Working World

September 2016

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6 September, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com FEATURE ARTICLE D ialysis technicians administer this life-sustaining procedure all in a day's work. These technicians, also known as hemodialysis or nephrology technicians, maintain and operate the equipment used for dialysis, a process that cleanses the blood of metabolic waste products. Patients generally receive dialysis at a hospital or clinic, with an attending healthcare professional present while the technician operates the medical equipment. Dialysis technicians also prep patients, give local anesthesia, monitor patients' progress and create written reports for the doctor. Without dialysis, patients with renal failure would have few options; dialysis technicians help these patients reclaim life one dialysis at a time. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median salary for all health technicians and technologists, including dialysis technicians, is $41,420. Salary. com reports that dialysis technicians specifically earn a median annual salary of $36,734 with the lowest ten percent earning a median $28,789 and the highest ten percent earning a median $46,281. There are currently more than 400,000 people receiving dialysis in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for health technicians and technologists are expected to increase by 24% from 2012 to 2022. Hospitals and large clinics will have the most jobs available. EDUCATION Work as a dialysis tech requires a high school degree or GED as well as additional training in the operation of dialysis equipment. Vocational and technical schools, community colleges and online programs offer dialysis training, as well as background courses to help the student understand renal disease, body chemistry and hemodialysis procedures. Typically, coursework is completed in 12 to 18 months. Dialysis technicians should also know emergency procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). TRAINING Dialysis technicians are required to work in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed doctor or nurse to gain experience with the dialysis machine and procedures. Internships and job-training programs provide these opportunities. Licensing and/or Certification Every state has specific regulations regarding certification for dialysis technicians, so technicians should check the necessary requirements of the state where they want to work. Professional nephrology organizations set guidelines in this field and offer four types of credentials. CCHT The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers a Certification for Clinical Hemodialysis Technicians (CCHT). Requirements include: • Six months experience with nephrology technology • Passing the exam CCHT must be renewed every three years; candidates must demonstrate that they have: • Worked at least 3,000 hours as a dialysis technician • Completed at least 30 hours of relevant continuing education and professional activity Career Path: Hemodialysis Technician

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