or education.
DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:
On a daily basis, a dialysis technician might perform the following duties:
- Discuss the dialysis procedure with patients
- Operate the dialysis machine
- Offer support to patients before, during, and after the procedure
CERTIFICATION:
After completion of the DT program from a vocational accredited school, a certification can be obtained at the state and national level. To receive national certification, dialysis technicians can go through one of several organizations such as the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) or the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT). National licensing requires that candidates work in the field for at least 1 year then pass an exam.
JOB OUTLOOK:
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not give specific numbers for dialysis technicians, it does report that all medical laboratory technicians will have a projected employment growth of 30 percent between the years of 2012 and 2022. This rate is above average when compared to other occupations. There are several reasons for the rapid increase in the number of jobs. There are a large number of the population who are aging, and they will need treatments such as dialysis. In addition, a greater amount of people in this country now have access to medical care due to new insurance legislation. Those individuals will seek all types of medical services and this will create a demand for more medical professionals in all laboratory technician fields.
