Online Dialysis Technician Training Programs

If you are looking for gainful employment in the medical field, becoming a Dialysis Technician may be your answer.

Working as a dialysis technician offers a stable and rewarding profession for many.

Choosing to pursue training online offers even more options for jump-starting an exciting new career path.

Whether you’re a young student, fresh out of high school, or a student looking for a second career, studying to become a dialysis technician is easier than ever.

Let’s look at what it takes to earn your online dialysis tech certification.

What Courses Are in an Online Dialysis Technician Program?

Working in the medical field, regardless of your position, requires many different skills.

A dialysis technician works with doctors and nurses to treat patients with compromised kidneys.

To become prepared for this position, trainees will need specific and general medical training.

During the course of the dialysis technician program, students will be provided medical information which will enhance and promote their understanding of the kidneys, as well as the whole body.

Some examples would be reading medical instruments and gauges, operating and maintaining dialysis machines, personalized patient care, and advanced studies on kidney functions.

Other courses can include, but are not limited to:

• How to perform and record physical measurements, including weight and vital signs
• Dietary regulation and medication problems relating to dialysis
• Basic body chemistry including fluid and electrolyte balance
• Principles of hemodialysis and hematological aspects
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Infection Control/Guidelines for preventing infections
• Integumentary system structures
• Positioning, moving, transferring, and ambulating patients

Course schedules and requirements will change, depending on your specific school or institution.

Refer to your institution’s online course directory to see what their particular requirements may be.

Can You Earn a Dialysis Technician Certification Completely Online?

Yes, there are numerous courses throughout the country that offer certification at the end of the course of study.

Some courses may require educational pre-requisites to be met, such as a high school diploma or GED, which may require some work to be completed offline.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Dialysis Technician Certification Online?

Certification timeframes will fluctuate, depending on the school you’re attending and the courses of study you will need to complete.

Some courses can be as short as 3-6 weeks, some 6 months, and others last up to 12 months.

How Much Does an Online Dialysis Technician Certification Cost?

Online courses can range anywhere from $800 to $4500.

The rationale for these variations depends on the specific school and what specialized courses they offer for their dialysis training program.

Benefits of Online Dialysis Technician Training Programs

An online dialysis technician training course can offer numerous benefits, including:

Ease of access

Offering courses online allows for more students to access and complete training programs.

Students from all over the country and world have equal access to learning and career possibilities, thanks to online learning programs.

The flexibility of online courses also helps students to manage their work/school balance.

Whether in a remote learning situation or choosing to pursue advanced education on a personalized timeline, online courses are quite beneficial.

Affordable and convenient

By giving students financially viable options for gaining certification, more students can become technicians without breaking the bank.

Affordable online courses also offer students convenient methods for increasing their overall educational goals.

Advanced education equals greater skills as a technician, too, which can also increase earnings.

As students become more educated, they become more valuable to their employees and their patients.

Self-paced learning

Many students work best when they can pace their studies and learn to meet their personal schedules.

Online courses usually offer more flexible options for completing courses and pacing for their graduation and certification.

Some students may find that they are not able to complete more than a few classes at a time.

Others may want to advance their learning timeline to meet a deadline or personal goal.

Online courses enhance these possibilities.

Drawbacks of Online Dialysis Technician Training Programs

Pursuing a course online offers greater flexibility for students.

It can also reduce some features and benefits of the classroom experience.

Less class interaction

For some students, being in a classroom with an instructor and other students is vital to a positive learning experience.

Interacting with other students or asking specific or pointed questions of the instructor can benefit some students much greater than others.

Many students who dislike online learning methods complain of losing interest and having trouble focusing on the material being presented.

Online classes are not for everyone.

Hands-on training is limited

Students completing coursework online often miss out on any hands-on training from instructors and from hands-on practice in clinical situations.

For a career that focuses on patient care, hands-on training can be invaluable in preparing students for real-world situations.

Longer hours of independent study

Since you will be completing training from home or a non-classroom location, you will find you are responsible for more of the studying and reviewing for tests.

Traditionally, when students are left to study on their own, versus completing study exercises in a classroom setting, the latter garners the better scores.

If possible, connect with other students who are studying online.

Try to organize online study groups to help each other become more knowledgeable and prepared.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Dialysis Technician Training Programs – Summary Table

Types of Dialysis Technician Certifications

Currently, there are three dialysis technician certifications you can receive.

1. Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) issued by the [Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission] (NNCC)

Certification requirements include:

• 6 months (or more) working in a department of nephrology
• Passing score on the state exam
• Required to renew your license every three years to remain certified

2. Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHTT) issued by the [Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology] (BONENT)

Certification requirements include:

• One year of experience in nephrology technology
• Passing score on the state exam
• Required to renew your license every four years to remain certified

The CHT exam is divided into sections.

The following are the percentage breakdowns for the areas of study:

• 65% Patient Care
• 15% Personal Development and Education
• 10% Machine Technology
• 5% Water Treatment
• 5% Dialyzer Reprocessing

3. Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology and Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CCNT/CBNT) issued by the  [National Nephrology Certification Organization] (NNCO)

Certification requirements include:

• One year of experience in nephrology technology
• Passing score on the state exam
• Required to renew your license every four years to remain certified
• Continuing education must equal at least 30 hours

4 Self-Study Tips for Dialysis Technician Online Students

Since you will be relying on your own motivations to study and review how to become a dialysis tech, it is important to develop some study habits which will keep you focused and successful.

1. Take lots of notes and re-write your notes after each class.

By taking notes, you will help yourself to commit the information to memory.

By re-writing your notes, you will help to unpack and clarify the information you just received.

Make sure to review and re-write soon after the completion of a class so the information is still fresh in your mind.

Then, when exam time comes around, you will have a concise and organized study guide to refer to.

2. Connect with other students.

Even though you may be sitting by yourself in front of a computer, it does not mean you cannot connect with others who are doing the same.

Collect contact information from those willing to partner up or work in groups.

Then, you can communicate to help each other study, review recently learned information or garner advice on career moves and internships.

Having others to collaborate with also helps to increase the overall knowledge of the subject matter.

An alternate opinion may help to access a completely different point of view.

3. Study frequently and often.

You are working and studying to start a career in healthcare.

You need to not only know the information backward and forwards but become so confident in the info and terminology that you are at ease treating patients.

By regularly studying in small bursts, you avoid burn-out from overexposure or marathon study sessions.

You will also become comfortable speaking the language of a dialysis technician, which will help streamline your move into a career.

4. Maintain a distraction-free study area.

Studying from home can lead to more distractions as you will be tempted by the same things which make your home comfortable.

If you live with others, set aside quiet times for studying.

If you live alone, structure your time and follow your schedule fairly closely.

If you have to leave to study outside of your home, choose areas that lend themselves to study.

Libraries, public parks, and quiet coffee shops offer public spaces which can work for studying.

Extra Credit: Journal your progress

Many students find it beneficial to write down their progress in a journal.

Being able to reflect on personal growth can often help students to build their confidence.

It can also add clarity to their overall goals and aspirations, helping them to stay focused for the long haul.

Next steps

Becoming a Dialysis Technician offers many individuals an opportunity to work in a professional field without completing years of training and paying tens of thousands of dollars.

Numerous schools offer programs of study across the US.

Finding a school in your area can be as easy as performing a Google search.

Students can also choose to talk to a career counselor at almost all schools or learning institutions.

Expressing interest may be your first step to a new career.

Once certified, a dialysis tech fills a need for a critical position in the treatment of patients with compromised kidney functions.

Find out today if you have what it takes to enter this unique and exciting medical field.