What Is A Dialysis Technician

Dialysis is a treatment that is very essential for patients with kidney/renal failures. It is an artificial process of  removing waste from the blood. This requires the services of special equipment and process. One has to be technically and thoroughly trained to operate the equipment. This is where you need the services of a Dialysis Technician.

Dialysis Technician Job Description

The basic task of a dialysis technician involves in operating the hemodialysis machines for dialysis procedure performed on patients with kidney failure. They are also called as hemodialysis technicians or patient care technicians (PCTs).

The various other tasks, which are done on a daily basis, are:

• Monitoring, recording, and evaluating the vital signs of the patient during the dialysis procedure.
• Setting up the machine and preparing the patient mentally and physically for the dialysis process and monitor both during the procedure.
• Obtaining the physical examination of the patient before dialysis.
• Acting on emergency situations and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in case of complications during procedure.
• Cleaning of the catheter and grafting using antiseptic solution.

A Dialysis Technician should possess skills to manage and control equipments, adapt to the technology development of the field and equipments, organize things according to the prescribed rules, have the ability to deal with patients with concern and be able to calm and comfort them etc.

The working hours can be part time or full time. However, night shifts and working on weekends are pretty much the norm in this field because the condition and requirements of the patients do vary. A Dialysis Technician’s job involves contact with blood, and with it comes the risk of health safety. It is is the Dialysis Technician’s job to be very careful and take the necessary measures to prevent an outbreak, be aware of HIV and hepatitis prevention procedure and techniques. Dialysis technicians can grow in their careers by specializing in renal dialysis, acute dialysis, and hemodialysis.

Dialysis Technician Training and Certification

The basic requirement to begin Dialysis Technician training is that one should be a science student. Courses that are accredited by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology is recommended. One can acquire a 1-year Diploma, a 2-year Associate Degree, or a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree from various Dialysis Technician schools. Once your education is done, recent changes have now made it mandatory that students are certified. Students must appear for the certification exam also called as the BONENT exam. After clearing your certification, you are then required to appear for your state licensing exam after which you will become licensed and legally allowed to work as a Dialysis Technician.

One can volunteer at hospitals or a dialysis center to get hands-on experience for further job opportunities. However, just the basic level of training is sufficient to start the entry level work and then continue their education online for the career growth.

Dialysis Technician Job Prospects and Salary

The range varies from $28,430 to $34500 approximately per year.  The salary varies depending on the work situation and the state rules. The hourly wages are approximately between $10 and $16 only. Of course, as the experience grows, the salary also would increase. There are also benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation in some states.

Career growth depends on the experience and specialization of the dialysis technology in fields like renal dialysis, acute dialysis and hemodialysis.

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