How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Virginia

Kidney failure is a common medical issue and a large number of people experience kidney issues owing to their lifestyle, genetics, environment, and so on.

One thing that helps kidney patients deal with their symptoms is dialysis.

That is why, being a dialysis technician can be a rewarding job.

Operating a dialysis machine may not seem like a fancy job, but it helps to save the lives of so many others.

So, if you are looking to be in the healthcare industry, being a dialysis technician may be the right path for you.

If you are a resident of Virginia, it is a good idea to be aware of the steps and procedures of how to become this professional.

After you are done reading this blog, you will be familiar with how you can get into this line of work and save lives.

Steps to Become a Dialysis Technician in Virginia

There are no strict certification requirements for dialysis technicians when it comes to Virginia.

That said, it is important to adhere to the guidelines put forward by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Let us go through the process of how you can become a dialysis technician in Virginia.

Step 1: Get Your Education

A high school diploma or GED is a must if you are looking to go into this profession.

Without that degree, you cannot go onto more formal training and most importantly, will have a difficult time landing a job since the majority of employers demand a minimum high school diploma.

After a high school diploma, the next thing you need to do to improve your resume is enroll in a structured training course and get formally trained for dialysis operations.

You will be acquainted with subjects like biology, medical terminology, physiology, terminology, chemistry, and so on.

It can take about a year to finish the program and it will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to get into this field.

Step 2: Work Experience

Another important factor that you must keep in mind is that you need work experience to land the job you want.

Employers often want candidates to have the necessary experience since it ensures that the candidate can do the job right.

You don’t need to gain experience in this exact field.

You can work as a medical assistant or in some other medical position and can gain experience.

You can also get work experience by enrolling in a training program since they train you in necessary skills.

Plus, gaining work experience is always beneficial for your resume.

Step 3: Get Certification

Certification or licensure isn’t mandated by the state of Virginia to work as a dialysis technician.

However, it is essential since it gives you more prospects.

One thing to note is that you can start your employment without a certification, but you need to get it within 18 months, as stated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

There are several organizations from which you can get national certifications. Some of them are:

1. The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)
2. The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
3. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)

To get certified, you have to sit for the certification exams and there can be both practical and written exams.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you have to renew your certification every 4 years.

Plus, it’s also important to stay updated with the industry standards to not fall out of the loop.

With these certifications in hand, it becomes much easier to land a high-paying job.

Contact clinics or hospitals to know if they are hiring a dialysis technician at the moment.

Dialysis Technician Schools in Virginia

We have mentioned before that to become a dialysis technician, it is a good idea to get formal training.

Virginia offers many schools from where you can get the necessary training and these schools even prepare you for the certification exams.

Let us take a look at what schools you can get into for becoming a dialysis technician:

Calhoun Community College

This college offers two options: an online and an offline class.

Either way, it is a 50-hour training program, where the online version costs $1,299 and the classroom version costs $999.

Auburn University

Auburn University offers an online training program where you can learn several learning exercises, get career resources, and mentoring support, and learn at your own pace.

The course can take about six months and costs $3,000.

Alabama State University

If you want to prepare for the certification exam by BONENT, then enrolling in Alabama State University is a great option.

This 205-hour training program costs $4,190 and covers topics like the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, infection control, and so on.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Virginia

After you have all the necessary training and certification, a high-paying job awaits you.

Dialysis technicians are always in demand since kidney issues are quite prevalent.

The average salary of dialysis technicians in Virginia is $50,800.

Regional Salary in Virginia