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Without dialysis machines and the skilled individuals to operate them, the lives of many people would face significantly accelerated health challenges.
This underscores the crucial role played by dialysis technicians within the medical industry.
Operating a dialysis machine may not be perceived as a glamorous profession, but it offers intrinsic rewards for those driven by a desire to aid others.
If you’re keen on learning more about this profession, you’ve come to the right place.
Continue reading to discover the details.
Article Table of Contents
Dialysis Technician Job Description in Louisiana
Embarking on a career without a comprehensive understanding of your prospective responsibilities is unwise.
To begin, dialysis technicians in Louisiana primarily work with patients who have kidney-related health issues.
Their primary duty revolves around ensuring the proper functioning of dialysis machines and tailoring their operation to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Additional duties in this profession include:
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs
- Providing assistance during dialysis procedures
- Ensuring patients’ safety and comfort
- Reviewing medical histories to address potential complications
- Administering oxygen when necessary
- Performing Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if required
These represent some of the fundamental responsibilities undertaken by dialysis technicians.
On a day-to-day basis, the specific tasks may vary.
Dialysis Technician Requirements in Louisiana
In Louisiana, individuals seeking a career in this field operate within the private sector.
The state of Louisiana does not impose stringent training and certification requirements for dialysis technicians.
Instead, professionals in this role are expected to adhere to guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
According to CMS, aspiring dialysis technicians must fulfill the following requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED
- Undergo training
- Obtain relevant credentialing
- Adhere to competency standards of practice
- Acquire licensure or certification
Furthermore, certification must be obtained within 18 months of commencing employment.
Candidates can choose from various national-level certifications, including those provided by:
- 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
Louisiana’s guidance for this profession is primarily governed by the Louisiana Board of Nursing, which mandates both written and practical exams.
Certified professionals are also required to complete continuing education courses every two years and pass a recertification exam every four years.
Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Louisiana
Aspiring dialysis technicians in Louisiana must first graduate from high school or attain a GED.
During high school, they are encouraged to focus on relevant subjects:
- Biology,
- Chemistry,
- Medical Terminology,
- Anatomy,
- Physiology.
Subsequent training occurs in post-secondary educational institutions, including vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes.
The curriculum shifts toward these subjects:
- Principles of dialysis
- Care of patients with kidney failure
- Possible complications of dialysis
- Water treatment and dialysate preparation
- Infection control
- Safety Dialyzer reprocessing
Completing a suitable training program typically requires approximately one year.
For a list of approved training institutions in Louisiana, please refer to the following institutions.
Southern University at Shreveport 
The Dialysis Technician Program operates in partnership with associated Dialysis Centers in the local region.
This is an 8-month certificate program that encompasses academic, laboratory, and clinical training in the field of hemodialysis patient care.
The program aims to equip the healthcare sector in northwest Louisiana with proficient dialysis technicians.
They will be ready to serve in hemodialysis facilities and deliver proper patient care to individuals with kidney failure, requiring minimal additional training.
Calhoun Community College 
Calhoun Community College presents a comprehensive 50-hour training program.
There are two methods to fulfill this program:
- Online
- In a traditional classroom setting
The online option tuition is priced at $1,299, which includes access to ebooks.
It is imperative to complete this program within a span of 6 months.
The classroom-based alternative comes at a cost of $999, which covers the expense of textbooks.
However, this option is available only for those who travel to where the school is located.
Auburn University 
Auburn University offers an entirely online dialysis technician program.
This program is accessible for a tuition fee of $3,000, encompassing:
- Interactive learning modules
- Learning exercises
- Career Resources
- 24/7 mentoring
- Opportunities for national and state certifications
- Self-paced learning
Students are anticipated to successfully complete their coursework within a timeframe of up to 6 months.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southern University at Shreveport | 3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107 |
| Auburn University | online |
| Calhoun Community College | online |
Dialysis Technician Salary in Louisiana
Before embarking on any career, understanding the potential income is essential.
Dialysis technicians typically hold an entry-level position, with an average annual income of $41,800 in Louisiana.
If you’re interested in locations where salaries may be higher in Louisiana, consult the table below:
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chalmette | $43,100 |
| Harvey | $43,100 |
| Barataria | $42,900 |
| Chauvin | $42,700 |
| Empire | $42,700 |
| Houma | $42,700 |
| Akers | $42,400 |
| Donner | $41,900 |
| Gramercy | $41,900 |
| Baker | $41,300 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 120 | $55,400 | $26.63 | $75,000 | $31,910 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 570 | $60,230 | $28.96 | $84,930 | $36,690 |
| Hammond, LA | 60 | $58,070 | $27.92 | $80,610 | $35,560 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 100 | $63,730 | $30.64 | $118,470 | $35,180 |
| Lafayette, LA | 270 | $51,170 | $24.6 | $68,920 | $32,500 |
| Monroe, LA | 150 | $58,470 | $28.11 | $75,230 | $35,450 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 840 | $63,020 | $30.3 | $83,560 | $37,440 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 450 | $64,290 | $30.91 | $96,740 | $36,150 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Does a Dialysis Technician in Louisiana 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
Which Other Skills Are Required for a Dialysis Technician in Louisiana?
Dialysis techs must possess a series of skills and abilities.
These include:
- Attention to details
- Excellent communication
- Empathy
- Patience
- Compassion
- Technical mind
Do I need a license or a certification to work as a dialysis technician in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, individuals only need a certification recognized at the national level if they want to work as dialysis technicians.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dialysis Technician
Dialysis Technician by State