Dialysis technicians work in hospitals, dialysis centers or ambulatory services, administering treatment for patients diagnosed with kidney failure. Hemodialysis makes use of a machine to remove waste material from the patient's blood when the kidneys no longer function properly. Patients must have this done three times per week, usually for 3 to 4 hours. A more recent type of program provides 8 hours of dialysis three times a week, administered while the patient sleeps.
The technician prepares people for the procedure and monitors their vital signs during treatment, as well as making sure they are doing well before they leave the facility. Technicians set up, clean and maintain the dialysis equipment, and prepare the dialysis solutions. They also maintain patient records and create reports.
The training program applicant must have a high school diploma or successful completion of the General Educational Development tests. Many schools require two semesters of high school biology or one semester of college biology, along with certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most training programs are two semesters, but some facilities offer an intensive 6-week or 12-week option. The student learns principles of renal function and renal dialysis, laboratory procedures, blood chemistry and medical terminology.
Online options for training are very unusual because the job requires hands-on work with hemodialysis machines and patients. One institution that began offering an online option in 2008 is Lake Superior State College in Duluth, Minnesota, to address the high demand for techs. The program offered a 16-credit theory certificate, and an internship or on-the-job training was required after the student successfully completed the academic work. A 21-credit certificate also was offered that included the clinical internship.
Dialysis technicians have traditionally made a modest salary. Technicians in hospitals typically earn a higher salary than those in clinics or ambulatory services.