How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Idaho

Without dialysis machines and individuals to operate them, the lives of many people would be at risk of ending prematurely.

This highlights the critical role of dialysis technicians within the healthcare industry.

While operating a dialysis machine may not seem glamorous, it is a fulfilling career choice for those who have the desire to assist others.

If you’re interested in learning more about this profession, you’ve come to the right place.

Continue reading to gather as much information as possible.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Idaho

Choosing a career without a clear understanding of its responsibilities can be unwise.

First and foremost, it’s good to know that dialysis technicians in Idaho primarily work with patients suffering from kidney-related issues.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure the proper functioning of dialysis machines and to operate them following each patient’s specific needs.

Here are some additional duties associated with this profession:

• Monitoring the vital signs of patients
• Assisting patients throughout the dialysis procedure
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients
• Reviewing patients’ medical histories to see if they also have other conditions requiring special attention
• Adjusting dialysis machines as necessary to accommodate patients’ needs
• Administering oxygen if it’s required
• Providing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed

These represent some of the most common job responsibilities for dialysis technicians.

However, the specific daily tasks may vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Idaho

In Idaho, individuals pursuing a career as dialysis technicians fall under the jurisdiction of the private sector.

Idaho does not impose strict training and certification requirements for dialysis technicians.

However, these professionals must adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS specifies that aspiring dialysis technicians in Idaho should possess the following qualifications:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of a training program
• Credentialing
• Adherence to Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification

Certification must be obtained within 18 months of commencing employment.

To achieve national recognition, candidates in Idaho will undergo one of the following tests:

• 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

The few existing guidelines in Idaho for this occupation are provided by the Idaho Board of Nursing.

For example, candidates are required to pass both written and practical exams.

Dialysis Technician Training Programs in Idaho

As mentioned earlier, dialysis technicians in Idaho must complete a training program as a prerequisite for employment.

To embark on this career path, the first step is to obtain a high school diploma or GED.

During high school, candidates are advised to focus on certain subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

However, the core training begins at post-secondary educational institutions such as vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

At this stage, students delve into topics including:

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

Completion of a suitable training program generally takes approximately one year.

Below, you can find a list of institutions that offer approved courses for aspiring dialysis technicians from Idaho.

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College offers a comprehensive 50-hour training program.

You can complete this program online if you’re from Idaho and traveling is out of the question.

The online option has a tuition fee of $1,299, which includes the cost of ebooks.

It’s important to note that you must finish this program within six months.

Students must remember that they can’t ask for a refund of the tuition if they change their minds about continuing their studies at this college.

Auburn University

Auburn University provides a fully online dialysis technician program.

The tuition for this program is $3,000.

It covers:

• Interactive learning modules,
• Various learning exercises,
• Access to career resources,
• Round-the-clock mentoring support,
• Opportunities for national and state certifications,
• Self-paced learning.

Students are expected to complete their classes within a timeframe of six months.

Dialysis Technician Salaries in Idaho

Before pursuing any career path, it’s essential to consider potential earnings.

Dialysis technicians typically hold entry-level positions and earn an average salary of $40,800 per year.

If you’re interested in discovering which cities in Idaho offer higher salaries, consult the table below.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Dialysis Technician by State