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See Available Dialysis Technician Schools
Dialysis technicians are those responsible for administering dialysis to patients with kidney failure. When beginning treatment, the technician will assemble the machine for use and mix the dialysate before bringing in the patient. Once the patient is ready, the technician will record their pre-dialysis weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and respiration rate, and determine the amount of fluid that will need to be removed or replaced during the treatment. They then explain the procedure of dialysis, making sure the patient understands the process and how it will work, before hooking the patient up to the machine for treatment. During dialysis, they monitor their patient for any adverse reactions while monitoring the dialysis machine for any kind of malfunction. Once the treatment is complete, the technician will record the patient’s post-dialysis weight and vital signs for comparison. Dialysis technicians may also fabricate parts, such as tubing, catheters, connectors, and fittings to be used with the dialysis machine.
Dialysis technicians usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care services, and outpatient care services. Their hours vary, most working a 40 hour week, but according to the nature of their job, may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in order to provide the best possible care for their patient. Their salary varies as well, ranging from $25,267 to $31,636, with an average of $27,881.
Dialysis technicians usually have a degree from an accredited dialysis technician program, and must pass an exam in order to be licensed. Not all states currently require licensing, but more and more are passing legislation that will not only require certification, but continuing education to maintain certification as well.
Employment of dialysis technicians is expected to grow as fast as the average of all other occupations, especially as more people may need dialysis treatments. The nation’s largest population, the baby boom generation is passing into old age. This coupled with the increasing population will bring the need for more dialysis technicians, advancing the growth of this occupation.
Georgia Schools
Everest Institute - DeKalb
(Atlanta) - Dialysis Technician
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