How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Wisconsin

When it comes to the medical field, the majority of the credit goes to professionals like doctors and nurses, who represent the field and form the face of it.

However, what keeps the field running is the countless contributions of other medical professionals as well, such as dialysis technicians.

They make sure to take care of kidney patients and assist them with their renal issues.

They operate dialysis machines, monitor vital signs, administer CPR if needed, and so on.

If you live in Wisconsin and you want to enter the medical field and help make a difference in the smallest ways possible, being a dialysis technician can be a fulfilling job for you.

It may not be as glamorous as other professions in the field but it can be rewarding, nonetheless.

After you have read this article, you will be familiar with the steps you have to take to become a dialysis technician in Wisconsin.

Steps to Become a Dialysis Technician in Wisconsin

There are no strict regulations imposed by the state of Wisconsin when it comes to certification for dialysis technology.

The Wisconsin Department of Health and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services do not have any requirements for certifications.

That said, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has established a few rules and regulations that candidates have to follow.

Here is what you need to do if you want to get into this field.

Step 1: Get Your Education

Not just for being a dialysis technician, but for just about any profession, a high school diploma is a must.

Without one, your competency will be questioned and most importantly, it will be very difficult to get any jobs without a minimum high school diploma.

Plus, it is only when you have a high school diploma that you can go on to get formal training in dialysis operation.

Once your high school is over, you can then focus on specializing and get into a training program that can introduce you to the basics of dialysis technology and teach you how to take care of patients with renal issues.

There are a few schools in Wisconsin that offer these courses and they can even prepare you for certification exams.

Step 2: Work Experience

These days, some work experience is required just about anywhere.

The same applies when you are working in the hospital industry.

Work experience shows your employers that you have the necessary expertise and skills for the job and can get it done.

If you are looking to gain some experience, an easy way to do so is to get an internship program where you will gain practical knowledge.

Reach out to hospitals and outpatient settings and see if they are hiring for any position at the moment.

It does not always mean that you have to work exactly in this subfield.

It can also be counted as experience if you work as a medical assistant, research trainee, or similar positions.

Step 3: Get Certification

Finally, the most important thing you need to do is get certified.

Without adequate certification, it will become difficult to land a job in this industry.

Many organizations offer certifications and the training programs can prepare you for the exams.

Here are those organizations:

• The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC): Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam.
• The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT): Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam.
• The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO): Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) Exam and Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam.

Plus, it is important to remember that you have to take continuing education courses to stay updated with regulations and industry standards.

Moreover, you have to renew your certificate every four years.

Dialysis Technician Schools in Wisconsin

Formal training is a must in dialysis technology because it is based on this that employers get a fair idea of your expertise and competency.

There are a few schools in Wisconsin where you can get trained to become a dialysis professional.

Let us see what options you have.

Milwaukee Area Technical College

This college will prepare you to become a renal dialysis technician (RDT) and introduce you to lessons like Renal Failure and Support Therapies, Principles of Renal Dialysis, and so on.

With the help of this program, you can go on to become a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT).

Chippewa Valley Technical College

If you are looking to have a healthcare career, the Renal Dialysis Technician (RDT) program from this college can help you get employment in hemodialysis units in hospitals or clinics.

You will be taught how to operate dialysis machines, and concepts regarding renal failure, among other things.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Wisconsin

Renal Dialysis Technicians are quite high in demand and even more so considering renal issues are becoming more common.

The average annual salary of a dialysis technician in Wisconsin is $50,300.

This salary is subject to change depending on which region you work in, which setting you want to work in, and the level of experience you have.

Regional Salary in Wisconsin