Dialysis Technician

On any given day, typically first thing in the morning, you would run a maintenance check on the machine(s) to make sure they are running properly.

You would next take some time to ensure everything has been properly sterilized. This is done at the beginning of the day as well as in between each patient.

When a patient comes in, you would check their chart and administer the dialysis treatment as per their doctor’s prescription. Dialysis can take several hours to complete.

During this time, you will continue to check and monitor the patient and machine, adjusting the anticoagulant (anti-blood clot medication) and fluid rates as needed.

Once dialysis has been completed, you disconnect the patient from the machine and record their vital signs. When they leave, you will begin to sterilize the machine for the next patient. The work needs a lot of responsibility but comes with its rewards and advantages both personally and professionally.

As you can see, dialysis technicians play a vital role in the healthcare field. It’s no wonder demand for these professionals is booming in 2023!

1. No Prior Experience is Needed

You don’t need any prior experience or degree to begin your certification program – you could start a career as a dialysis technician in just 4 months. If you’re someone looking to have a fresh start in your professional life but feel that you lack the background, then an opportunity like this might be a good fit for you.

2. A Calm Working Environment

When you think of working in healthcare, do you think of a fast-paced environment like a trauma center or emergency room? All of that stress and action aren’t for everyone. There are more opportunities in healthcare that allow you to work in a calm environment.

One of the nice things about a career as a dialysis technician is that you get to help people in a big, big way but do so in a calm and quiet environment.

There are no emergencies here, just people coming in for their weekly appointments and you prepare them for the dialysis by operating the machine. Once the patients leave, you prepare the room and equipment for another patient.

3. Work Anywhere You Want

Unfortunately, people all over the world suffer from kidney disease, with over 2 million people needing dialysis worldwide, but there aren’t enough dialysis technicians to operate the equipment.

While that’s bad news in one way, it’s good news for dialysis technicians, because it means there’s a need for their skills pretty much everywhere. If you don’t like the idea of being tied down to one city or state, you’ll be happy to know there are dialysis treatment centers all around the country that will always need technicians.

4. Connect with Tons of People

Unlike an emergency room, where you may see a patient once and then never see them again (at least you hope you don’t see them again in that setting…), you see the same patients week after week as a dialysis technician. This means you often form genuine bonds with the people you take care of.

Moreover, being a dialysis technician, you get to make a difference in the lives of people who suffer from chronic kidney failure. Overall, being a dialysis technician is a rewarding and fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

5. Advancement Opportunities

A career as a dialysis technician offers a range of advancement opportunities. Once you get your foot in the door as a dialysis technician and have some experience under your belt, you could decide to obtain a bit more education to apply for a position as a biomedical equipment technician.

Most companies want to employ from within, so advancement can be easy once you’ve been working for a little while and proven your value to the team. With over 9,202 biomedical equipment technicians currently employed in the United States, there is always a need for more.

6. Awesome Benefits Package

There is something to be said for working in the healthcare industry when it comes to the kind of benefits packages you can receive.

While benefits will naturally vary from company to company, generally speaking, you can expect to receive most (if not all) of the following benefits:

• medical
• dental
• vision insurance
• 401k plans with employer matching
• sick and vacation days
• holiday pay and overtime
• retirement

7. Excellent Pay

Pay for dialysis technicians is typically higher than for other entry-level jobs. But we’ll discuss salary in more depth in just a little bit.

5 Things to Look for In A Dialysis Tech Certification Program

1. Find an online program from an authorized school or college

As we just mentioned, most employers favor candidates who have gotten proper training. So be sure to put your education at the top of your “to-do” list. Proper education + training is always advantageous as it prepares you for the role in the most comprehensive way.

2. Look for a discount and a low monthly payment plan

If you are like a lot of adult learners, you have other financial obligations that make paying high tuition costs next to impossible. Plus, the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has taken a financial toll on families.

Don’t worry though…we can help 🙂 That’s why OnlineDegree.com has made it our mission to help adult learners get huge discounts toward their certification!

3. Make sure an externship placement is included

While education is a must – it’s also a great idea to get some hands-on experience. This will make you more marketable. Students with some real-world experience before entering the professional world are always in a better position since most employers prefer it.

4. Look for an online, mentor-supported course you can take at your own pace

The internet has made learning easier than ever for busy adults. With online training programs, you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule! This is a must for parents with responsibilities and a great idea to stay safe from the unnecessary health risks that the pandemic poses.

5. Find out if textbooks are included in the cost of the program

Textbooks for a Dialysis Tech program can be expensive! Make sure to find a program that doesn’t charge extra for books. Students are always in somewhat financial struggles, so save where we can!

The median annual wage for dialysis technicians was $40,080 in May 2019. This number can be influenced by a few different factors.

One of those factors is the specific industry you work in. For instance, the media annual salary for a dialysis technician that works within a government agency can earn $42,960.

Most dialysis technicians work full-time. Some work evenings or weekends.

Employment of dialysis technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is due in part to the continued aging of the baby boomer population, many of whom have been diagnosed with kidney disease and will require dialysis.

According to the BLS, those technicians who have become certified have the greatest job prospects.

Luckily we can connect you with accredited universities that offer this training!

Next, you’ll want to determine what setting you’d like to work in. Dialysis technicians generally work in hospitals, clinics, and dialysis treatment facilities.

In some cases, technicians can even provide in-home care for patients. Setting a career direction is the best thing you can do and once you have gained a couple of years’ experience, you may have the opportunity for advancement as well.

You can also then find a position training new technicians in schools or certification programs. Training a new batch of students and passing on industry experience to younger minds is always another professional path available.

So spend a little time researching to determine the setting and career path you think makes the most sense for you.

Once you’ve determined your preferred work setting, your next step is to gain some critical hands-on experience before starting your job search. The good news is a quality certification program will include an externship so you can gain some hands-on experience!

Q: What Does a Dialysis Technician Do Every Day?

A: A dialysis technician works closely with patients to help them optimize their health. They maintain the dialysis machines and make sure that all equipment has been sterilized correctly.

Q: What is a Dialysis Technician Certification?

A: A Dialysis technician certification is a valuable asset to have as it shows prospective employers that you have taken the time to learn the fundamentals. This certification will help you stand apart from the crowd and hopefully get your resume to the top of the pile!

Q: What Skills Will I Learn in Dialysis Technician Training?

A: Your training will focus on running and maintaining the dialysis machine, which is an important and expensive piece of machinery. You will also learn proper sterilization techniques.

Q: What Are the Prerequisites for Enrollment in a Certificate Program?

A: The only requirement for enrollment in these programs is a high school diploma or equivalent.

A dialysis technician certification is required or preferred by most employers. Plus, taking a certification program could be the best way to get your foot in the door, build your network, get training, and work experience.