Every professional in the health field knows that the kidneys are essential organs to keep a person living a happy and fulfilled life, but when they fail, dialysis technicians have the important duty of helping these kidney patients with their treatment and recovery.
Dialysis technician school programs will provide these healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to provide proper dialysis treatment to patients.
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Cost Averages
- Online Programs: $800-$3,000
- Average Tuition: $3,000-$10,000 per year
- Tuition + Extra Expenses: $4,000-$20,000 per year
What Is A Dialysis Technician?
When a person’s kidneys are not working correctly or are failing, typically, they will require to undergo dialysis.
Dialysis is the process where a machine removes toxins, excess water, and other solutes from a person’s blood when their kidneys can’t do the job, and the professionals in charge of performing this procedure are dialysis technicians.
A dialysis technician is a healthcare professional in charge of controlling and administering the dialysis procedure under the supervision of a nurse or physician who accompanies the patient.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, for dialysis technicians, the average annual pay is $52,133 a year, $25.06 an hour, or $4,344 per month.
What Are The Responsibilities/Duties Of A Dialysis Technician?
According to Indeed.com, the principal duties and responsibilities of a Dialysis Technician include:
- Assembling the dialysis machine.
- Maintaining a sterile treatment environment.
- Ensuring dialysis machines work properly before treatment begins.
- Observing and monitoring patients during treatment for signs of medical emergencies.
- Making alterations to treatment to maintain a safe application.
- Working with nurses and doctors to administer the correct treatment for each individual.
- Explaining the dialysis process to patients and their families.
- Teaching patients about additional health care to enhance positive dialysis results.
- Prep patients and give local anesthesia.
- Create written reports on patient progress for doctors.
What Are The Costs Of Dialysis Technician Programs?
The cost of a dialysis technician program can vary depending on the length of the program and level of specialization, the type of school, and the state the school is located.
The average tuition and fees for a two-year college program range from $3,000 to $10,000 per year.
And the cost of a dialysis technician is two years of program tuition, fees, and including books and supplies can cost from $4,000 to $20,000 per year.
Online programs that offer certificates in dialysis technology are more affordable and can cost from $800 to $3,000.
The following price comparison shows the difference between online programs and classic college programs:
Program | School | Price |
Classic | Blue Cliff College | $19,300 |
Chippewa Valley Technical College | $4,853 | |
Malcom X College | $18,735 | |
Online | Phoenix College Downtown | $999 |
San Diego State University | $2,195 | |
Texarkana College | $1,299 |
After completing a certified dialysis technician program, professionals must be certified to work legally in the United States.
Dialysis Technician Certification
All dialysis technicians need a certification within 18 months of hire; nationally recognized certifications for dialysis technicians include:
- The National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO): offers three certifications, the CCCNT, the CBNT, and the CDWS.
- The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC): offers the CCHT and the CCHT-A.
- The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT): offers the CHT and the CHBT. This is the most recognized among all accreditations.
What Are The Best Schools That Offer Dialysis Technician Programs?
The following dialysis technician schools have been approved by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) to prepare students for work as dialysis technicians:
Schools | Type of Program |
Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) | Diploma program (37 total credits) |
American College Health & Sciences (ACHS) | Diploma program (7 months) |
Center for Dialysis Care | Dialysis technician training (certification) |
DaVita Healthcare Partners | Dialysis technician training (certification) |
Blue Cliff College (BCC) | Diploma hybrid program (72-credit program) |
St. Bernadette of Lourdes Center | Hybrid certificate and practical training program |
University of Tennessee – Martin | Certificate online program |
Utopia Health Career Center | Continuing education courses |