Dialysis Technician

The Dialysis Technician Profession

As kidney failure continues to be a growing national health problem, kidney disease is driving the growing demand for well-trained dialysis technicians. Dialysis technicians are employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other medical facilities. The number of dialysis technician jobs has the potential to increase by more than 35% by 2018. While most technician training has historically been done “on the job,” today’s healthcare employers are seeking well-trained technicians who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to fill this growing number of positions.

The Dialysis Technician Program

This Dialysis Technician Program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of dialysis technicians. This course covers the following key areas and topics

• Specific procedures to operate kidney dialysis machines
• Preparation of the dialyzer, and reprocessing and delivery systems
• Equipment maintenance
• Skills to monitor and record a patient’s vital signs
• The process for a dialysis teams’ administration of local anesthetics and drugs as needed
• Assessment of patients for any complications that occur during a procedure
• Patient training for at-home dialysis treatment and techniques to provide emotional support patients need for self-care

Education and Certifications

• Dialysis technicians and aides should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• This program is designed to cover the key objectives of the leading dialysis technician certification exams. Although some students do immediately pursue certain certifications, most national exams require job experience for formal dialysis technician certification.

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• Knowledge and use of aseptic techniques and standard precautions
• Renal physiology and the pathology of renal failure
• How to perform and record physical measurements including weight and vital signs
• Principles of hemodialysis and hematological aspects
• Dialyzer reuse preparation, dialysate, and delivery systems
• Basic body chemistry including fluid and electrolyte balance
• Clinical manifestations of end-stage renal disease
• Routine aspects of hemodialysis
• Dietary regulation and medication problems relating to dialysis
• Acute renal failure and dialysis
• Kidney transplantation
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Diabetes and hemodialysis
• Pediatric hemodialysis
• End-stage renal disease in the elderly
• Composition of dialysate solution
• Anticoagulation and heparin administration
• Handling of hazardous materials