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Dialysis Technician Job Description, Career as a Dialysis Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job


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Education and Training: High school

Salary: $25,682 to $32,413 per year

Employment Outlook: Very good

Definition and Nature of the Work

Dialysis technicians work with people whose kidneys no longer work properly or at all. These technicians, who are sometimes called hemodialysis technicians or patient care technicians (PCTs), operate machines that remove wastes, salt, and extra water from patients' blood while keeping safe levels of certain chemicals. Dialysis patients generally use the machine for about four hours, three times a week. The technicians prepare patients for dialysis, monitor them and the machine during dialysis, and perform required procedures when dialysis is completed. Dialysis technicians help patients feel comfortable during the procedure and keep the machine in good working condition.

Most dialysis technicians work in hospitals under the supervision of a registered nurse. Others work in dialysis units run by private companies.

Education and Training Requirements

You need a high school diploma to become a dialysis technician. Various community colleges, vocational schools, and training centers across the country offer programs leading to certification. Courses in science and health are useful, as is volunteer or part-time work in a hospital. Mechanical ability is also important in this job.

Dialysis technicians train on the job. In a hospital they are taught how to operate the machine by a registered nurse. Companies that have dialysis units may also offer training.

Getting the Job

You can apply directly to hospitals or companies that have dialysis units. In addition, check state and private employment services for job listings and information.

A dialysis technician monitors a patient on a dialysis machine, which removes waste substances from the blood of people with kidney problems. (© Martha Tabor/Working Images Photographs. Reproduced by permission.)

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Advancement is possible with education and experience. Technicians working in large dialysis units may become chief technicians. With further training, some dialysis technicians become biomedical equipment technicians.

The employment outlook is very good through the year 2012. The field is growing steadily and there is a need for qualified workers.

Working Conditions

Technicians work forty hours a week. They often work with people who need understanding and encouragement. They must be careful workers who can keep calm in a medical emergency.

Where to Go for More Information

National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists
PO Box 2307
Dayton, OH 45401-2307
(877) 607-6268
http://www.dialysistech.org

National Kidney Foundation
30 E. 33rd St.
New York, NY 10016
(800) 622-9010
http://www.kidney.org

Earnings and Benefits

Salaries vary with experience. In 2005 salaries for dialysis technicians ranged from $25,682 to $32,413. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, sick leave, and health insurance.

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User Comments Add a comment…

9 days ago

I am currently working in a dialysis unit in Clinton, Iowa. I will be relocating to El Paso, Texas. I was wondering if anybody knew of and dialysis units in that area, and if it was possible for me to work in a dialysis unit in another state? Thank you!

13 days ago

Hello , I am interested in dialysis technician course. Can anyone tell me if there is a school in Glendale/ losangeles/ burbank area in California

15 days ago

Hello, I'm interested in dialysis technician training..... can anyone pls tell me if there is a school in pleasant hill, concord, walnut creek, ca thank you

23 days ago

hello,im interested in dialysis technician training,,,,,,,can anyone tell me if there is a school in riverside,ca?????thank you

29 days ago

i am interested in becoming dialysis tech and i am looking for schools in los angeles area to start my training, would you send me any information pertain this program will be much appreciated.

about 1 month ago

Are there any review courses for the Bonent Certification test? Any good books that you may reccommend?

about 1 month ago

I'M LOOKING FOR A DIALYSIS SCHOOL IN THE MARYLAND MONTGOMERY COUNTY AREA.

about 1 month ago

Hello i am working as a dialysis tech from past 2 yrs,i am loking job at abroad pls let me now if there is any job facilites

2 months ago

Hello. I am interested in taking dialysis technician courses on-line. Can you please find something for me since there is no colleges or tech schools in my area that offers these classes. Thank you

2 months ago

can sosme one please let me know if there is a school in the los angeles, ca area

3 months ago

I have completed dialysi technicain program.I have my certification with all the internship and clinical requirement from Nemrac Infusion and Technology Inc NY. I am now locating at Texas in Tarrant county. I am looking for any company who will hire me as a Technician in any field where my skills be needed

3 months ago

Can someone tell me if there is Dialysis Technician training program in Chicago,il. area?

4 months ago

Hello, I am interested in Dialysis Training in Detroit,MI. Since discussing possible job opportunities with my mom, whos' an RN, she gives me positive insight on the most proficient employment advice for healthcare. Please advise and respond. Looking to start immediately. Thankd You

4 months ago

Hi, I'm interested in an on the job training as a Dialysis Technician in the Montgomery, Al, or surrounding areas. Are there any schools that offer this career in Montgomery, Alabama?

4 months ago

Can someone tell me if there is Dialysis Technician training program in Dallas, TX area?

4 months ago

Hello i am so interested in this career field can someone please let me know of a program in the Orange County area in California. I would appreciated it so much

5 months ago

I'm looking for a Dialysis Technician training program in NY. Does anyone know of one?

6 months ago

I just graduated as a dialysis technician in California. Right now im trying to look for jobs. I went to Hemodialysis Training School in Union City. Its a 9week program divided in theory and clinical training. They also send you to the real clinics where you can do externships and perform hands - on dialysis procedures under the supervision of a preceptor and the nurse in charge in the facility. If interested, you can visit the school and you can mention my name.. you can email me for more info. ELINOR CRUZ

8 months ago

I became interested following the death of my grandfather. Which has been some time ago. Although- I do have some college courses directed at a nursing degree. That failed me, due to a major move back to Houston. However, to all interested parties: there is a company DAVITA Dialysis.. where one might be able to get a job, train etc... they are Located ALL OVER The US. Interesting to read on. Finding a SCHOOL Per se, has not been an easy task, Although there are many online , and class courses for this study. KEEP SEARCHING it is out there for ALL OF US !

9 months ago

am looking for a dialysis school in the bay area,ca.

9 months ago

I'm relocating from Chicago to Memphis and I am very interested in the field.I would like to know of schools that offer training & how long is the course?

9 months ago

I am interested to work as dialysis tech. Can you please send me some info.about some schools that offer dialysis tech.training in Glendale , California. Thank you so much.

9 months ago

I am interested in a position as a dialysis tech. Can someone please help direct me in how to go about doing this ? And is there a courses for the program ? Please help interested female.

10 months ago

Can you send me some listings of schools near Kings Mountain, North Carolina. 28086 for the dialysis technician training.

about 1 year ago

lookind for a listing of techinical school that offer dialysis techincian training in dallas.

about 1 year ago

Looking for a listing of technical schools that offer Dialysis Technician training, either in south carolina .

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