How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Delaware

Without the presence of dialysis machines and the skilled individuals who operate them, the lives of numerous people would be in jeopardy, facing the risk of untimely endings.

This highlights the paramount importance of dialysis technicians in the realm of healthcare.

Although the task of operating a dialysis machine may not appear to be particularly glamorous, it holds the potential for immense fulfillment, particularly for those driven by a desire to assist others.

If your curiosity leads you to seek further insights into this profession, you’ve arrived at the perfect destination.

Continue reading to gather as much information as possible!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Delaware

Selecting a career path without a thorough comprehension of your duties can be a less than prudent decision.

To begin with, it’s crucial to recognize that in Delaware, dialysis technicians primarily engage with patients grappling with kidney-related ailments.

Their fundamental obligation revolves around ensuring the dialysis machine performs at peak efficiency and operating it in alignment with the distinct requirements of each patient.

Here are several supplementary responsibilities linked to this vocation:

• Monitoring the vital signs of patients
• Assisting patients throughout the dialysis procedure
• Ensuring patients are safe and comfortable
• Reviewing a patient’s medical history to identify any concurrent conditions requiring attention during the procedure
• Making adjustments to the dialysis machines as necessary to accommodate each patient’s needs
• Administering oxygen if deemed necessary
• Performing Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if the situation demands it

These tasks represent some of the most prevalent duties performed by dialysis technicians, but it’s important to note that their daily responsibilities can fluctuate.

Dialysis techs hold an entry-level position and they’re a special type of patient care technicians.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Delaware

In Delaware, individuals aiming for a career as dialysis technicians are regulated by the private sector.

While the state doesn’t impose strict training and certification requirements for these professionals, they must adhere to guidelines set forth by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

As a result, aspiring dialysis technicians must meet the following criteria:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of a training program
• Credentialing
• Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification

Individuals have 18 months since employment to earn their certifications.

Candidates can pursue nationally recognized certifications through various testing organizations, including:

• 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
  • Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Delaware

Dialysis technicians in Delaware typically start their career journey by completing high school or obtaining a GED.

While in high school, it’s beneficial for aspiring technicians to concentrate on subjects such as:

• Biology,
• Chemistry,
• Medical terminology,
• Anatomy,
• Physiology

The formal training phase begins at post-secondary educational institutions, like:

• Vocational schools
• Community colleges
• Technical institutes

During this phase, students delve into subjects like:

• Principles of dialysis
• Care of patients with kidney failure
• Possible complications of dialysis
• Water treatment and dialysate preparation
• Infection control
• Safety Dialyzer reprocessing

Such a course typically lasts for under a year.

Let’s see what schools you can enroll in!

Utopia Health Career Center 

The program offered by this school is available online.

It has a duration of 8 weeks and can be used for continuing your education as well.

These are the fees associated with this course:

• $200 for registration
• $500 as downpayment
• $747 for the tuition
  • The tuition can be paid in monthly installments of $398.50

When you complete the course you’ll receive 2 certificates:

• Certificate of Completion extended by Utopia Health Career Center
• Certificate for 40 hours of Continuing Education.

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College provides a 50-hour training program for aspiring dialysis technicians.

This program offers two completion options: online or in a classroom setting.

For the online option, the tuition fee is $1,299, and it includes ebooks.

Students must complete this program within a 6-month timeframe.

Alternatively, the classroom option is available at a cost of $999, which also covers the cost of textbooks.

Classroom sessions are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6 p.m.

Please be aware that refunds are only applicable to in-person classes.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Delaware

Before pursuing any career path, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the potential income you can expect.

Dialysis technicians typically start in entry-level positions within the medical field, with an average annual salary of $44,900.

If you’re curious about which cities in Delaware offer higher salaries for dialysis technicians, you can find this information in the next table.

[salarytable-state

Dialysis Technician by State