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.
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.
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.
User Comments Add a comment…
about 1 month ago
rajbinder mand mandrajbinder ((at)) hotmail dot com
i am interested in hemodialysis program, i am working as a lvn in the nursing home, i wasnt to know if there is a school in tracy, oakland, modesto, etc...thanks
about 1 month ago
Stephanie Konwent stephanie dot konwent ((at)) comcast dot net
Hi, I am wanting to find a dialysis tech training program in Washington state, can anyone help?? Any ideas? My brother was a dialysis patient for years until he received a double transplant, 5 years ago!! Currently, my Aunt is a patient, I have a real passion for people..This is something I feel I need to be doing,,Can anyone help? Thank you
4 months ago
Edward Collin
there is a hemodialysis training school in Pasadena, CA that offers inexpensive and intense training for hemodialysis technicians, LVNs, and RNs. the website is healthquestacademy.com
5 months ago
Jennifer jenni89445 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Hi I have previous experience as a PCT and want to get back into the field. I live in Arizona any suggestions?
7 months ago
Jason Cooke lyrics909 ((at)) aol dot com
I heard there is a Hemodialysis Training School opening in the Los Angeles area. I believe its located in Simi Valley. I highly recommend them because a friend of mine completed the course at the Union City location in Northern Ca, and she spoke very highly of their teaching methods and how inexpensive the program was. Here is the website if you want more information... htsuc.com I hope this helps.
8 months ago
Jose bernardo jayarr dot bernardo ((at)) gmail dot com
I am interested in becoming a Dialysis Technician, Can you please give me a list of schools that will have this program around Los Angeles, CA 90004?
8 months ago
Lori loriruval ((at)) gmail dot com
Has anyone taken the "Online" Hemodialysis course offerred by Dialysis4career the cost $549.00. It is a 90-day course all online. If you have taken, would I be qualified to get my Certification. I am in Nevada, does anyone know of any dialysis schools near here? Thank you.
8 months ago
Lori loriruval ((at)) gmail dot com
Has anyone taken the Hemodialysis training offerred by Nemrac Infusion and Technology Inc NY., They travel throughout the United States and offer 6-day courses for $2,000.00. They want you to pay the entire fee upfront. I am skeptical, I have never paid for training in full prior to the start date and no address of where the training is to be performed. They state they need payment in full to purchase the books and hold your seat for the class? I need a heads up. Thank you
10 months ago
swtlady cdsturdivant80 ((at)) yahoo dot com
also i forgot to mention that u dont have to pay them back once u have been trained
10 months ago
swtlady cdsturdivant80 ((at)) yahoo dot com
hey I use to be a tech, and my company trained me. The company is called Fresenius medical, they have paid training so i would find one in ur area.
11 months ago
shah neha smashingneha ((at)) yahoo dot com
can any one lit me now all main things regarding dialysis technician
11 months ago
CESAR CESARJEZ ((at)) YAHOO dot COM
Hi,could you give me a nearest location of school offering dialysis tech.somewhere in anahiem,long beach.Im leaving in Norwalk. Thanks
11 months ago
Mary guccigirl0227 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Hello I just completed dialysis tech course a month ago and I was looking forward if U can help me to find a job or at least a volunteer at Manhattan or Queens New york.
11 months ago
hkaramas hkaramas ((at)) yahoo dot com
Hi I was a dialysis patient for 9 months and now would like jop, dialysis technician in akron ohio
12 months ago
jijie fatima_poston ((at)) verizon dot net
i am interested but i just want to ask if how many months the training end and how much the tuition fees?thanks...
about 1 year ago
JC sfghdiaysis ((at)) yahoo dot com
For those of you who are looking for dialysis training schools here in the bay area: there are few places where you can go and get your education and training you need to become dialysis techinician. there is one in Fremont:the Hemodialysis school $7500 + $250 entrance fee, Vallejo-Primecareercollege.com $7000 + $75 entrances; fairfield-success one %7000 and not sure about entrance fee.;
about 1 year ago
Tammy Bushway t_bushway ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am looking for schools that train you to become a Dialysis Tech in the Keene NH area. Can anyone help?
about 1 year ago
Dinesh dineshmankar ((at)) gmail dot com
I am interested in dialysis. Please tell me the whole procedure of dialysis i.e. how the blood is flow in the machine and which reaction is takes place
about 1 year ago
Kenya Simmons Temtasty ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am interested in full-time dialysis employment.I have an year experience as a dialysis tech.I am a certified nursing assistant/restorative aide.I'm currently exercising my certfication here,locally at an nursing home P.R.N.for the summmr.I've worked in healthcare for 6 years now and for me,dialysis is the most uplifting&I really enjoy doing it.Please contact me if anyone has info.I will travel up to 50 miles.
about 1 year ago
barbara baznd ((at)) netzero dot com
I just completed dialysis tech course, I was wondering if anyone can help me with info on how to look for a job since i don't have exp .
about 1 year ago
Michole curvycutie07 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Hey I am very interested in being a dialysis technichian!! I went to school for Medical Assisting but the only part that really got me interested was drawing blood. So I decided to look in a field like phelebotomy or dialysis unit. Please can someone direct me into the right direction of a very good school...??!!
about 1 year ago
Sonia Wynne, LPN, CHN swynne ((at)) centralgatech dot edu
I have been a dialysis nurse for 18 years and I am BONENT certified (CHN) I teach a Hemodialysis Technician training course at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, GA. that is extremely successful. I can help you with materials if you are looking for resources. You can email me at swynne@centralgatech.edu or call me at my office (478)-757-6668. I might be able to help you find a school that provides this training.
about 1 year ago
Andrea smith_a07 ((at)) hotmail dot com
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!
about 1 year ago
Anu Kuriakose akuriakose2007 ((at)) gmail dot com
Hello , I am interested in dialysis technician course. Can anyone tell me if there is a school in Glendale/ losangeles/ burbank area in California
about 1 year ago
Colleen dcolleen5 ((at)) gmail dot com
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
about 1 year ago
diana paris dot diana ((at)) yahoo dot com
hello,im interested in dialysis technician training,,,,,,,can anyone tell me if there is a school in riverside,ca?????thank you
about 1 year ago
taisha tfusilier ((at)) yahoo dot com
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 year ago
Edward edwardtap123 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Are there any review courses for the Bonent Certification test? Any good books that you may reccommend?
about 1 year ago
TADESSE TADESSETK ((at)) HOTMAIL dot COM
I'M LOOKING FOR A DIALYSIS SCHOOL IN THE MARYLAND MONTGOMERY COUNTY AREA.
about 1 year ago
suresh SSureshaDT ((at)) gmail dot com
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
about 1 year ago
celia peck c-ep-49 ((at)) hotmail dot com
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
about 1 year ago
davina davina_yankees ((at)) yahoo dot com
can sosme one please let me know if there is a school in the los angeles, ca area
about 1 year ago
Samuel Nyarko owusunyarkonukuano ((at)) yahoo dot com
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
about 1 year ago
erwin dela cruz winthom ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
Can someone tell me if there is Dialysis Technician training program in Chicago,il. area?
about 1 year ago
Mary ms2umiller ((at)) yahoo dot com
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
about 1 year ago
Cynthia clane_ma_pht ((at)) yahoo dot com
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?
about 1 year ago
Mimi eliananahum ((at)) yahoo dot com
Can someone tell me if there is Dialysis Technician training program in Dallas, TX area?
about 1 year ago
aurora Estrada alegria6181 ((at)) hotmail dot com
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
about 1 year ago
Mike-o mscareers5 ((at)) mountsinai dot org
I'm looking for a Dialysis Technician training program in NY. Does anyone know of one?
about 1 year ago
Elinor cruz chai_cruz87 ((at)) yahoo dot com
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
about 1 year ago
annette agriblin ((at)) hotmail dot com
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 !
over 2 years ago
janine janine_boyden_whitaker ((at)) yahoo dot com
am looking for a dialysis school in the bay area,ca.
over 2 years ago
Chinyere chinyereyfarr ((at)) yahoo dot com
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?
over 2 years ago
belen bmcapistran ((at)) yahoo dot com
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.
over 2 years ago
Carlotta Bellfield misslilyloulou ((at)) yahoo dot com
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.
over 2 years ago
Michelle Cooke michellecooke24 ((at)) hotmail dot com
Can you send me some listings of schools near Kings Mountain, North Carolina. 28086 for the dialysis technician training.
over 2 years ago
Dianne diannebusiness ((at)) yahoo dot com
lookind for a listing of techinical school that offer dialysis techincian training in dallas.
over 2 years ago
christis mims christis2007mims ((at)) hotmail dot com
Looking for a listing of technical schools that offer Dialysis Technician training, either in south carolina .