Dialysis Technician
Dialysis Technician
Diploma Program Overview
Dialysis Technicians, also sometimes referred to by the dialysis clinics as Patient Care
Technicians or Hemodialysis Technicians function in multiple roles. The Dialysis Technician Diploma program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in the healthcare field as a primary caregiver for patients with kidney disease and who may undergo dialysis treatment. Due to the comprehensive curriculum that covers patient care, infectious diseases and phlebotomy, our graduates may pursue jobs working under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses primarily in hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, or home dialysis programs as patient care technicians or dialysis technicians.
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What Does A Dialysis Technician Do?
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dialysis Technicians’ duties include collecting samples and performing tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. A dialysis technician may perform some or all of the following duties¹:
- Analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples, and record normal or abnormal findings
- Study blood samples for use in transfusions by identifying the number of cells, the cell morphology or the blood group, blood type, and compatibility with other blood types
- Operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters
- Use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests at the same time
- Log data from medical tests and enter results into a patient’s medical record
- Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians
Dialysis technicians operate in clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities under the supervision of supervising nurses and nephrologists (kidney physicians). Part of their duties includes operating and monitoring dialysis equipment for patients undergoing treatment for kidney dysfunction or kidney failure.
How Long Is Dialysis Technician Training?
The normal completion time for the 72 quarter credit hour day program is 12 months and the evening program is 15 months. There is an externship component as a culminating course that enables the student to be placed in an actual supervised dialysis setting. Upon successful completion of the program and all other graduation requirements, a diploma in Dialysis Technician will be awarded.
What Will You Learn In Dialysis Technician Training?
The Dialysis Tech program includes comprehensive courses on the following vital skills needed for a career as a Dialysis Technician:
- Introduction to Dialysis and Renal Disease
- Introduction to the Healthcare Workplace
- Professional Development
- Patient Care and Clinical Fundamentals 1 and 2
- Medical Terminology 1 and 2
- Hemodialysis Technology 1 and 2
- Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2
- Ethics of Patient Care
- Dialysis Technician Externship
- Phlebotomy Laboratory and Procedures
- Certification Preparation and Review
Students who complete Blue Cliff College’s Dialysis Technician program can apply for state licensure and test for state certifications. The certification and licensing of dialysis technicians is a requirement in all states. Maintaining your license requires the completion of continuing education hours every 2-4 years.
Where Do Dialysis Technicians Work?
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook Dialysis Technicians typically work full time and may work evenings and weekends². The top five employers of dialysis technicians are:
- 47% – State, Local, and Private Hospitals
- 20% – Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
- 9% – Physician’s Offices
- 5% – Junior Colleges and Professional Schools
- 4% – Outpatient Care Centers
Due to Blue Cliff College’s comprehensive curriculum, our graduates may pursue jobs in hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, or home dialysis programs as patient care technicians or dialysis technicians.
What Is The Job Outlook For Dialysis Technicians?
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Dialysis Technicians to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030³.
What Is The Total Cost Of The Dialysis Technician Program?
| DAY PROGRAM | |
| PROGRAM LENGTH: | 12 MONTHS |
| TUITION: | $19,958 |
| SUPPLIES & FEES*: | $1,850 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL: | $21,808 |
*For a list of books associated with this program, ISBN, and price click here.
Program availability and times vary by campus | Financial Aid is available for those that qualify
Dialysis Technician Training Near Me
Blue Cliff College offers the Dialysis Technician school at the following campus location:
Gulfport
A Branch of Metairie
More About Careers As A Dialysis Technician
For more information about a career as a Dialysis Technician, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET website.
Standard Occupational Code (SOC):
29-2099.00 – Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP):
51.1011 – Renal/Dialysis Technologist/Technician
Program Specific Application Requirements
ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN (DT) – (GULFPORT, MS CAMPUS ONLY)
In addition to being in good health and physically able to perform the duties and techniques
required for employment in the Dialysis Technician field, Dialysis Technician students are
required to provide verification that their immunizations are current, including the Hepatitis B
series or sign an Acknowledgement, Release and Requisition/Declination Form attesting to
their understanding that immunizations must be current before certain courses can be taken or
activities performed. Students must complete the Dialysis Student Disclosure Form during the
admissions process, at the second interview with the Program Chair, at the Academic
Orientation and prior to Externship. The institution does not pay for any fees associated with
either receiving immunizations or their verification. This form will be presented for review and
signature during the admissions process. The cost of the Hepatitis vaccination is included in
the student’s tuition.
Certain background issues, criminal convictions and/or professional license revocations
and suspensions may restrict and in some cases deny employment opportunities (including
externship). Students are required to disclose this type of information during enrollment, at
which time they are made aware of the possible limitations to externship site assignment that
may affect graduation and job placement opportunities, which may impact in-field employment.
BCC does not prohibit admissions based on this criteria but does fully inform students of
limitations that may occur to ensure that students make an informed decision to enroll.
Students must complete the Dialysis Student Disclosure Form during the admissions process,
at the second interview with the Program Chair, at the Academic Orientation and prior to
Externship.
Licensing Information and Accreditation
Blue Cliff College maintains current accreditation so you know you’re learning skills that are valued in your field. It is important when comparing Blue Cliff’s Dialysis School to other Dialysis Technician schools, to ensure proper licensing and accreditation. We are:
- Licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration (License No. C-110)
- Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)†
†The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, (ACCSC) is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.