How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Illinois

Without dialysis machines and the skilled professionals operating them, the lives of many people would be at risk of ending prematurely.

This underscores the critical role played by dialysis technicians in the medical field.

While operating a dialysis machine may not sound glamorous, it can be an incredibly rewarding occupation for those with a passion for helping others.

If you’re eager to learn more about this profession, you’ve come to the right place.

Continue reading to discover as much as you can.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Illinois

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

To start, it’s important to know that dialysis technicians in Illinois primarily work with patients suffering from kidney-related issues.

Their central responsibility is to ensure the dialysis machine functions optimally and to operate it in accordance with each patient’s unique needs.

Here are some additional duties associated with this profession:

• 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 are among the most common tasks carried out by dialysis technicians, although daily responsibilities can vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Illinois

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

Illinois doesn’t have strict training and certification requirements for dialysis technicians.

These professionals must adhere to guidelines established by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

This means that future professionals must meet the criteria below:

• 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.

Candidates can pursue nationally recognized certifications through various testing organizations:

• 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

These institutions have different requirements when it comes to:

• The duration of the training program
• Number of hours of experience before certification
• Certification Renewal
• Continuing Education

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Illinois

Dialysis technicians in Illinois typically begin their journey by graduating from high school or obtaining a GED.

During high school, it’s advisable for candidates to focus on subjects such as:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

The formal training phase commences at post-secondary educational institutions, which may include vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

At this point, 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

This comprehensive training program typically spans approximately one year.

Below is a list of approved educational institutions offering dialysis technician programs for those living in Illinois.

Life Enhancement Health Care Institute

The course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills for entry-level positions within kidney dialysis centers.

It covers a range of essential topics, including medical terminology, anatomy, renal function, and the fundamental principles of renal dialysis.

In typical dialysis scenarios, patients receive treatment at hospitals or clinics, under the supervision of healthcare professionals, while technicians operate specialized medical equipment.

As part of their training, students aspiring to become dialysis technicians will gain expertise in:

• Patient preparation,
• Administering local anesthesia,
• Monitoring patient progress,
• Generating detailed reports for physicians.

Additionally, students will develop proficiency in the maintenance and operation of dialysis equipment.

Notably, CPR training is included as part of the overall tuition cost.

Midwestern Career College

This college offers a comprehensive 40-week Dialysis Technician Training program, equipping students with the clinical skills and knowledge required for a career in this field.

Dialysis Technicians play a crucial role in assisting patients throughout their kidney health treatment journey.

Some of the courses you will attend during this program include:

• Principles of dialysis
• Anatomy of the kidney
• Dialysis procedures
• Basic chemistry of body fluids
• Drawing blood
• Infection control

Dialysis Technician Salary in Illinois

Before embarking on any career path, understanding the potential income is crucial.

Dialysis technicians occupy entry-level positions in the medical field, with an average salary of $45,200 per year.

If you’re interested in knowing which cities in Illinois offer higher salaries for dialysis technicians, consult the table below:

Regional Salary in Illinois

Dialysis Technician by State