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Dialysis Technician

Dialysis Technicians, also called Hemodialysis or Rental Dialysis Technicians operate kidney dialysis machines, which filter normal waste products and excess fluids from the blood of patients whose kidneys no longer perform this function. Dialysis Technicians monitor patients as they go through dialysis to make sure the procedure proceeds smoothly and the equipment functions correctly.

Before treatment, the technician weighs the patient, takes vital signs and blood samples to adjust dosage of anti-clotting medication. Additionally, the technician inserts a needle (attached to tubes) into the patient's artery, starts the machine, and monitors the treatment under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Course Overview:

Knowledge and use of aseptic techniques
Renal physiology and pathology
Perform and record physical measurements
Evaluate and perform vascular access
Principles of hemodialysis
Dialyzers, dialysate and delivery systems
Clinical manifestations of end stage disease
Dietary regulation
Medical problems and dialysis
Kidney transplant
Peritoneal dialysis
Diabetes and hemodialysis
Psychological aspects of dialysis therapy
Pediatric dialysis
End stage renal disease in the elderly
Management of quality in dialysis care

This 60 clock hour Dialysis Technician course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of Dialysis Technicians.

*Students may be selected to complete a 160 hour externship program with DaVita.
** Program content is subject to change. Please check with ELIM for any new information.

Requirements. Click to view

Have high school diploma or GED
Must be compassionate
Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
Able to stand for long periods of time
Must be able to lift at least 20 pounds

Duties of a Dialysis Technician. Click to view

Monitor patient's vital signs
Ensure dialysis machine works properly
Check blood chemistry
Clean and repair equipment as needed
Record treatment information

Employment Opportunities. Click to view

Dialysis Technicians work in hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers, physicians' offices, nursing homes, or make visits to private homes. Training opportunities may include on-the-job training, training programs, or vocational schools and community colleges.
Salary.com reports dialysis technician's annual salaries range from $23,830 to $31,733 nationally. Many employers pay higher wages to certified technicians. The employment outlook is good for this occupation as the number of patients on dialysis continues to grow. The increasing number of older Americans is a major factor.