How to Become a Dialysis Technician in South Dakota

South Dakota is home to several people with kidney problems, but the good thing is that they get relief from dedicated dialysis technicians within the state.

If you want to make a difference in someone’s life in South Dakota, becoming a dialysis technician is one of the most self-fulfilling options you can consider.

This guide explains everything you want to know about becoming a dialysis technician in South Dakota.

How to Become a Dialysis Technician in South Dakota: Step-by-Step

If you intend to become a dialysis technician in South Dakota, you need to first enroll in an approved institution that offers certified training programs and practical experience.

The First Step

To pursue a dialysis technician training course in South Dakota is to have a high school diploma or GED.

All prospective applicants must be over 18 years of age, and they need to choose training institutions that suit their needs like budget, or completion time.

Dialysis technician training programs are usually offered by community colleges, vocational schools, technical colleges, or universities in some instances.

The training can take between six months and 12 months to complete depending on the institution you choose.

When you complete classroom learning, you are supposed to undergo practical training in a clinical or healthcare setting to gain hands-on experience.

Both theoretical and practical training courses are designed to equip students with knowledge in topics like dialysis procedures, patient care, and medical terminology.

Alternatively, you can also complete your dialysis training program online.

Completing your course online is advantageous in that it allows you to set your schedule to complete your coursework in the comfort of your home.

If you choose this option, make sure the program is accredited by a recognized board in South Dakota.

Write a Certification Exam

Different nationally recognized organizations administer certification exams such as the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) and the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

You will only be eligible to write the certification exam when you complete your training program.

This exam consists of various questions designed to test your knowledge and skills in dialysis technology.

Get Certification

Once you pass your certification exam, you will be certified and qualify to join the job market as a job seeker.

Employers usually prefer certified technicians because they have the right knowledge and skills to handle different aspects of dialysis procedures.

The entire certification process can take up to 18 months.

Once you get certified, you should maintain your certification by undertaking other courses that can enhance your experience and skills.

• The national certification organizations in the US include the following:
• The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) and the exam you take is certified by the Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT)
• The National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) offered by the Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) and Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT)
• The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) administered by the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT)

Dialysis Technician Schools in South Dakota

Dialysis technician trainees in South Dakota must complete a minimum of 80 hours of theoretical learning or classroom training.

Furthermore, each candidate must complete a minimum of 200 hours of practical instruction in a laboratory or clinical setting.

To qualify to write certification results, you must obtain a score of at least 85% or better.

The curriculum for dialysis technicians covers different topics including patient care, dialysis procedures, infection control, anatomy and physiology, and equipment maintenance.

The curriculum is designed to ensure that technicians can provide the best care to patients.

The following are some of the schools that offer dialysis technician training in South Dakota.

CareerStep

Quick start your career as a dialysis trainee by enrolling in an online training course.

This option is convenient because it allows you to set your study schedule, and you will also get one-on-one instruction.

The course can take up to 12 months to complete, and the cost is determined by the program you choose.

South East Technical College

South East Technical College is one of the best institutions that offer dialysis training programs in South Dakota.

It costs $30 per credit hour to train as a dialysis technician.

You can complete the course within 12 months.

Birsmarck State College

The dialysis technician program at Bismarck is 96 hours, and it comprises 32 hours of practical training and 64 hours of online instruction.

The course costs $2500, and students are required to first pay a $500 non-refundable to reserve a seat.

Salary for Dialysis Technician Schools in South Dakota

A certified dialysis technician in South Dakota earns an average salary of $33,045.

The average base salary for dialysis technicians ranges from $30,141 and $36,892 or $21,39.

The salary scale is determined by factors such as location, experience, certification, or additional skills acquired from the profession.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Make it Count by Becoming a Dialysis Technician in South Dakota

If you want a rewarding career in the healthcare sector without hassles, you can consider becoming a certified dialysis technician in South Dakota.

This will also allow you to make a positive impact on someone suffering from kidney problems.

Pursuing a career in this profession is simple.

All you need is to conduct some research on training programs and certification requirements in South Dakota.

For instance, there are different options available including online courses, community colleges, or vocational schools.

Once you obtain your certification, you can start looking for work as a dialysis technician.

Since the field of dialysis technology is evolving, it is important to keep pace with the changes taking place in the industry.

By following these tips, you will achieve your desired goals.