It is a great choice if you want to work in the medical professional without becoming a doctor or nurse. [3] X Research source Providing help, aid, and comfort to individual patients and their families can be incredibly rewarding for you and those you help. It can come with some emotional demands. You may be dealing with terminally ill or very sick patients, which can be upsetting. In addition, you may need to positively navigate different kinds of personal dynamics from your patients to medical professionals. [4] X Research source However, if you enjoy working with and helping people, then being a hemodialysis could be a truly excellent career choice for you.
If you’ve had positive interactions with dialysis techs, this can help influence your decision to become one. If you don’t have any experience with hemodialysis, considering asking a professional about her career. She can discuss her career path with you and may even let you shadow her for a day to learn about the profession. You need a high school degree or a GED and some additional training on how to run dialysis machines. [6] X Research source Learn about the licensing and/ or certification requirements. Every state requires that dialysis techs have some sort of certification or licensing to work. [7] X Research source Depending on the type of hemodialysis tech you want to be, you may require additional coursework and practical training before you can work. [8] X Research source
Can you handle possible physical demands? Being a dialysis tech may require standing or sitting for long periods. [10] X Research source Do you have the personality for being a dialysis tech? Working with patients and other medical professional is a big part of the job. If you like working with and helping people, hemodialytic technology might be a great fit for you. Because most dialysis techs work in an office or in private homes, this career may allow you to be more flexible with your time or have time with your family. [11] X Research source
The hourly rate for dialysis tech ranges from $14. 00/ hour to $23. 00/ hour. Overtime compensation can be between $18-$28/ hour. [13] X Research source If you are a registered nurse and want to be a dialysis tech, you can make an average of $55,000 annually. [14] X Research source You will have to pay taxes and other fees for your salary. You may or may not have health benefits, vacation, and sick time, though most tech report that they do have these benefits. [15] X Research source Current job prospects look positive and are expected to increase 16% in the next decade. [16] X Research source
Once you have your high school diploma or GED, attend a training program for dialysis techs. [18] X Research source Many vocational and technical schools, community colleges and online programs offer dialysis tech training programs. [19] X Research source It takes between twelve and eighteen months to complete your coursework. [20] X Research source Different sites on the Internet can help you locate the closest program to you. In addition, you may want to ask a local doctor or dialysis clinic if they can recommend an accredited program.
The amount of clinical experience will vary from program to program, but most require six months to one year of clinical work. [22] X Research source Healthcare facility or private agencies can provide you with necessary experience. Contact local hospitals, doctor offices, and nephrology clinics for opportunities, or you can find options online. [23] X Research source
The three primary bodies that offer dialysis tech exams are the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing Technology (BONENT). Each has different requirements for taking the organization’s respective certification exam. Consult study aids or join a study group to increase your chances of passing. You can find a variety of information about the different exams on each organization’s respective website. Consult each organization for policies regarding re-taking a failed exam. #Maintain your certification. Every three to four years, you will need to get recertification to work as a dialysis tech. Recertification procedures can help you stay abreast of new research and trends in your hemodialysis. [26] X Research source The criteria for recertification vary between the different certifying organizations and may also vary by state. [27] X Research source In general, recertification requires elements such as a minimum number of hours worked during the previous period, completion of continuing education, and participating in professional training or workshops. [28] X Research source
Professional organizations including BONENT, NNCC, NNCO, offer information and portals to help you find a job. You may want to ask local hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices if they have any positions opens. Local or national placement agencies may also be able to help you find your dream job.
