How to Become a Dialysis Technician: 5-Step Guide
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that removes metabolic waste and extra fluids from the blood when the kidneys no longer work properly.
Dialysis technicians monitor dialysis machines and patients’ vital signs. They also answer patients’ questions and regularly clean and maintain dialysis machines.
Do you want to help people and serve a vital role in healthcare? Then, consider becoming a dialysis technician.
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How to Become a Dialysis Technician in 5 Steps
Dialysis technicians must complete formal training and meet specific requirements to practice. This training typically culminates in state licensure or certification.
Here are the main steps to becoming a dialysis technician, regardless of your state.
1. Get a High School Diploma or GED Certificate
A high school diploma or GED certificate is the first requirement for becoming a dialysis technician. This credential proves you have the fundamental skills in science and math to prepare you for healthcare training and licensing.
If you’re still in high school, consider boosting your resume by volunteering at a local hospital or joining a health or science club.
You can also attend lectures and seminars on kidney disease and related healthcare topics.
2. Enroll in a Dialysis Training Program
Dialysis technician training prepares you for state licensure. These state-approved programs include traditional coursework and practical experience, typically culminating in a certificate or associate degree.
Your dialysis technician program can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete will cover topics such as:
- Personal care for patients on dialysis
- HIPAA regulations
- Taking vital signs and conducting other assessments
- Processes of kidney disease and related conditions
- Nutritional needs of patients on dialysis
- Fundamentals of administering dialysis
- Equipment operation and maintenance
3. Gain Real-World Experience
Learning medical terminology and technical procedures in the classroom is a start — but you’ll need real-world experience to prove your competence as a dialysis technician.
Many state-approved dialysis technician programs require you to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours.
Internships are another way to fortify your skills, practice what you’ve learned, and work directly with patients.
Check your state’s regulations for more information on clinical and internship requirements for dialysis technicians.
4. Earn State Licensure or Certification
After completing a state-approved dialysis technician program and all practical or internship requirements, you can sit for your state’s licensure or certification exam.
States have different licensure criteria for dialysis technicians. Check your state’s licensure requirements by visiting your state’s Department of Health website.
Federal regulations allow you to take up to 18 months from your hiring date to take and pass your state’s dialysis technician licensure exam.
5. Meet All Continuing Education Requirements
Many states require dialysis technicians to complete continuing education requirements every 1-3 years to maintain their state license. Usually, this process entails taking courses and/or completing a minimum number of clinical hours.
Check with your state’s Department of Health to review dialysis technician licensure renewal requirements.
How Much Will You Make as a Dialysis Technician?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earned a median salary of $60,780 in 2023. This group includes dialysis technicians, among other clinical technicians and technologists.
For dialysis technicians specifically, pay tends to be lower.
Payscale data found that dialysis technicians earn an average hourly pay of $18.65, or around $38,790 a year as of July 2024. The top 10% earn under $25 per hour, or around $52,00 annually.
The following graph shows what you can expect to make as a dialysis technician based on your experience level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Dialysis Technician
Some people may find it hard to work as a dialysis technician. After all, these techs have a physically demanding job that requires them to work on their feet every day, sometimes for 12 hours or more.
They must also consistently monitor the dialysis process and provide emotional support to patients, which can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout.
Finally, being a dialysis technician means getting comfortable working with blood and needles and performing tasks to ensure a safe, hygienic environment, which can be challenging for some.
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