Without dialysis machines and the dedicated individuals to operate them, the lives of many people would be significantly shortened.
This underscores the critical role that dialysis technicians play in the field of healthcare.
While operating a dialysis machine may not be seen as a glamorous profession, it can be highly rewarding for those who have a strong desire to assist others.
If you’re interested in learning more about this profession, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on for detailed information about the Dialysis Technician job in Indiana.
Article Table of Contents
Dialysis Technician Job Description in Indiana
It’s essential to understand the responsibilities of an occupation before choosing it.
Dialysis technicians in Indiana primarily work with patients suffering from kidney issues.
Their primary role is to ensure the proper functioning of dialysis machines and operate them in accordance with each patient’s unique needs.
Here are some additional responsibilities associated with this profession:
- Monitoring vital signs of patients.
- Assisting patients during the dialysis procedure.
- Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients.
- Reviewing the medical history of patients to address any underlying conditions.
- Adjusting dialysis machines to meet the specific requirements of individual patients.
- Administering oxygen if necessary.
- Performing Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) when needed.
These are some of the common duties performed by dialysis technicians, although day-to-day responsibilities may vary.
Dialysis Technician Requirements in Indiana
Indiana does not have strict training and certification requirements for dialysis technicians.
As a result, technicians in this state must adhere to the guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The CMS outlines the following requirements for aspiring dialysis technicians:
- 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.
National-level certifications are available through various 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 Indiana
Aspiring dialysis technicians in Indiana must complete a training program before seeking employment in the field.
The first step is to graduate from high school or obtain a GED.
In high school, candidates should focus on subjects such as biology, chemistry, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
The core training begins at post-secondary educational institutions, including vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes.
During this phase, students receive instruction in topics like:
- Management of potential complications during dialysis
- Water treatment and dialysate preparation
- Infection control
- Safety protocols for dialyzer reprocessing
- Principles of dialysis
- Patient care for individuals with kidney failure
These training programs typically last about a year.
Here are some approved institutions that can offer training courses for residents in Indiana.
Auburn University
Auburn University offers a fully online dialysis technician program, facilitating accessible learning from anywhere.
The tuition for this program is set at $3,000.
Students benefit from:
- Interactive modules,
- Learning exercises,
- Career resources,
- 24/7 mentoring support,
- Opportunities for national and state certifications.
Students are expected to complete their coursework within a maximum period of 6 months.
Calhoun Community College
Calhoun Community College provides a comprehensive 50-hour training program for aspiring dialysis technicians.
Students have the flexibility to choose between two modes of completion: online or in a traditional classroom setting.
For the online option, tuition amounts to $1,299, inclusive of e-books.
It is imperative to complete this program within a 6-month timeframe.
Students can’t be refunded for this course if they change their mind about enrollment.
Alabama State University
Alabama State University presents an online training program tailored for individuals preparing for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam
The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) offers this test.
This program is open to students from other states; however, they must verify its alignment with their respective state regulations.
The comprehensive tuition for this program is $4,190, offering flexible installment payment options.
Students have a maximum of 12 months to complete the 205-hour program, even when pursuing self-paced learning.
Additionally, CPR training and certification, endorsed by the Red Cross, are integrated into the course curriculum.
Some of the course topics include:
- The Cardiovascular System
- The Urinary System
- The Endocrine System
- The Reproductive System
- Infection Control
- Principles of Hemodialysis
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Alabama State University | online |
Auburn University | online |
Calhoun Community College | online |
Dialysis Technician Salary in Indiana
Understanding potential income is essential when considering a career path.
Dialysis technicians hold entry-level positions and typically earn an annual salary of $42,900 in Indiana.
If you’re interested in knowing which cities in Indiana offer higher salaries for dialysis technicians, please refer to the following table.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Valparaiso | $43,800 |
Wolcott | $43,700 |
Reynolds | $43,700 |
Tefft | $43,700 |
Westville | $43,200 |
Sunman | $42,800 |
Zionsville | $42,700 |
Advance | $42,400 |
Plymouth | $41,400 |
Nashville | $40,500 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bloomington, IN | 190 | $51,550 | $24.79 | $75,030 | $37,290 |
Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 100 | $57,390 | $27.59 | $81,340 | $36,120 |
Evansville, IN-KY | 280 | $58,070 | $27.92 | $77,160 | $37,180 |
Fort Wayne, IN | 520 | $49,180 | $23.64 | $79,580 | $32,630 |
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 3,940 | $58,690 | $28.22 | $81,540 | $38,110 |
Kokomo, IN | 40 | $52,100 | $25.05 | $81,470 | $37,280 |
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 210 | $50,610 | $24.33 | $69,150 | $37,200 |
Muncie, IN | 90 | $52,900 | $25.44 | $77,220 | $35,690 |
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 300 | $54,520 | $26.21 | $78,050 | $37,180 |
Terre Haute, IN | 150 | $48,670 | $23.4 | $68,310 | $30,090 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license or a certification to work as a dialysis technician in Indiana?
In Indiana, individuals only need a certification recognized at the national level if they want to work as dialysis technicians.
Which Other Skills Are Required for a Dialysis Technician in Indiana?
Dialysis techs must possess a series of skills and abilities.
These include:
- Attention to details
- Excellent communication
- Empathy
- Patience
- Compassion
- Technical mind
Where Does a Dialysis Technician in Indiana Find Work?
There are many different settings where a dialysis technician can find employment.
The following locations are the most common:
- Hospitals
- Dialysis centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Home healthcare agencies
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dialysis Technician